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Roberto De Zerbi diagnosed a deep‑seated lack of confidence as the core issue behind Tottenham’s recent struggles after his debut in charge ended in a 1‑0 loss to Sunderland. The defeat has dropped Spurs into the relegation zone, sitting 18th and two points shy of safety with only six games left.“We didn’t deserve to lose,” De Zerbi said, referring to the decisive second‑half goal that came from a Nordi Mukiele deflection. “We played well, but not well enough to win.” He added that while the players showed the right attitude, his priority now is to rebuild their mental resilience.The manager also raised concerns over captain Cristian Romero’s knee injury after a mid‑field collision. “I don’t know the extent yet, but we hope it’s not serious. He’s vital for the rest of the season,” De Zerbi remarked.Confidence, according to De Zerbi, is the missing ingredient for Spurs to unleash their quality. “When the squad believes in themselves, the football follows. A single win could change the narrative,” he asserted, emphasizing that his role is more about fostering belief than overhauling tactics.Looking ahead, Tottenham travel to face De Zerbi’s former club Brighton, a match De Zerbi hopes will serve as a catalyst for a confidence surge. He warned that the fear of relegation is palpable among the players and that a positive mindset is essential to reverse their fortunes.Brighton manager Régis Le Bris, meanwhile, was less concerned after his side’s victory, noting a strong finish after a slow start and expressing ambition for a top‑ten finish.

Roberto De Zerbi arrived on the pitch barely half an hour before kick‑off, his black padded gilet pulled up to the neck against a biting Wearside wind. By the final whistle the chill had eased, but Tottenham’s morale had plummeted.Sunderland’s 1‑0 victory not only cemented the visitors’ place in the league’s bottom three, it also lifted Régis Le Bris’s side to 10th place with six matches left in the campaign.Facing his third managerial appointment in a single season, De Zerbi urged his squad to rediscover the high‑risk attacking ethos of former boss Ange Postecoglou – a vision that remained frustratingly out of reach on a day dominated by low‑tempo play.Long‑time Tottenham midfielder Antonin Kinsky made a rare return after his brief, infamous cameo in a 5‑2 Champions League loss to Atlético Madrid. His comeback was cut short when a second‑half head clash forced his substitution for the inexperienced Brandon Austin.Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, still recovering from hernia surgery, was expected to be tested. Sunderland’s Granit Xhaka delivered a sharply inswinging corner, but Kinsky calmly palmed the ball over the bar, keeping Spurs in the game.A potential penalty for Tottenham was overturned after VAR review; replays showed Omar Alderete had won the ball cleanly, while Randal Kolo Muani’s appeal proved unfounded.Richarlison offered brief flashes of quality but failed to convert his chances, and Dutch striker Brian Brobbey – described as a “human bulldozer” – was unable to capitalise on Enzo Le Fée’s incisive passes, despite a lone fine save from the Sunderland keeper.De Zerbi’s frustration was palpable. After Dominic Solanke’s weak finish allowed Sunderland’s Robin Roefs to deny a golden‑chance in stoppage‑time, the manager pulled his gilet up over his eyes, perhaps to shield himself from the disappointment.Mid‑second‑half, former Paris Saint‑Germain defender Nordi Mukiele, back from injury, struck a 20‑yard shot that deflected off centre‑back Micky van de Ven. The ball’s change of direction left the goal‑mouth ambiguous, sparking a debate over whether the goal should be credited to Mukiele or recorded as an own‑goal.The match’s physical intensity escalated when Brobbey’s challenge led to a painful collision between Kinsky and Cristian Romero, forcing both players off – Romero in tears with a leg injury. De Zerbi also expressed anger that Brobbey, already booked, escaped a second yellow card.Despite a flurry of substitutions, Tottenham struggled to pose serious questions to Sunderland’s defence, leaving the club’s relegation hopes hanging by a thread as the season draws to its final stretch.

Crystal Palace and Newcastle United faced off in a highly anticipated Premier League match at Selhurst Park. The visitors took an early lead through William Osula's close-range finish before halftime. However, Jean-Philippe Mateta proved to be the game-changer for Palace, scoring the equalizer with 10 minutes to play and then converting a penalty in injury time to give his team the win.The match saw significant changes in fortunes for both teams. Newcastle, who had a convincing win over Palace last April, succumbed to their third successive defeat. This loss comes at a time when Eddie Howe's side is struggling with confidence, still reeling from defeats to Barcelona and Sunderland.Palace, on the other hand, entered the match with renewed energy following their Conference League rout of Fiorentina at home. The win brings them closer to a European semi-final, giving manager Oliver Glasner a chance to end his tenure with another trophy. Glasner has confirmed his departure from the club this summer, following in the footsteps of Marc Guéhi and Eberechi Eze.The match also highlighted the challenges facing Newcastle, with Kieran Trippier confirming his departure and speculation surrounding the futures of Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon. The team's performance was marred by a lack of confidence, with Howe's side looking lost for much of the game.Palace's comeback was fueled by the introduction of Mateta off the bench in the second half. His equalizer was set up by Tyrick Mitchell's lobbed ball, and his penalty was awarded after Sven Botman was penalized for shirt-pulling Jefferson Lerma. The win marked a significant turnaround for Palace and capped off a thrilling match.

Lamine Yamal orchestrated Barcelona’s dominant 4‑1 triumph over Espanyol, delivering a decisive assist to Ferran Torres for a late brace that pushed the Catalan giants further ahead in the La Liga race.Torres opened the scoring in the 10th minute and doubled the lead at the 25th, both times finding the net from Yamal’s precise passes. The teenage playmaker sealed the win in the 87th minute when Espanyol threatened a comeback, and Marcus Rashford added a fourth goal two minutes later after a set‑up from substitute Frenkie de Jong.Barcelona’s victory comes on the back of Real Madrid’s 1‑1 draw with Girona, allowing the Blaugrana to extend their lead over the capital side to nine points with only seven fixtures remaining.Both clubs are now focused on bouncing back from recent Champions League quarter‑final setbacks – Barcelona fell 2‑0 to Atletico Madrid, while Real Madrid were edged out 2‑1 by Bayern Munich.Torres, who entered the season with 16 league goals, had endured a goal drought since 31 January, spanning 13 matches across all competitions. His strike against Espanyol, a well‑timed header from Yamal’s corner, ended the slump and was celebrated with a tongue‑in‑cheek hand‑gesture referencing media criticism of his form.He completed his brace by deftly redirecting a low pass from Yamal past goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic, showcasing his renewed confidence and link‑up play.Espanyol’s lone reply came from midfielder Pol Lozano, who capitalised on a loose ball in the 56th minute to make it 2‑1 before Rashford’s late goal restored Barcelona’s control.De Jong’s return after a month‑long injury layoff proved pivotal, providing the assist that set up Rashford’s strike and highlighting Barcelona’s depth as they chase a second consecutive league title.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia has granted the Trump administration a brief reprieve, extending the pause on the White House ballroom construction until April 17. The move allows officials to pursue a potential Supreme Court review of a lower‑court injunction that barred further work. In a split decision, Judges Patricia Millett and Bradley Garcia formed the majority, while Trump‑appointed Judge Neomi Rao dissented. The majority questioned the administration’s repeated claim that the construction pause creates a national‑security risk, noting that the original order already exempts work necessary for the White House’s safety. Judge Richard Leon, appointed by former President George W. Bush, had issued the March 31 injunction, stating that a project of this magnitude requires explicit Congressional authorization. Leon’s order included a 14‑day stay to let the administration appeal, a stay that was set to expire this week before the appeals court’s extension. The court highlighted that the administration has not demonstrated how the injunction interferes with any existing security plans. As the majority wrote, “Defendants have not, on this record, explained how, if at all, the injunction interferes with their existing plans for safety and security.” Furthermore, the judges pointed out that the ballroom—spanning roughly 90,000 sq ft (8,360 m²)—was always projected to be a multi‑year undertaking. Planning documents estimate completion nearly three years after groundbreaking, raising doubts about the claim that a short‑term delay poses additional harm. In her dissent, Judge Rao argued that the majority’s demand for further fact‑finding would cause “irreparable injury” by halting construction, asserting that the aesthetic concerns raised by critics are outweighed by the administration’s interests. The controversy stems from the decision to demolish the historic East Wing, a structure dating back to 1902, to make room for the new ballroom. Critics, including the National Trust for Historic Preservation, contend the demolition was executed without notice and exceeds presidential authority, prompting a lawsuit that led to Leon’s injunction. While the appeals court has sent the case back to the district court for clarification on factual disputes and the scope of the security exemption, the extension effectively keeps the construction site active for another week, maintaining the political flashpoint surrounding one of the most transformative building projects on the nation’s capital in recent memory.

Match details: Chelsea host Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, 12 April, 4:30 pm BST (15:30 GMT). Live coverage and pre‑match analysis will be available on Al Jazeera Sport from 12:30 GMT. City sit second in the Premier League, trailing league leaders Arsenal by nine points after Arsenal played one more game. A win at Chelsea could shrink the gap to six points, and a victory for Arsenal over Bournemouth on Saturday would widen the gap to twelve, putting immense pressure on Pep Guardiola’s side to collect maximum points. Chelsea, currently sixth, are desperate to reignite their push for a top‑five finish that guarantees Champions League football next season. They sit just one point behind Liverpool, who occupy the final European spot. Guardiola warns of zero‑margin for error Speaking on Friday, Pep Guardiola admitted City’s season has been “inconsistent” and stressed that the squad must win every remaining match to retain any chance of clinching the title. He highlighted the demanding run of fixtures ahead, beginning with the Chelsea trip and followed by a home clash with Arsenal on 19 April. “We need to win all of them; otherwise we won’t have a chance to fight until the end,” Guardiola said, acknowledging points dropped earlier in the campaign. Bernardo Silva’s future remains uncertain Midfielder Bernardo Silva, a six‑time Premier League champion with City, is in the final year of his contract. Guardiola expressed a personal desire to keep the Portuguese international at the club but admitted he does not know the player’s decision. “I’m a bit grumpy because I wasn’t informed of his plans,” the manager said, praising Silva’s competitiveness and importance in big‑match moments. Enzo Fernández excluded despite apology Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior confirmed that midfielder Enzo Fernández will remain on the bench for the Sunday fixture, even after the Argentine apologised for comments that questioned his future at Stamford Bridge. Rosenior emphasized the club’s collective values, stating, “Football is a team sport, not about individuals,” and hinted that Fernández could feature again after this match. Chelsea’s Champions League ambition Rosenior reiterated confidence in his squad’s ability to secure a top‑five finish, noting that despite a recent dip in form, the team has consistently created problems for opponents. Historical head‑to‑head The two clubs have met 181 times in competitive fixtures: Chelsea have won 71, City 68, with 42 draws. Notably, Chelsea have not beaten City since the 2021 Champions League final. Recent encounters (last 10): 04 Jan 2026 – Man City 1‑1 Chelsea (Premier League) 25 Jan 2025 – Man City 3‑1 Chelsea (Premier League) 18 Aug 2024 – Chelsea 0‑2 Man City (Premier League) 20 Apr 2024 – Man City 1‑0 Chelsea (FA Cup semi‑final) 17 Feb 2024 – Man City 1‑1 Chelsea (Premier League) 12 Nov 2023 – Chelsea 4‑4 Man City (Premier League) 21 May 2023 – Man City 1‑0 Chelsea (Premier League) 08 Jan 2023 – Man City 4‑0 Chelsea (FA Cup third round) 05 Jan 2023 – Chelsea 0‑1 Man City (Premier League) 09 Nov 2022 – Man City 2‑0 Chelsea (League Cup third round) Team news – Chelsea Rosenior confirmed centre‑back Levi Colwill has returned to training after a serious knee injury, though he remains a selection risk. Right‑back Reece James is training after a hamstring issue. Defender Trevoh Chalobah and winger Jamie Gittens are still sidelined. Predicted starting XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Adarabioyo, Cucurella; Santos, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Estevao; Pedro. Team news – Manchester City Defender Rúben Dias continues to recover from a muscle problem and is unavailable. Josko Gvardiol remains out with a tibial fracture sustained in January. Predicted starting XI: Donnarumma; Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O’Reilly; Silva, Rodri; Semenyo, Cherki, Doku; Haaland. The outcome of this clash could dramatically reshape the Premier League title race and determine whether Chelsea can keep their Champions League aspirations alive.

After a turbulent week that saw Liverpool suffer cup defeats to Manchester City and Paris Saint‑Germain, manager Arne Slot finally found a morale boost when 17‑year‑old winger Rio Ngumoha opened the scoring on his second Premier League start. Ngumoha’s strike, followed by a second‑half finish from Mohamed Salah, secured Liverpool’s first league win since February. Fulham, under Marco Silva, were passive and struggled to create clear chances, allowing Liverpool to dominate possession and reach the historic milestone of 1,500 league victories at Anfield. The win marked only the second triumph in six matches after a demanding Champions League away fixture, offering a needed lift before the upcoming quarter‑final second leg against PSG. Slot praised Ngumoha’s performance, saying, "He has a special quality that you don’t see very often in football any more – dominating the one‑on‑one." The manager added that the teenager’s power and finishing have been evident in training, making his impact on the pitch "pleasing". Outside the stadium, a banner reading ‘No to ticket price increases’ was displayed on the Kop, reflecting fan unrest after the club announced ticket hikes tied to inflation for the next three seasons. The protest underscored concerns that Liverpool could alienate its traditional fanbase in favour of a more tourist‑focused model. The opening half saw early chances from Jeremie Frimpong and Salah, but it was Ngumoha who changed the complexion of the game. After a loose ball from Florian Wirtz, Ngumoha received the ball on the left, dazzled Timothy Castagne with a series of step‑overs, and curled a precise shot around Joachim Andersen into the far corner. The goal was historic: at 17 years and 225 days, Ngumoha became Liverpool’s youngest league scorer at Anfield, breaking a 14‑year record previously held by Raheem Sterling. The achievement highlighted the club’s emerging talent pipeline at a time when senior players are under intense scrutiny. Slot hinted that Ngumoha could feature in the upcoming Champions League tie, noting, "I think he’s ready. The question is can he do it again two days later? But would he be able to perform at that level? Yes." The manager’s confidence reflects a strategic shift as he balances youth integration with the demands of elite European competition. Six minutes after the break, Ngumoha assisted Cody Gakpo, whose cross was turned home by Salah for Liverpool’s second goal, cementing a comfortable two‑goal cushion. Fulham attempted to revive their game with substitutions, introducing Emile Smith Rowe and Sasa Lukic, but Liverpool’s dominance persisted. A further setback for Liverpool came when Curtis Jones suffered a groin injury, forcing a halftime substitution and likely ruling him out of the PSG match. Silva admitted his side’s lack of aggression, stating, "The game was decided in five minutes and by our approach in the first half." The result not only restores confidence for Liverpool but also sets the stage for a high‑stakes encounter with the European champions.

The Aintree meeting was a resounding success, with a sellout crowd of 55,000 on Ladies' Day, marking the first sellout since 2012. The event saw a significant shift in demographics, with a younger crowd in attendance, many of whom were in their teens and 20s.The Jockey Club's strategic use of TikTok and Instagram played a crucial role in attracting this new audience. According to Joe Hughes, the social media manager at the Jockey Club, they now have 162,000 followers on TikTok. The club's efforts to stress the social side of the sport to younger audiences have clearly paid off.Attendees like Hayley Bentley, a bride-to-be, exemplified the festive atmosphere, dressing up in a bridal dress and veil as part of her hen party. The event featured a range of activities, including musicians, jugglers, and fanfare, as well as competitions with prizes such as trips to Ibiza.Despite the celebratory mood, the event was marred by the fatal injury of a horse, Gold Dancer, which suffered a broken back after jumping the final fence. The incident highlighted the ongoing concerns about horse safety in the sport.The Grand National, set to take place on Saturday, is expected to attract over five million viewers on TV and features a field of 34 horses. The Jockey Club acknowledges that more needs to be done to ensure horse safety, and they are committed to making changes to prioritize the welfare of horses and riders.

England's women's rugby team kicked off their Six Nations campaign with a convincing 33-12 win against Ireland at Twickenham, in front of a tournament-record attendance of 77,120. The Red Roses, led by Amy Cokayne, showed their strength despite missing several key players due to injury.Cokayne, the new vice-captain, delivered an impressive performance, scoring a try, making an interception, and achieving a 100% lineout success rate. Her efforts were instrumental in securing the win, which saw England extend their lead through two Sarah Bern tries and a bonus-point try from Jess Breach.The victory marked a significant step for England as they defend their title, despite the setback of losing Morwenna Talling and Natasha Hunt to long-term injuries. The team's adaptability will be crucial moving forward, with head coach John Mitchell emphasizing their ability to adjust to the lock injury crisis.Ireland, led by Erin King and Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald, showed resilience and are on the path to narrowing the gap with the world champions. They will look to bounce back against Italy next Saturday.England's next match is against Scotland, where they will aim to extend their unbeaten run of 34 games across all competitions.