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神钢集团：关于日本国内首次低碳高炉钢材”Kobenable Steel”的商品化

TOKYO, May 17, 2022 - (亚太商讯 via SEAPRWire.com) - 本次，本公司在日本国内首次实现了可大量减少高炉工艺中二氧化碳排放的低碳高炉钢材“Kobenable Steel”的商品化。（本公司调查。2022年5月17日时点。）本产品运用了2021年2月16日“神钢集团在炼铁工艺中关于二氧化碳减排的解决方案（※1）”中所发布的技术，即向加古川制铁所的高炉内投入大量工程技术事业中Midrex技术（※2）所产生的HBI（※3），而从大量减少高炉中二氧化碳排放量的新技术。本公司于2022年度开始销售两种低碳高炉钢材。关于二氧化碳减排效果，采用了分配给特定钢材的“Mass balance method（※4）”。低碳高炉钢材“Kobenable Steel”的种类产品名 每吨产品二氧化碳排放量的削减率（与以往相比※5）- Kobenable Premier: 100%- Kobenable Half: 50%本产品运用与以往相同的高炉工艺制造，具有以下两个特征。- 所有钢材品种均可销售本公司加古川制铁所及神户线材工厂生产的所有钢材品种（薄板、厚板、线材・条钢）均可销售。- 保持以往同等品质请客户们继续放心使用本公司具有优势的特殊钢线材、超高强度钢板等高品质高炉钢材。本次商品化之际，关于二氧化碳的减排效果，本公司依据ISO20915进行了计算，算出了削减效果，并将计算方法及其结果交至英国认证服务机构“DNV BUSINESS ASSURANCE SERVICES UK LIMITED”（以下简称DNV公司），取得了第三方认证。在销售低碳高炉钢材时，将向客户提供DNV公司发行的第三方认证证书以及本公司发行的低碳钢材证书（※6）。本公司将通过率先向社会提供低碳高炉钢材“Kobenable Steel”的销售，为实现绿色社会作出贡献。此外，为实现“立足现在、展望未来，为人们的愿望与梦想助力，创建一个生活安全、放心又充实的世界”这一目标，神钢集团还将继续灵活发挥员工个性和技术优势，不断地向社会课题发起挑战。※1 2021年2月16日发布的新闻【神钢集团在炼铁工艺中关于二氧化碳减排的解决方案】｜KOBELCO 神户制钢 https://www.kobelco.co.jp/chinese/releases/1207966_15016.html ※2：使用天然气的还原炼铁工艺，是占全球约80%（占直接还原铁总量约60%）的先进工艺。本工艺以天然气为还原剂，以加工后的粉状铁矿石颗粒为原料，在竖炉中通过还原工艺生产直接还原铁。与高炉法相比，具有可以减少20%～40%的二氧化碳排放量等的特征。※3：Hot Briquetted Iron（热压铁）的简称。由于还原铁不适合长距离运输，所以将从还原炉排出的高温还原铁压固成一定大小的块状（Briquette）。※4：在产品制造过程中，具有某特性（例：低碳品）的原料和不具有该特性的原料混合在一起的情况下，根据具有该特性的原料的投入量，对产品的一部分分配该特性的手法。多用于由于制造工艺和供应链的特征而难以分离产品特性的产品，如再生塑料、生物塑料、再生能源电力、可可和棕榈油等认证食品等。本公司采用Mass balance method，通过将一部分铁矿石置换为已经经过还原的钢铁原料“HBI”来减少焦炭的使用，从而减少二氧化碳的排放，并将减排效果作为环境价值，分配给低碳高炉钢材。※5：与18年度实绩相比。※6：销售数量的上限由认证服务机构规定。关于销售数量请咨询我司。 www.kobelco.co.jp/chinese/ Copyright 2022 亚太商讯. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Football: Liverpool shrug off Covid-19 outbreak to beat Newcastle

LIVERPOOL (AFP) - Liverpool shrugged off a coronavirus outbreak to keep their Premier League title challenge on track with a 3-1 win over Newcastle that was lit up by Trent Alexander-Arnold's wonder goal. The Reds lost Virgil van Dijk and Fabinho to positive cases of Covid-19 before kick-off as a surge of infections across Britain threatens to bring the season to a temporary halt. Liverpool were further rocked when Jonjo Shelvey opened the scoring against his old club after just seven minutes. But Newcastle remained mired in the bottom three for a reason as goals from Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah turned the game around before half-time. Alexander-Arnold's thunderbolt four minutes from time rounded off an eighth consecutive win for Jurgen Klopp's men as they close to within one point of leaders Manchester City. "What a stunner!" Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said on Alexander-Arnold's goal. "The boy has a different level in his shooting technique." Before kick-off Klopp spoke out to encourage people to ignore the "lies and misinformation" around vaccination from coronavirus and get their jabs or boosters. Curtis Jones was also absent for the Reds due to a positive test for Covid. But Klopp confirmed on Wednesday that his squad are fully vaccinated and therefore did not lose any other players due to being close contacts of those with the virus. Anfield hosted the final top level game in England in front of a full crowd before the pandemic shut football down for three months in March 2020. History could be repeating itself as five of the 10 Premier League games scheduled for this weekend have already been called off. Liverpool's trip to Tottenham is one of those still going ahead for now, but much will depend on how well the outbreak is contained over the coming days. "Until we're told otherwise we'll be in there every day and making sure we're fit for Sunday," said Alexander-Arnold. "The games come thick and fast so any minor slip can prove costly come April or May." Reds break club scoring record Liverpool had to respond to City's 7-0 hammering of Leeds on Tuesday. And they got off to the worst possible start when Thiago Alcantara's wayward pass fell perfectly for Shelvey to curl home a wonderful strike from outside the box. However, a clash between the league's best attack and worst defence quickly showed. More on this topic   Related Story Football: Covid-hit Chelsea frustrated in Everton draw   Related Story Football: Premier League fixtures hit by Covid-19 as postponements rise Newcastle felt aggrieved about the source of Liverpool's equaliser as referee Mike Dean did not stop the play after a clash of heads between Isaac Hayden and Fabian Schar. Jota took full advantage as he was completely unmarked at the back post and after Martin Dubravka's stunning save to deny his first effort, the Portuguese slammed home the rebound. "It was clear to me Isaac went down holding his head and for me the game should be stopped," said Newcastle manager Eddie Howe. "It's had a huge bearing on the game." That goal saw Liverpool break a club record by scoring in a 32nd consecutive game stretching back to April. More on this topic   Related Story Football: Four Chelsea players including Lukaku, Werner test positive for Covid-19   Related Story Football: Man United's EPL match against Brighton postponed due to Covid-19 Shelvey then undid much of his good work by gifting Liverpool the chance to go in front. His backpass played in Sadio Mane and again Dubravka got no help from his defence after saving from the Senegalese as Salah followed up to score his 22nd goal in 23 appearances this season. Dubravka kept Newcastle in the game during the second period with saves from Mane and Jota. But there was no stopping Alexander-Arnold's stunning drive to ensure the Magpies remain in 19th, three points adrift of safety. More on this topic   Related Story Football: Brentford boss calls for Premier League pause as Covid-19 cases surge   Related Story Football: Vaccination a sign of 'solidarity', says Liverpool manager Klopp

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Football: Covid-hit Chelsea frustrated in Everton draw

LONDON (AFP) - Thomas Tuchel admitted Chelsea's coronavirus outbreak had taken a toll on his Premier League title chasers as Everton snatched a dramatic 1-1 draw on Thursday (Dec 16). Tuchel's side were without Romelu Lukaku, Timo Werner and Callum Hudson-Odoi after the latest Covid-19 blow to rock the Premier League. Ben Chilwell, currently injured, also tested positive, while Kai Havertz was unable to play after feeling ill before the match. The Blues were already without Mateo Kovacic as the Croatia midfielder recovers having contracted the virus earlier in December. Shorn of so many key players, Chelsea laboured to break down stubborn Everton until Mason Mount netted midway through the second half at Stamford Bridge. Despite dominating from start to finish, Chelsea were punished for switching off at the back when teenage defender Jarrad Branthwaite grabbed his first Everton goal with 16 minutes left. Failing to beat a struggling Everton side decimated by injuries and illness was a hammer blow on a difficult day for Chelsea. "It is hard to swallow. We missed big chances to get the result in the first half and second half we did not find the rhythm," Tuchel said. "One big reason is for sure the chances we missed. We could have been two or three up and were playing with fire. "We didn't have anyone on the bench. We put the last guys in that we available and we are missing big personalities and quality." Having led the table for several weeks, Tuchel's third placed team are now four points behind leaders Manchester City. Chelsea have won only two of their last five league games as they lost ground on City and second placed Liverpool. With five games scheduled for this weekend called off due to Covid cases, and four others postponed at various times in the last week, Tuchel refused to say if he believed the Premier League should temporarily halt the season. "I don't want to get involved in the political stuff. If they decide we have to play we play," he said. "We are all worried about Covid. It's close to us, we had four positives. Other games get cancelled, ours didn't." More on this topic   Related Story Football: Four Chelsea players including Lukaku, Werner test positive for Covid-19   Related Story Football: Premier League fixtures hit by Covid-19 as postponements rise The battling draw was a welcome sight for under-fire Everton boss Rafael Benitez, whose team have won only one of their last 11 league games. A banner reading "Benitez - get out of our club" was unfurled by Everton fans before kick-off. But it was the Chelsea supporters who were booing at full-time after their side's latest frustrating result. Over-worked Pickford Reece James should have put Chelsea ahead in the opening minutes, but the defender blasted over after sprinting onto Jorginho's pass. Jordan Pickford repelled James' free-kick before Mount had a golden opportunity to reward Chelsea's blistering start. Mount collected Antonio Rudiger's pass six yards from goal, yet once again Pickford came to Everton's rescue as he saved with his out-stretched foot. Chelsea finished the half with 81 percent of the possession and it was a similar story after the interval. Mount's deflected effort was clawed to safety by the over-worked Pickford. Tuchel sent on Ross Barkley and Saul Niguez and the changes reaped an immediate reward in the 70th minute. More on this topic   Related Story Football: Man United's EPL match against Brighton postponed due to Covid-19   Related Story Football: Brentford boss calls for Premier League pause as Covid-19 cases surge In a flash, Barkley found James and he slipped a deft pass to Mount, who timed his run into the area perfectly before planting a composed finish past Pickford at the near post. The 22-year-old's seventh goal this season was his fourth in his last four Premier League appearances. That should have been the spark for Chelsea to finish the job but a lapse in concentration allowed Everton to equalise against the run of play four minutes later. Anthony Gordon's free-kick looped towards the far post and Branthwaite sneaked in behind the dozing Chelsea defence to poke home from close range. Pickford ensured Everton held on as the man of the match made a brilliant stop from Thiago Silva's header.

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Football: Premier League fixtures hit by Covid-19 as postponements rise

LONDON, ENGLAND (REUTERS) - The Premier League fixture list was thrown into chaos on Thursday (Dec 16) as six games were postponed because of Covid-19 outbreaks, taking the total for the past week to nine. Leicester City's home game against Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday was the first to go followed by Manchester United's clash with visiting Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday. As the situation escalated the Premier League announced later that four more games this weekend - Southampton versus Brentford, Watford versus Crystal Palace, West Ham United versus Norwich City and Everton versus Leicester City - had also been postponed. "The League understands fans will be disappointed these games have had to be postponed and apologises for the inconvenience and disruption caused," a statement said. "All other fixtures due to be played this weekend are currently scheduled to proceed as planned." With infection rates from the omicron variant accelerating across the country and the government racing to deliver vaccine booster jabs, the prospect of more games being called off grow. Earlier in the day, Brentford manager Thomas Frank called for all Premier League games in the coming week to be postponed to allow clubs to recover their depleted squads. Tottenham, who reported 13 positive tests among players and staff, have already had two league games postponed, as have Manchester United, Watford and Leicester. United's game at Brentford was called off on Monday and in a statement on Thursday the club said it would "suspend football training operations at the Carrington Training Complex for a short period to help reduce risk of further transmission". On Wednesday, Burnley's home match with Watford was called off shortly before kickoff after the visitors reported cases. TV prioritised over health Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers on Wednesday criticised the Premier League after an initial request to have Thursday's game against Tottenham postponed was turned down. Rodgers, who had nine players unavailable, said lucrative TV deals were being prioritised over the health of players. "I'm pretty sure that's the case," Rodgers told reporters when asked. "In terms of players, managers and coaches, we all want to play the games. Ultimately, the health of a player is the priority. If players are available, you get a better product." More on this topic   Related Story Football: Four Chelsea players including Lukaku, Werner test positive for Covid-19   Related Story Football: Brentford boss calls for Premier League pause as Covid-19 cases surge The Premier League said the decision to grant a postponement came after Leicester reported more cases and were left with an "insufficient number of players available to fulfil the game." On Monday, the Premier League said it was re-introducing emergency measures after a record 42 Covid-19 infections were recorded in the past week among players and staff. Players now need to take lateral flow tests every day and two PCR tests per week. League rules state that if a team cannot raise 14 players then a game can be postponed although other factors, such as impact on preparation and whether or not there has been an "uncontrollable outbreak" are taken into account. The Premier League's policy is to address postponements on a case-by-case basis. Explaining the latest four postponements, the league said Brentford and Watford were dealing with ongoing outbreaks and had closed their training grounds, while bottom club Norwich had an insufficient number of players owing to Covid-19, injuries and illness. 'Through the roof' Brighton, who lost 1-0 at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday, had tried unsuccessfully to have that game postponed because of Covid-19 cases. Speaking on Thursday, Brentford boss Frank said he was dealing with 13 cases at the London club. "The Covid cases are going through the roof at all Premier League clubs," he told a news conference. "Everyone is dealing with it and everyone has a problem at this moment in time. To postpone this round (of Premier League games) and the Carabao (League) Cup would give everyone a week at least to clean and do everything at the training ground so everything is fine and we break the chain at every club." More on this topic   Related Story Football: Manager of virus-hit Spurs warns it poses a 'big problem' to all teams   Related Story Football: Vaccination a sign of 'solidarity', says Liverpool manager Klopp Two more Premier League games are scheduled for later on Thursday with Liverpool hosting Newcastle United and Chelsea at home to Everton. Liverpool were without three players after suspected positive tests while Chelsea's preparations were hit with four players unavailable. December and the holiday season is traditionally a packed programme for English football, with many games shown on live TV. But the bumper schedule could be shredded by the wave of infections sweeping through clubs. Britain reported a record number of new Covid-19 infections for the second day running on Thursday with 88,000 new cases. With so many games being postponed, the question of players'vaccination status has again been raised. The Premier League's last released data in mid-October said 81 per cent of players had received at least one Covid-19 vaccination dose with 68 per cent double vaccinated. The English Football League released its latest vaccination figures on Thursday, revealing that 25 per cent of players in November said they were not intending to get vaccinated.   Related Stories:  Related Story Tracking Covid-19 cases in Singapore and the world Related Story New studies raise hopes vaccines prevent severe disease from Omicron Related Story Long Covid patients face fatigue, poor sleep even after one year Related Story Malaysia detects second Omicron case: 8-year-old girl returning from Nigeria Related Story Refugees lack Covid-19 shots because drugmakers fear lawsuits: Documents Related Story Omicron multiplies 70 times faster but is less severe, study says Related Story No need for Omicron-specific boosters currently, US' Fauci says Related Story Vaccination bookings for P3 to 5 pupils to open next week if doses arrive as scheduled

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Football: Watford’s Burnley clash postponed due to Covid-19 outbreak

LONDON (AFP) - Watford's Premier League clash at Burnley was postponed less than three hours before kick-off because of "an ongoing Covid outbreak" within the Hornets' squad on Wednesday (Dec 15). Burnley revealed the match at Turf Moor had been cancelled at the last minute after Watford were left with an "insufficent" number of players. "Burnley Football Club can confirm tonight's match against Watford has been postponed due to an ongoing Covid outbreak within the opposition squad," the Clarets said in a statement. It was the third Premier League game to be postponed due to Covid-19 in the last week as the new Omicron variant causes havoc in England's top-flight. Tottenham's trip to Brighton last Sunday was called off due to an outbreak at the north London club, while Manchester United's match at Brentford on Tuesday was cancelled after the Old Trafford club's positive tests. Several matches in the second-tier Championship have also been postponed recently because of Covid-19 cases. "It is with regret the Premier League board has postponed Burnley FC's home fixture against Watford FC," a Premier League statement said. "The decision was taken following guidance from medical advisers due to an ongoing Covid-19 outbreak within Watford's squad. As a result, the club has an insufficient number of first-team players available to fulfil the match. "The Premier League understands this decision will disappoint and frustrate fans who were due to attend this evening's game and apologises for the inconvenience and disruption caused at such short notice. "In considering any application to postpone, the board considers a range of sporting and medical factors. Each decision is taken on a case-by-case basis with everyone's health of utmost importance." 'Extreme situation' United, Tottenham, Brighton, Leicester, Norwich and Aston Villa had already been hit by the virus over the last week. The Premier League announced a record 42 positive tests across two testing cycles last week. Top-flight chiefs have responded to the growing number of positive cases by introducing strict virus protocols. Players and staff must take a lateral flow test every time they enter their club's training ground. Twice-weekly PCR testing is also reported to have been introduced after a clubs' shareholders' meeting on Tuesday. The increased testing will sit alongside the other recently introduced emergency measures, including face coverings, limiting time in the treatment room and observing social distancing. More on this topic   Related Story Football: Manager of virus-hit Spurs warns it poses a 'big problem' to all teams   Related Story Football: Vaccination a sign of 'solidarity', says Liverpool manager Klopp British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had already responded to what he called a "tidal wave" of Covid cases by reintroducing stricter protocols for the general public. Earlier on Wednesday, Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers said the Premier League had rejected an appeal from both clubs to postpone their match against Tottenham on Thursday. Leicester are currently without nine players because of Covid-related issues and injuries. Tottenham wanted to delay the Leicester game to play their Europa Conference League game with Rennes, which was called off last week after their outbreak. "Unfortunately we weren't granted dispensation, which is disappointing," Rodgers said. "As a team and a club, we have always wanted to support all the measures, but when we need a little support with the extreme situation we find ourselves in, we weren't able to get it." More on this topic   Related Story Football: Man City boss Guardiola urges players to get booster shots   Related Story Football: Manchester United suffer Covid-19 outbreak   Related Stories:  Related Story Tracking Covid-19 cases in Singapore and the world Related Story Omicron spreading at unprecedented rate: WHO Related Story Omicron to become dominant in Europe by mid-January, EU warns Related Story Blinken cuts short S.E. Asia trip after member of entourage tests positive for Covid-19 in Malaysia Related Story Vaccination bookings for P3 to 5 pupils to open next week if doses arrive as scheduled Related Story Australia reopens borders to vaccinated students, workers despite Omicron variant Related Story Pfizer says Covid-19 pill near 90% effective in final analysis Related Story China’s southern Guangzhou city detects one Covid-19 infection of Omicron

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Football: Vaccination a sign of ‘solidarity’, says Liverpool manager Klopp

LONDON (AFP) - Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said he believes taking the coronavirus vaccine is about "solidarity, loyalty and togetherness" as he revealed his whole squad has been at least double vaccinated. From Wednesday (Dec 15), fans in the Premier League will have to show proof of vaccination or a negative test result in the past 48 hours to enter stadiums as Britain battles a new wave of coronavirus cases caused by the new Omicron variant. Two Premier League games have also been postponed in the past week due to multiple cases at Tottenham and Manchester United, while there have been smaller outbreaks at Leicester City, Norwich City and Aston Villa. "We are like the whole world concerned about it, but we do what we can. The vaccination status of the team is quite good," said Klopp, at his pre-match press conference ahead of Newcastle United's trip to Anfield on Thursday. "Everyone here is at least double vaccinated and will get a booster as soon as possible. "The whole vaccination thing is for me, a question of solidarity, loyalty and togetherness and we have all the chance to help not only ourselves but other people as well by getting vaccinated. "There are no two possible answers, there is only one answer. That is how I understand it." A raft of measures were agreed among Premier League clubs on Tuesday to try and minimise disruption caused by Covid. All top-flight players and staff will have to take a lateral flow test every time they enter their club's training ground as part of the protocols. Twice-weekly polymerase chain reaction testing will also be re-introduced. The increased testing sits alongside the other recently introduced emergency measures, including face coverings, limiting time in the treatment room and observing social distancing. "I support these measures absolutely," added Klopp. "It is how it is in these times. We get tested before we arrive, go back to the cars and then when the lateral flow is negative, we can enter the training ground. "Yesterday, we were all negative and we hope the same is the case today." More on this topic   Related Story Football: Manager of virus-hit Spurs warns it poses a 'big problem' to all teams   Related Story Football: Premier League clubs return to emergency Covid measures However, Klopp would not be drawn on speculation over the status of the Africa Cup of Nations, which is due to start in Cameroon on Jan 9. Liverpool's Premier League title challenge could be severely affected by the tournament with top scorers Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane due to depart to represent Egypt and Senegal respectively. The European Club Association, which represents leading clubs across the continent, has threatened not to release players due to fears over Covid protocols. Contacted by AFP, a senior official in the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fecafoot) dismissed any suggestion the tournament may be called off as "fake news". More on this topic   Related Story Football: Manchester United suffer Covid-19 outbreak   Related Story Football: Man City boss Guardiola urges players to get booster shots   Related Stories:  Related Story Tracking Covid-19 cases in Singapore and the world Related Story Omicron spreading at unprecedented rate: WHO Related Story Omicron to become dominant in Europe by mid-January, EU warns Related Story Blinken cuts short S.E. Asia trip after member of entourage tests positive for Covid-19 in Malaysia Related Story Vaccination bookings for P3 to 5 pupils to open next week if doses arrive as scheduled Related Story Australia reopens borders to vaccinated students, workers despite Omicron variant Related Story Pfizer says Covid-19 pill near 90% effective in final analysis Related Story China’s southern Guangzhou city detects one Covid-19 infection of Omicron

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Football: Premier League top three need penalties to scrape wins

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND (REUTERS) - Premier League leaders Manchester City and title challengers Liverpool and Chelsea all needed penalties to secure victories on Saturday (Dec 11), leaving the top of the table unchanged. Manchester City beat Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Etihad thanks to a Raheem Sterling spot kick after a controversial penalty award. Liverpool also won by a single goal against Aston Villa, managed by former Anfield favourite Steven Gerrard, with the visitors upset at the decision to award a penalty when Mohamed Salah went down in the box before converting the 67th-minute winner. A Cristiano Ronaldo penalty in the 75th minute helped Manchester United to an unconvincing 1-0 win at bottom team Norwich City, their second successive league victory under interim manager Ralf Rangnick. Chelsea midfielder Jorginho scored twice from the spot, including a stoppage-time winner, as Thomas Tuchel's side beat Leeds United 3-2 at Stamford Bridge. England forward Sterling's 100th Premier League goal was just enough to earn leaders City victory over 10-man Wolves. Wolves had limited City in the opening period before their striker Raul Jimenez's dismissal for two yellow cards in quick succession in first-half stoppage time shifted the odds against them. City dominated from then on, edging in front through Sterling's penalty - a decision that required a lengthy VAR check - in the 66th minute, with the ball striking Joao Moutinho. Referee Jon Moss ruled the ball had hit the Portuguese midfielder's arm and although the television images suggested it had struck him in the upper ribs, VAR backed the on-field decision. At Anfield, there was a surprisingly low-key reception for Gerrard, the Liverpool-born former captain and Champions League winner, before a game where his Villa team set about frustrating the home side. Liverpool dominated the first half with Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez doing well to save efforts from Andy Robertson and Salah. After the break, Martinez produced a brilliant reflex stop to keep out a powerful header from Virgil van Dijk but Liverpool's pressure finally paid off when Salah went down in the box under challenge from Tyrone Mings. The Egyptian fired home an unstoppable spot-kick to secure the win for Juergen Klopp's side. "We've lost to a soft penalty because if you watch it properly, Tyrone's been fouled first," said Gerrard. "The disappointing thing is that the referee hasn't gone to look at it," he added. More on this topic   Related Story Football: Sterling penalty for 100th league goal gives leaders Man City win over 10-man Wolves   Related Story Football: Jorginho's late penalty gives Chelsea dramatic win over Leeds Chelsea could ill afford another slip-up, after last week's loss at West Ham United, but they were pushed all the way by Leeds, before ending up with a 3-2 home win. Leeds went ahead against the run of play in the 28th minute when Daniel James went down under a challenge by Marcos Alonso to win a penalty that Brazilian playmaker Raphinha stroked home. But the Blues clawed their way back into the game when Alonso, trying to atone for his earlier error, stole the ball from Stuart Dallas, exchanged passes with Timo Werner and crossed for Mason Mount to score with a first-time angled shot. Tuchel's men turned the game around when referee Chris Kavanagh, after a VAR check, awarded them a penalty after a Raphinha challenge on Antonio Rudiger and Jorginho fired high into the net. More on this topic   Related Story Football: Salah condemns Gerrard's Villa to defeat on Liverpool return Chelsea were then caught out in the 83rd minute when 19-year-old Joe Gelhardt, barely on the field as a substitute, connected with a Tyler Roberts cross to score his first league goal. Just when the Blues looked like they had slipped further behind in the title race, Rudiger went down under a challenge by Mateusz Klich and Jorginho slotted home. United lacked ideas at Norwich, with home keeper Tim Krul making two fine saves in the second half before Ronaldo won and converted his spot-kick against the second-half run of play. A late save by David De Gea and a last-gasp intervention by substitute Eric Bailly denied Norwich a draw, lifting United to fifth place in the standings behind fourth-placed West Ham on goal difference. More on this topic   Related Story Football: Ronaldo penalty gives Man United 1-0 win at Norwich   Related Story Football: Arsenal cruise to 3-0 win over Southampton Arsenal weathered storms on and off the pitch before coasting to a 3-0 Premier League win over Southampton on Saturday as boss Mikel Arteta dropped captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from the match-day squad for disciplinary reasons. Southampton were on top in the early stages but the Gunners broke through in the 21st minute with Alexandre Lacazette finishing off a sweeping break. Goals from midfielder Martin Odegaard and defender Gabriel made sure of the win for Arsenal, who are sixth on 26 points.

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Football: Arsenal cruise to 3-0 win over Southampton

LONDON (REUTERS) - Arsenal weathered storms on and off the pitch before coasting to a 3-0 Premier League win over Southampton on Saturday (Dec 11) as boss Mikel Arteta dropped captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from the match-day squad for disciplinary reasons. Before kickoff, Arteta was tight-lipped as he explained that Aubameyang's absence was due to a "disciplinary breach", with Alexandre Lacazette starting on his own up front. Southampton had the better of the opening exchanges on a rainy afternoon with Adam Armstrong forcing an early corner and a fine save from Aaron Ramsdale as the Gunners struggled to deal with the visitors' high press. They managed to break thorough it in the 21st minute with a sweeping move, attacking down the left where Bukayo Saka squared to Lacazette, who fired home. "It was a brilliant goal, played out from the back, we've been practising this movement; it's good to see that it played out well. We practise these things every day in training," playmaker Martin Odegaard told the BBC. The Gunners went two up six minutes later when Southampton's slack defending was punished by Odegaard as Kieran Tierney's attempted cross bounced back to him and he headed the ball back across the goal for the Norwegian to nod it home. The goal was Odegaard's third in three Premier League games, and his angled passes tormented the Southampton defence all afternoon. The second goal seemed to take the wind from Southampton's sails as their defensive intensity faded and Arsenal defender Gabriel thought he had scored a third goal on the hour mark, only to see it chalked off for offside. He popped up again a few minutes later and this time he made no mistake, heading home a corner to make it 3-0. More on this topic   Related Story Football: Premier League top three need penalties to scrape wins   Related Story Football: Ronaldo penalty gives Man United 1-0 win at Norwich Southampton's task was not helped by the withdrawal of Armstrong and strike partner Armando Broja due to injury, and they struggled to create decent attacking opportunities in the second half. The victory leaves Arsenal fifth on 26 points, while Southampton are 16th on 16 points, and Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuettl will not have much time to rally his injury-hit squad. "We have a big squad but it's getting thinner. This is something we must look at - the season is tough and now comes the intense time," he told the BBC. "We have to step up again. We play on Wednesday against Crystal Palace. We have to show a better performance." More on this topic   Related Story Football: Salah condemns Gerrard's Villa to defeat on Liverpool return   Related Story Football: Sterling penalty for 100th league goal gives leaders Man City win over 10-man Wolves

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Football: Tottenham’s Brighton clash postponed after Covid-19 outbreak

LONDON (AFP) - Tottenham’s Premier League game at Brighton on Sunday has been postponed due to a severe coronavirus outbreak at the north London club. Eight Tottenham players and five staff members have tested positive for the virus, forcing the postponement of Thursday’s (Dec 9) Europa Conference League tie against Rennes. Tottenham asked Premier League chiefs to postpone this weekend’s trip to the Amex Stadium as well and their request was granted on Thursday. “We can confirm that our Premier League fixture at Brighton & Hove Albion, on Sunday, Dec 12, at 2pm, has been postponed following a Premier League Board meeting this afternoon (Thursday),” a Tottenham statement said. “The Premier League Board took the decision to postpone the game following guidance from medical advisers, with the health of players and staff the priority. The fixture will be rescheduled in due course. “The club requested the match to be rearranged following a significant number of positive Covid-19 cases among players and relevant staff. “We should like to apologise to everyone at Stade Rennais and Brighton & Hove Albion and to both their supporters and ours for any inconvenience caused.” Emotional Conte Tottenham were forced to close their first-team training centre on Wednesday as a result of the outbreak. Their Premier League match at Leicester next Thursday will also be in doubt, not only because of the situation in Antonio Conte’s squad but because the Foxes have been hit by a less widespread Covid-19 outbreak. Conte was visibly emotional about the outbreak in his press conference ahead of the Rennes game on Wednesday. “The problem is that every day we are having people with Covid,” Conte said. “People that yesterday weren’t positive, today were positive and we continue to have contact with people we think are negative but the day after become positive. I think this is a serious problem. “The situation is serious and it is contagious and there is a big infection and now for sure we are a bit scared because tomorrow we don’t know what happens.” The postponement of further games will cause significant scheduling problems for Tottenham, who have already had a Premier League game at Burnley in November called off because of snow. Discussions regarding the rescheduling of the game with Rennes are ongoing with Uefa, with rules stating there is a Dec 31 deadline for group games to be completed. It is understood there could be some room for manoeuvre on that as Tottenham have a packed domestic schedule heading into the new year. Rennes go on a winter break on Dec 22 and the French club have not taken the postponement of Thursday’s game well. They accused Spurs of causing “London fog” by refusing to tell them how many cases they had and informing them in the afternoon that the game would be played, only to call it off an hour after they had arrived in the capital. The Ligue 1 club, who returned to France on Thursday, later said they “hope the interests of the club will be respected” regarding a possible rearrangement. More on this topic   Related Story Football: Spurs game against Rennes postponed, Uefa confirms   Related Story Football: Spurs down to 10 fit players after Covid-19 outbreak, says Conte   Related Stories:  Related Story HK researchers develop steel that kills 99% of Covid-19 virus within hours Related Story Will I lose fully vaccinated status if I don't get third Sinovac, Sinopharm dose? Related Story Trump's blood oxygen level in Covid-19 bout was dangerously low, former aide says in book Related Story Omicron's spread across hotel hall in Hong Kong highlights transmission worry Related Story Top Covid-19 expert hints at how China may return to 'normality' Related Story South Korea's Covid-19 rules put some vaccinated foreigners in limbo Related Story Inside South Africa's effort to halt dangerous Covid-19 mutations Related Story Lessons from travelling in a Covid-19-stricken world Related Story The week that Covid-19 sucker punched the world Related Story Pfizer or Moderna booster - which is more effective? Here's what an MOH study shows

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Football: Man City up to second in Premier League as Leicester make Ranieri suffer

LONDON (AFP) - Manchester City beat West Ham 2-1 in swirling snow on Sunday (Nov 28) to return to second in the Premier League and Watford manager Claudio Ranieri endured a miserable return to Leicester. Free-scoring Liverpool laid down the gauntlet by hammering Southampton 4-0 the previous day to move to within one point of leaders Chelsea, who host Manchester United in Sunday's late kick-off. But reigning champions City stayed in close touch with victory at home to high-flying West Ham as the Premier League increasingly resembles a three-horse race. Riyad Mahrez had a strike ruled out for offside at the Etihad but the hosts eventually claimed the lead shortly after the half-hour mark when a Mahrez ball into the box was deflected into the path of Ilkay Gundogan, handing the German a simple finish. Declan Rice forced a good save from Ederson as West Ham threatened late on but substitute Fernandinho made it 2-0 to City in the closing minutes. Manuel Lanzini pulled one back but it was not enough for David Moyes's team to avoid a second successive defeat. Leicester's Jamie Vardy reminded Ranieri of his enduring quality even in his mid-30s, scoring twice at the King Power Stadium in a 4-2 win against Watford. Ranieri, who famously won the Premier League title with unfancied Leicester in 2016, received a rapturous reception on his emotional first return to the stadium as an opposition manager since leaving the club early the following year. Midfielder James Maddison gave Leicester an early lead when he capitalised on a mistake by William Troost-Ekong, only for Josh King to level from the penalty spot in the 30th minute after Wilfred Ndidi brought down Emmanuel Dennis in the area. Leicester regained the lead four minutes later when Vardy lifted the ball over goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann from an angle and the former England striker grabbed his second three minutes before the break when he glanced in Maddison's corner. Dennis pulled a goal back just after the hour when he robbed Timothy Castagne to race through and chip over Kasper Schmeichel but Ademola Lookman scored from close range to restore the home side's two-goal cushion. Brentford heaped the pressure on Rafael Benitez by beating Everton 1-0 to secure their first Premier League win since early October, courtesy of a first-half penalty from Ivan Toney. Everton have now taken just two points from their past seven league matches and are sinking fast. The game between Burnley and Tottenham was called off a little under an hour before kick-off because of heavy snow at Turf Moor in northwest England. Attempts to clear the pitch proved in vain as the undersoil heating struggled to cope and snow fell as quickly as it could be removed. Cristiano Ronaldo had to settle for a place on the bench as temporary Manchester United boss Michael Carrick made four changes to their starting XI to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

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Football: Gerrard’s Villa win again to end Palace’s unbeaten run

LONDON (REUTERS) - Aston Villa continued their resurgence under new manager Steven Gerrard when they claimed a second consecutive Premier League win by beating Crystal Palace 2-1 at Selhurst Park on Saturday (Nov 27). Goals from Matt Targett and John McGinn moved Villa up to 11th spot, level with 10th-placed Palace who got a consolation through Marc Guehi in added time, on 16 points. The defeat was Patrick Vieira's first at home since being appointed Palace manager and their first since losing at Liverpool in September. Gerrard also became the first Villa boss in 23 years to win his first two Premier League games. "We can't get carried away, it has been a positive couple of weeks. The players have been fantastic in their application. We had to dig in at times today but we managed to get over the line which is nice," Gerrard told the BBC. Villa took advantage of Palace's vulnerability on set-pieces when Ashley Young's corner in the 15th minute was delivered deep into the box, where Targett controlled the ball and shot low through the crowd to score. Targett's opener was his first Premier League goal in over two years and only his third in the top flight. "The analysts and us spoke about set pieces in the build up to the game. We know they (Palace) are not great at defending them," Targett said. Gerrard praised his set-piece specialist for the opener. "His job is to identify weaknesses in the opposition side. The players deserve all the credit for going and implementing that goal," he said. Palace had more possession in the first half but were unable to conjure up shots on goal as their midfield struggled to create chances with Villa's Marvelous Nakamba and Jacob Ramsey keeping midfielder Conor Gallagher quiet. Villa looked like being reduced to 10 men when substitute Douglas Luiz was red-carded for a seemingly reckless challenge but the visitors got a reprieve when VAR intervened and the referee watched the replay, downgrading it to a yellow. More on this topic   Related Story Football: 'I'm all in', new boss Gerrard promises Villa supporters   Related Story Football: Villa opportunity was too big to turn down, says new boss Gerrard Palace did not have a shot on target until the 79th minute when Christian Benteke's acrobatic effort with his back to goal was saved by goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. Villa doubled their lead late in the game when a flowing move down the left found McGinn on the edge of the box and he curled his shot past the outstretched arms of Vicente Guaita. Palace finally scored in stoppage-time when Cheikhou Kouyate's cross to the near post found Guehi, who poked the ball past Martinez, but Villa held on for the three points.

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Football: Tottenham fightback gives Conte lift-off, Man City sweep aside Everton

MANCHESTER (AFP) - Tottenham needed a second-half fightback to launch Antonio Conte's reign in charge with a 2-1 win over Leeds, while Manchester City swept aside Everton 3-0 on Sunday (Nov 21) to go second in the Premier League. A severely depleted Leeds remain just two points above the relegation zone after threatening to spoil Conte's first home league game since he replaced Nuno Espirito Santo. Tottenham had not even managed a shot on target in their previous two league matches and there was little change for the first 45 minutes. Even without key men Raphinha and Patrick Bamford, a youthful Leeds were well worth their 1-0 half-time lead thanks to Daniel James' first goal for the club. Harry Kane scored back-to-back hat-tricks for England during the international break, but has still netted just once in the Premier League this season. Kane was denied in a one-on-one with Illan Meslier and Son Heung-min's deflected shot came off the bar as Spurs improved after the break. But the goals came from unfamiliar sources as Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg's scuffed shot found the bottom corner to level just before the hour-mark. Sergio Reguilon then grabbed the winner with his first Spurs goal after Eric Dier's deflected free-kick came back off the post. A first win in four league games takes Tottenham above Manchester United, who sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on Sunday, up to seventh in the table and within four points of the top four. "This is a point to start. I say this to my players, they need to understand if we want it, we can do it," said Conte, who highlighted the change in his side's intensity after half-time. "In the second half we changed something tactically and also we wanted to play with the same intensity as Leeds, higher up the pitch." - City cruise - City were far more convincing winners as goals from Raheem Sterling, Rodri and Bernardo Silva saw off Everton at the Etihad to cut Chelsea's lead at the top of the table to three points. "In general we controlled the game," said City boss Pep Guardiola. "We played the game we should play to beat teams like Everton." Sterling netted on his 300th Premier League appearance as he turned home Joao Cancelo's sensational pass with the outside of his right foot for his 98th goal in the English top flight. Without the presence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin up front, Everton rarely threatened. More on this topic   Related Story Football: Conte the 'hammer' brings high demands and glittering CV to Tottenham   Related Story Football: Conte salutes his Inter 'journey' as Inzaghi tipped as successor Rafael Benitez's men have now taken just two points from the last 18 on offer in the Premier League to drop into the bottom half of the table and just six points clear of the relegation zone. Rodri's stunning long-range drive into the top corner 10 minutes after the break ended the game as a contest. City were then content to cruise for the final half-hour with one eye on Wednesday's Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain. Sterling should have slotted home his second of the afternoon from Riyad Mahrez's inviting cross, but was instead denied by international teammate Jordan Pickford as he tried to round the goalkeeper. City did get a deserved third five minutes from time when Silva followed up after Cole Palmer's shot was blocked. More on this topic   Related Story Football: Conte says Tottenham must improve in many aspects   Related Story Football: Conte arrival has raised expectations at Spurs, says Lloris

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Football: Man City sweep aside Everton to close in on EPL leaders Chelsea

MANCHESTER (AFP) - Raheem Sterling, Rodri and Bernardo Silva got the goals as Manchester City cruised to a 3-0 win over Everton to move within three points of Premier League leaders Chelsea. With the focus of the football world on events across Manchester on Sunday (ov 21) as United sacked manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, City made light work of seeing off an Everton side still decimated by injuries to key players. Pep Guardiola was also without Kevin De Bruyne after the Belgian tested positive for coronavirus and the injured Jack Grealish, but still had far too much in reserve for the Toffees. Sterling was denied a penalty midway through the first half by a VAR review after referee Stuart Attwell initially pointed to the spot for a trip by Michael Keane. The England international did not have to wait long to net on his 300th Premier League appearance as he turned home Joao Cancelo's sensational pass with the outside of his right foot for his 98th goal in the English top flight. Without the presence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin up front, Everton rarely threatened. Rafael Benitez's men have now taken just two points from the last 18 on offer in the Premier League to drop into the bottom half of the table and just six points clear of the relegation zone. Rodri's stunning long-range drive into the top corner 10 minutes after the break ended the game as a contest. He said: "Fortunately it was in - a beauty. It is the feeling... imagine the strikers scoring 20 goals, I score two or three and I'm the happiest man. It's an incredible feeing. I was watching the screen to realise the goal I scored." City were then content to cruise for the final half-hour with one eye on Wednesday's Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain. Sterling should have slotted home his second of the afternoon from Riyad Mahrez's inviting cross, but was instead denied by international teammate Jordan Pickford as he tried to round the goalkeeper. City did get a deserved third five minutes from time when Silva followed up after Cole Palmer's shot was blocked. On the title race, Rodri said: "We know it's going until the last games of the season, with lots of contenders. We have to be ourselves and if we keep the same way we will be in fighting." More on this topic   Related Story Football: Man City deepen Man United crisis with 2-0 derby win   Related Story Football: City boss Guardiola plays down hype ahead of Manchester derby

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Football: Positive coronavirus test scuppers Howe’s debut as Newcastle manager

LONDON (AFP) - Eddie Howe will miss what should have been his first match as Newcastle manager, at home to Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday, after testing positive for Covid-19. "I'm very disappointed that I won't be there with you all at St James' Park tomorrow, but it is incredibly important that I follow the guidelines and self-isolate," Howe told Newcastle's website on Friday (Nov 19). "I'd like to reassure everyone that I feel fine, and while this is unwelcome news for me, I know it hasn't derailed our preparations for what is an important game." The 43-year-old former Bournemouth manager added: "I have been, and will be, in constant communication with my coaching team and the players, both tomorrow and during the week, and I know they will be giving everything on and off the pitch." Assistant coaches Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones will lead Newcastle in Howe's absence, the club said. Newcastle are still searching for a first Premier League win of the season but there is renewed optimism at the northeast side following a recent Saudi-led takeover. More on this topic   Related Story Football: Immediate focus is avoiding relegation, says Newcastle boss Howe   Related Story On The Ball: Money talks as English Premier League sack game picks up   Related Stories:  Related Story Tracking Covid-19 cases in Singapore and the world Related Story Australia's cautious approach a draw for S'poreans worried about high Covid-19 cases in Europe Related Story First known Covid-19 case was vendor at China's Wuhan market, scientist claims Related Story Indonesia to tighten curbs to prevent holiday spike in Covid-19 cases Related Story S'pore records 1,734 new Covid-19 cases; ICU utilisation rate at 57% Related Story Philippines to reopen 'soon' to foreign tourists vaccinated against Covid-19 Related Story China to reopen border with HK in early December: Report Related Story France doesn't need to lock down unvaccinated people like other countries do: Macron Related Story Europe the only region with rising Covid-19 deaths: WHO

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Football: Salah hits hat-trick as Liverpool humiliate Man Utd

MANCHESTER (AFP) - Liverpool inflicted a historic hammering on Manchester United as Mohamed Salah scored a hat-trick in a 5-0 win at Old Trafford on Sunday (Oct 24), leaving Ole Gunnar Solskjaer clinging to his job. For the first time in Premier League history, United trailed 4-0 at half-time and failed to score in a hopelessly one-sided contest. The Red Devils have now taken a run of one point from a possible 12 in the league. Naby Keita started the rout before Diogo Jota doubled Liverpool's lead inside 15 minutes. Salah then took centre stage to take his tally for the season to 15 goals in 12 appearances and become the top-scoring African player in Premier League history in the process. Highlights: Manchester United 0-5 Liverpool | Salah hat-trick stuns Old Trafford To round off a miserable day for United, Paul Pogba lasted less than 15 minutes as a second-half substitute as he was shown a straight red card for a reckless lunge that forced Keita to leave the pitch on a stretcher. Liverpool's first victory in front of a crowd at Old Trafford under Jurgen Klopp moves them back above Manchester City into second, just a point behind leaders Chelsea. By contrast, United's hopes of a first league title since 2013 already look over as they remain eight points off the leaders. That gap is likely to grow in the coming weeks with Tottenham and City to come in the next fortnight before an international break. Whether Solskjaer will still be in charge come November is now in serious doubt as he has completely failed to form a balanced team from a talented collection of star players. The Norwegian will wonder what might have been had Bruno Fernandes not fired over a glorious chance to open the scoring on three minutes. But soon the defensive cracks that have blighted United's season began to appear. Salah teed up Keita to open the floodgates after just five minutes with a composed low finish past David de Gea. United came from 2-0 down at the break to beat Atalanta 3-2 in the Champions League on Wednesday. But former midfielder Paul Scholes' warning after that match that Liverpool would be 4-0 up in 45 minutes if handed the same space to attack into came to fruition. More on this topic   Related Story On The Ball: No option but to keep Solskjaer at the wheel at Manchester United   Related Story Football: Ronaldo backs Man United to adapt and overcome slow start Jota justified his selection ahead of Sadio Mane as he stretched to turn in Trent Alexander-Arnold's cross to double Liverpool's advantage. “I think it is great to win 5-0 here, we knew before the game it would be tough if we did not play our game,” Salah said. “We knew they will come and try to give everything so we had to give 100 per cent. We just tried to play our football and play in between the lines to create more chances. We did that and were lucky to score. “As long as the team keep winning I am happy and to give my best to the team to win. The first goal I gave to Naby Keita to score." Salah is the first away player to score a treble at Old Trafford since Brazil legend Ronaldo in 2003. Salah has now scored in 10 consecutive games and overtook Didier Drogba with his 105th Premier League goal when the Egyptian turned home Keita's cut-back with the United defence all at sea. The 29-year-old has now scored in 10 successive games in all competitions, while Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 22 games in all competitions. “We know what it takes to win the Premier League, we did it two years ago. A big win here but still only three points,” Salah said. “We try to win each game and try to win the title. We need to play to win everything. From our heads from pre-season, we need to win the Premier League and hopefully we go for that. “After half-time we were talking in the dressing room to just keep going and score as many as we could." More on this topic   Related Story Football: Salah wants extended Liverpool stay but says future 'not in my hands'   Related Story Football: Klopp hails sublime Salah as world's best after Liverpool thrash woeful Watford 5-0 Cristiano Ronaldo was lucky to avoid a red card as United's frustrations bubbled over in first-half stoppage time when he was booked for lashing out at Curtis Jones in a sign of what was to come as the home side lost their discipline. Liverpool inflicted further punishment before the break when Salah smashed home his 14th goal in 12 games this season at De Gea's near post. Salah then completed his hat-trick with another cool finish five minutes into the second-half after Jordan Henderson's pass dissected the United defence once more. Ronaldo thought he had pulled a goal back only for a VAR review to catch him in an offside position. Another VAR check saw the end of Pogba's brief cameo for a horrendous studs-up challenge on Keita that forced the Guinean off. Solskjaer sacrificed Fernandes and Marcus Rashford to try and stop the bleeding as Old Trafford emptied during the final half hour. De Gea ensured Liverpool failed to match their record margin of victory against United with an incredible save from Alexander-Arnold's drive. However, that did not subdue the mood among the travelling fans as they mockingly chanted for Solskjaer to remain in his job. More on this topic   Related Story Football: Ex-boss Ferguson says Man United must pick 'best players' after Ronaldo benched

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Football: Varane injury leaves Man Utd short on centre-backs

LONDON (AFP) - Manchester United will be without Raphael Varane due to a groin injury that leaves Ole Gunnar Solskjaer short on options at centre-back for a demanding few weeks. The French defender suffered the injury during his country's 2-1 win over Spain on Sunday (Oct 10) in the Nations League final. "Raphael Varane sustained a groin muscle injury in the UEFA Nations League final and has commenced rehabilitation at the club," United said in a statement. "He will be out for a few weeks." United captain Harry Maguire is also sidelined by a calf problem leaving Solskjaer without his strongest centre-back pairing. Eric Bailly, whose one appearance this season came in a League Cup loss to West Ham, or Phil Jones, who has not played since January 2020, could now start Saturday's trip to Leicester in the Premier League. After a visit to the Foxes, the Red Devils face Atalanta at home in the Champions League before fixtures against rivals Liverpool and Tottenham later this month. More on this topic   Related Story Football: Ex-boss Ferguson says Man United must pick 'best players' after Ronaldo benched   Related Story Football: Man United stumble again as Chelsea top Premier League

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