Sterling sparkles as Manchester City move atop PAGE 18

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2018

Al Rayyan aim to end Al Duhail’s QNB Stars League winning run PAGE 18 ARSENAL VS TOTTENHAM Derby: Coach Klopp warns to beware of Everton threat

AFP move up to sixth in the table. Suitably impressed, Klopp down-played Liverpool’s der- JURGEN Klopp has warned by dominance, saying: “If you Liverpool that in-form Analyse Everton and tell me wouldn’t say that I wouldn’t Everton are capable of ending it will be an easy game, tell even think about it. How can the Reds’ 19-year unbeaten I know what people make of record in Merseyside derbies me their weaknesses: they that? I’m a not bit interested. at Anfield. defend really good, have “You cannot make any- Not since Kevin Campbell good players in all thing with these results in the fired Everton to a 1-0 win in positions. It will not be past. It is good that we won September 1999 have Everton the most easy game in these games or got results made a successful trip to the from these games, the most home of their hated neigh- the world but no-one exciting one was the late win- bours across Stanley Park. expects that in a derby. ner of Sadio (Mane) at Everton Liverpool are also unbeat- – that felt unbelievable. en in the last 17 Merseyside Liverpool manager “There were good games derbies at any venue – a re- Jurgen Klopp we played at home to Everton cord run for that fixture dat- but we have to make sure as a ing back to 2010. But Reds club we create an atmosphere boss Klopp insists in-form so exceptional it will make it a Everton have been revitalised little bit easier for the players under new boss “Since I’ve been at Liver- improvement is obvious. Ana- The last three Everton to come into it 100 per cent in and pose a genuine threat to pool, Everton was always re- lyse Everton and tell me it will managers to visit Anfield in a fighting mood.” Liverpool’s derby supremacy. ally busy but now it’s the best- be an easy game, tell me their the Premier League - Roberto Klopp will be without sus- “He has the best squad. tuned squad. weaknesses: they defend re- Martinez, Ronald Koeman pended Jordan Hen- They brought in players he “One or two years ago ally good, have good players and Sam Allardyce - left with, derson for the game, and has wanted. , what (Wayne) Rooney came back, in all positions. respectively, a 4-0 defeat, a 3-1 challenged the rest of the squad a player he is, last year already (Gylfi) Sigurdsson came, they “It will not be the most defeat and a 1-1 draw. to step up after their painful (Theo) Walcott came in, this said they could not play be- easy game in the world but no- However, significant in- midweek Champions League year Bernard came in, (Andre) cause of lack of speed, but eve- one expects that in a derby and vestment and a change in defeat at Paris Saint Germain. Gomes, (Yerry) Mina,” Klopp rything is there. we shouldn’t do that this time playing style introduced by told reporters on Friday “The development and so we will not.” Silva have seen the Toffees See also page 18 Ô Derby Day will see Arsenal take on Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea face Fulham and Liverpool host fierce rivals Everton on Sunday live and exclusive on beIN

Salah hunting DOHA: All eyes will be on selves only one point behind see famous analysts in both in charge, they will be looking to they continue to put pressure 120-year record beIN this weekend as fans fourth -placed Chelsea. Arabic and English studios, build on that good start when on league leaders City. look forward to watching some Despite their inactivity in most notably Egyptian legend they face Chelsea. Liverpool vs Everton will will mouth-watering English Pre- the transfer market, Tottenham Mohamed Abutrika, former The Blues, on the other kick off on Sunday, December 2 break a Liverpool record mier League derbies live and Hotspur have been in good form Arsenal player and hand have started their season at 19:15hrs Mecca Time (GMT that has stood for 120 years exclusive on beIN, the home of this season and after their im- Dr. Tareq al Jalahma as well as well under Maurizio Sarri, win- +3) and broadcasted live and if he nets twice in Sunday’s sports and entertainment. pressive 3-1 win against London famous beIN presenter Moham- ning 8 out of their 13 league exclusive on beIN Sports HD2 in . If selected at The English Premier League rivals Chelsea, Mauricio Pochet- med Saadon al Kuwari. The com- games and having the third best Arabic and beIN Sports HD11 in Anfield, the Egyptian will make his has already seen its fair share tino’s men are raring to go as mentator for the in the league. English. The game will also be 50th Premier League for the Reds. His of action this season. With at they face their will be Youssef Seif. The will broadcast on beIN’s dedicated previous 49 top-flight games have seen least five teams fighting for a rivals Arsenal. London hosts another derby kick off on Sunday, December 2 4K channel for a superior view- him score 39 times – meaning a goal top- four finish and Liverpool Arsenal vs Tottenham on Sunday as Chelsea take at 15:00hrs Mecca Time (GMT ing experience. versus Everton would see him equal trying to keep pace with leaders Hotspur will kick off on Sunday on rivals Fulham in the West +3) and broadcast live and beIN Sports will dedicate its Manchester City, the Premier December 2 at 17:05hrs Mecca London Derby. exclusive on beIN Sports HD2 in studios in English and Arabic for the club record of 40 goals in a League season has definitely Time (GMT +3) and will be Fulham have had a disap- Arabic and beIN Sports HD11 in the Merseyside derby and will player’s first 50 league matches, set by lived up to expectations. broadcast live and exclusive on pointing start to the season and English with star analysts includ- host star analysts Mohamed George Allan in 1898, while a brace would Arsenal have had a con- beIN Sports HD2 in Arabic and currently sit in 20th place. ing Egyptian Mohamed Abutrika. Abutrika, former Arsenal player take him above Allan. Salah played against sistent start under new beIN Sports HD11 in English. The arrival of former Leices- The commentator for the Gilberto Silva and Dr. Tareq al Everton once last season, scoring a brilliant coach . The game will also be broad- ter City manager and 2015/16 West London derby will be Jalahma as well beIN presenter individual effort that later won the FIFA After extending cast on beIN’s dedicated 4K Premier League winner Claudio Khalid al Hiddi. Mohammed Saadon al Kuwari. Puskas Award in a 1-1 draw at Anfield. their unbeaten run to channel for a superior viewing Ranieri has already boosted beIN Sports will also be The commentator for the 17 games in all competi- experience. confidence with a win against host to a fiery Merseyside derby Merseyside derby will be tions, they now see them- The North London derby will Southampton in his first game as Liverpool take on Everton as Raouf Khlif. (TNN)

Al Arabi clinch a desired IAAF looking at street meets as a possible new circuit result, move up the table S athletics turns its attention to 2019, competitions in sta- diums and indoor arenas will not be the only talking points. AStreet meets, competitions in city centres and nearby areas STANDINGS emphasising sprints and field events, are growing in popularity in the United States and Europe. POS. CLUB MATCHES POINTS Already a common practice at some Diamond League meet- 1. AL DUHAIL 12 34 ings, street meets will be introduced to IAAF events where and when there is the right venue, the International Association of 2. AL SADD 12 29 Reuters 3. AL SAILIYA 14 25 Athletics Federations said in a statement to . “There is cur- rently a working group looking at the possibility of creating a street 4. AL RAYYAN 13 23 athletics circuit,” athletics’ global governing body added. 5. AL AHLI 14 23 IAAF President Sebastian Coe has led the call for the develop- 6. AL GHARAFA 13 18 ment of innovations that will bring new fans to the sport. Street 7. AL ARABI 14 18 meets may be one answer. “Extensive consultation has indicated 8. UMM SALAL 14 17 a strong appetite for an urban athletics circuit or an increase in 9. AL SHAHANIA 13 15 urban athletics competitions,” the IAAF statement said. 10. QATAR SC 14 14 That increase is already underway in the United States with 11. AL KHOR 13 8 the American Track League (ATL) expanding its offerings of high Action from the Al Arabi-Al Kharaitiyat QNB Stars League match 12. AL KHARAITIYAT 14 3 entertainment, up-close competitions to street meets next year played at the Al Arabi Stadium on Saturday. in Atlanta (July 2-3), Greenville, South Carolina (July 6), Charlotte, North Carolina (July 13) and Omaha, Nebraska (Aug 1). “Street meets are great for promoting the sport and featuring The Dream Team edge Al Kharaitiyat 2-1 in return leg match events that get lost in the stadium,” said ATL founder Paul Doyle, who is working with the IAAF group. TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK their points tally to 18, while the first half (53 per cent) al- The popular Boost Boston Games, which this year featured DOHA Al Kharaitiyat stayed on three though it was 50-50 at the end middle distance races in a stadium and sprint events on a straight- points from the victory they of the game. away track constructed on downtown Charles Street, will also be IN what was a much desired had registered against Ahmed Ibrahim opened back with world-class fields and a preliminary date of June 16. result for Al Arabi, the Dream Al Gharafa. the scoring via a header off a “It’s the best way to reach people who have never been to a Team returned to winning The Thunders are precari- free-kick from Tareq Hamad. track meet, especially kids,” said organiser Mark Wetmore. ways prevailing 2-1 over Al ously placed at the bottom Brazilian Diego Jardel, “When you see these athletes up close and see how fast they Kharaitiyat in their Week of league standings and who held the Al Arabi midfield move, it really is something,” he added. 14 match of the QNB Stars face relegation. together, gave the assist for Street competitions are also growing in Europe, especially League on Saturday. Al Kharaitiyat had the nu- their second goal scored by El in the sprints, jumps and sometimes the shot put. “All taking Ahmed Ibrahim (43rd merical advantage of playing Neel. place as good additions to usual track programmes, not replacing minute) and Mohammed with 10 men for most part of Algerian midfielder Jug- them,” Euromeetings president Alfons Juck told Reuters. Salah El Neel (49th) scored the game after Majed Aman urtha Hamroun was the live However, even Doyle does not think track and field should the goals for Al Arabi. was given his marching orders wire among the Al Kharaitiyat become exclusively street competitions. Valentin Lazar pulled one in the 42nd minute. ranks and he set the stage for Women’s long jump winner Shara Proctor “Absolutely not,” he said. “The stadium meets still need to ex- back for Al Kharaitiyat in the Both teams fought it out in their goal netted by Valentin. of Britain competes at the Boston Games ist. But I think these street events are great ways to promote the 55th minute. their bid to gain advantage. Al Arabi had beaten Al Street Meet, held outdoors in the streets sport and promote different events within the sport.” (REUTERS) It was Al Arabi’s sixth vic- Al Kharaitiyat put up a Kharaitiyat 1-0 in the first leg. of downtown Boston, Massachusetts, US, tory and saw Tunisian coach gritty show. In fact, they en- in June 2017. (REUTERS) Hatem al Moaddeb’s men take joyed more ball possession in See also page 18 Ô Sports Sunday, December 2, 2018 17

News in brief West Indies reel after Pakistan’s teenage pace sensation Shaheen set for Test baptism ABU Dhabi Teenage pace sensation Shaheen Afridi is all set to cap his meteoric rise with a Test debut for Riyad’s fine century Pakistan in the third match against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi starting on Monday. A shoulder injury to medium pacer Mohammad Abbas in the second Test Mehidy, Shakib grab five wickets between them to create history in second Test match in Dubai has paved way for Shaheen to make his mark in the last act of a grip- AFP ping series which stands at 1-1. DHAKA SCOREBOARD “If I get a chance I will do my best,” BANGLADESH (1ST INNINGS, OVERNIGHT 259-5) Shaheen told AFP on Saturday. “I always BANGLADESH spinners took Shadman Islam lbw b Bishoo 76 had belief in my ability and in my hard work although I didn’t a firm grip on the second Test Soumya Sarkar c Hope b Chase 19 expect my chance will come in Tests so early.” against West Indies after Mah- Mominul Haque c Chase b Roach 29 Mohammad Mithun b Bishoo 29 The 18-year-old left-arm quick made his mark in a domestic mudullah Riyad struck a ca- Shakib Al Hasan c Hope b Roach 80 match in September last year, claiming eight wickets for just reer best 136 to guide the hosts Mushfiqur Rahim b Lewis 14 39 runs in a Quaid-e-Azam Trophy game, the best figures by a to 508 in the first innings in Riyad b Warrican 136 Pakistan bowler on first-class debut. Dhaka on Saturday. Liton Das b Brathwaite 54 Mehidy Hasan c Dowrich b Warrican 18 The world took notice of the 1.98 metre tall bowler Mehidy Hasan and Shakib Taijul Islam c Dowrich b Brathwaite 26 who could hit the 90 miles per hour mark with the ball. Within Al Hasan shared five wickets Nayeem Hasan not out 12 15 months he is already being compared to Australian pace between them as West In- Extras (b2, lb8, w1, nb 4) 15 spearhead Mitchell Starc and legendary Pakistan paceman dies were reduced to 75-5 at Total (all out; 154 overs) 508 Fall of wickets: 1-42 (Soumya), 2-87 (Mominul), Wasim Akram. stumps on the the second day, 3-151 (Mohammad), 4-161 (Shadman), 5-190 His rise to the Pakistan team began at home in Landi trailing the hosts by 433 runs (Mushfiqur), 6-301 (Shakib), 7-393 (Liton), 8-416 Kotal, a town in the Khyber District, close to the border with in the first innings. (Mehidy), 9-472 (Taijul), 10-508 (Mahmudullah) Afghanistan, where his elder brother Riaz who played one Test All five West Indies bats- Bowling: Roach 25-4-61-2 (nb1), Lewis 20-2-69-1 (w1), Chase 28-0-111-1 Warrican 38-5-91-2, for Pakistan in 200, gave him his first bowling lessons. men were clean bowled -- only Bishoo 28-1-109-2 (nb3), Brathwaite 15-0-57-2. the third time in cricket history and the first time by spinners WEST INDIES (1ST INNINGS): Murali Vijay hits century but India’s as Mehidy finished with 3-36 K. Brathwaite b Shakib 0 K. Powell b Mehidy 4 bowlers struggle and Shakib claimed 2-15. S. Hope b Mehidy 10 Shakib struck in the very S. Ambris b Shakib 7 SYDNEY Murali Vijay hit a stylish century Saturday to strength- first over when he flummoxed R. Chase b Mehidy 0 en his bid to open the in the first Test against Australia, West Indies skipper Kraigg S. Hetmyer not out 32 S. Dowrich not out 17 after India’s rusty bowlers struggled against a young CA XI. Brathwaite with inward deliv- Extras (b4, lb1) 5 The veteran was dropped after the second Test against ery and Kieran Powell (four), Total (five wickets; 24 overs) 75 England this year, but has fought his way back into contention (seven), Roston To bat: D. Bishoo, K. Roach, J. Warrican, S. Lewis through a spell with Essex. Chase (zero) and Bangladesh’s Mahmudullah Riyad celebrates his century during the second day of the second Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Brathwaite), 2-6 (Powell), 3-17 (Ambris), 4-20 (Chase), 5-29 (Hope) And with a nasty ligament injury on Friday ruling young (10) followed him in quick suc- match against the West Indies in Dhaka on Saturday. (AFP) Bowling: Shakib 9-3-15-2, Mehidy 10-1-36-3, opener out of the Adelaide Test next week, he cession. Nayeem 3-0-9-0, Taijul 1-0-10-0, Mahmudullah 1-1- grabbed his chance with both hands, smashing 16 fours and Shimron Hetmyer (32 not Resuming on 259-5, Bang- 55 overnight, added 25 to his Liton, who struck eight 0-0. five sixes in compiling 129. out) and (17 ladesh’s innings revolved overnight score before he gave fours and a six in his fourth Toss: Bangladesh KL Rahul, who is expected to face the new ball in Adelaide not out) stemmed the rot to around Mahmudullah, who a catch to Hope at gully off Ke- Test fifty, fell after the lunch alongside either Vijay, , or even uncapped survive the day. faced 242 balls and struck 10 mar Roach. break when he attempted a he cut Chase for four to bring Mayank Agarwal, made 62 in their 212-2 total. Hetmyer was given out off fours in his third Test century, Mahmudullah and Liton reverse sweep off Brathwaite his hundred. The four-day match at the Sydney Cricket Ground was rookie spinner Nayeem Hasan on the second day. maintained the pressure, help- and missed the line to get Warrican bowled Mah- India’s last hit out before the Test and it ended in a draw after on 10, but the decision was Mahmudullah helped ing the home side add 128 runs bowled. mudullah to wrap-up the the CA XI made a mammoth 544 in reply to the visitor’s first overturned by television replay. Bangladesh build on their over- in 25 overs of the morning ses- Jomel Warrican dismissed Bangladesh innings and finish innings 358. The West Indies innings night score putting on a 111-run sion. next batsman Mehidy Hasan, with 2-91, while Roach, Deven- The big total from the home batsmen was a reality check were in complete contrast to with Shakib Al Hasan for the Liton -- who was making a but Taijul and Mahmudullah dra Bishoo and Brathwaite also for India’s bowlers, who failed to impress. Pacemen Umesh those of Bangladesh, which sixth wicket, 92-run with Liton comeback to the side after be- frustrated West Indies to take claimed two wickets each. Yadav (1-113) and (1-73), and chief spinner saw Shakib (80), Shadman Das for the seventh wicket, and ing dropped in the first Test -- their score close to 500-run Bangladesh are leading (2-122) were all expensive, but they at Islam (76) and Liton Das (54) a 56-run with Taijul Islam (36) hit Chase a six and a four in one mark. the two-Test series 1-0 thanks least got plenty of valuable practice. making useful contribution for the ninth wicket. over to bring a quickfire fifty off Mahmudullah faced 29 to their 64-run win in the first along with Mahmudullah. Shakib, who resumed on just 50 balls. balls in nervous nineties before Test in Chittagong. Alloh claims fourth round in Defending champion Manateq Qatar National Baja Sulaiti tops timesheets at TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK two-day official practice DOHA

AHMED Alloh and his co- driver Nasser al Kuwari won More riders join the fourth round of the 2018 Qatar Superstock Manateq Qatar National Baja Championship which took place 600 paddock for on Saturday. The rally had two special new season stages in the Sealine desert for total distance of 267 kms (139 TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK km of special stage), before re- DOHA turning to QMMF headquarters for podium ceremony in Losail. QATAR Superstock 600 de- QMMF CEO Sultan bin Za- fending champion Saeed al Su- hir al Muraikhi and Manateq’s laiti fired warning shots about Ibrahim bin Issa al Fadalah his early readiness as he ended crowned the champions. Manateq Qatar National Baja fourth- round winners Ahmed Alloh and his co-driver Nasser al Kuwari with the two-day official practice Abdullah al Rabban set the other podium winners, QMMF CEO Sultan bin Zahir al Muraikhi and Manateq’s Ibrahim bin Issa al Fadalah with quickest time at the Losail fastest time in Stage 1 over 70 during the prize distribution in Losail on Saturday. International Circuit. kms, followed by Mohammed al The practice session was Harqan, who came six minutes eventually won the rally. Har- table with 57 points. Meer is including Abdullah Rabban, organised by the Qatar Motor behind, while Mohammed al qan took the second spot and second with 42 points, while who stopped due to punc- and Motorcycle Federation Meer was third. the third place went to Meer. Nayef al Nasr is occupying the tures, Rashid al Mohannadi (QMMF) on Friday and Satur- On the second stage, Har- Despite his fourth place, third place with 40 points. got stuck and Mohammed al day, with 22 riders taking part. qan emerged as the fastest driv- Sheikh Hamad bin Eid al Thani Some drivers were forced Attiyah suffered mechanical The lung-opener of the five- er ahead of Ahmed Alloh, who held his place at the top of the to retire in the second stage, failure (gearbox). round Qatar Superstock 600 Championship will be held on December 6 and 7. (Top) Saeed al Sulaiti and Mashel al Naimi during the official two-day Sulaiti clocked 2:05.131 practice, which concluded in Losail on Saturday. during the last session on Day 2, ahead of runner-up Mashel Compared to last the season, bit difficult to get into the Prasanth sparks Asian Club to al Naimi, whose best was he is much faster and for rhythm of the 600cc bike but 2:05.178. Last year’s rookie, sure, there will be more than this test is good to get used two riders competing for the to the bike. I am really look- Zaffran cricket Division 1 title SCHEDULE championship this season. ing forward for the opening Thanks to Abdulrahman al round next weekend,” said ACC gave a matching re- Round 1: December 6th & 7th Mannai (QMMF President) Kovacs. ply and were 40 for one in the Round 2: December 14th & 15th and Khalid al Remaihi (LCSC In this season, newcomer first six power play overs. They Round 3: January 25th & 26th, 2019 Vice-President and General riders from Kuwati and Aus- looked like cruising to the tar- Round 4: February 15h, 8th & 9th Manager) for their support. tralia have joined the pad- get, getting to 99 for three in Round 5: March 29th & 30th I want to thank Ooredoo for dock. Out of eight Kuwaiti 14 overs. There was a sudden continuing their sponsor- riders in this championship, turn-around and ACC lost sev- Abdullah al Qubaisi put in an ship,” he added. Mohammad al Zaidan was en quick wickets. impressive performance and Mashel al Nami, although the fastest one. However, Firoz rescued his was third fastest at 2:05.367. he had some problem with Australian rider Alastair team, clipping a fine bound- Considering their timings, the front tyre during the en- CThe championship is or- ary to win the match with two the championship promises tire session, was happy with ganised by Losail Circuit balls to spare. Prasanth was to be much closer than the his performance. “I tried to Sports Club and the QMMF declared the Man of the Final last one. find a good set-up but we with Pirelli Qatar as the main for his fine bowling. Nasser al Malki and Hun- didn’t have enough grip to do sponsor. There will be five Siddiq Fahad, Business garian Balint Kovacs complet- a good lap time. Also I had rounds in the championship, Development Manager of Zaf- ed the top five, while Fahad the problems with the front with each round having two fran Café, was the chief guest al Sowaidi, Sheikh Jassim al tyre that destroyed all the races. Riders will compete in at the prize distribution and Thani, Kuwaiti Mohammad time. The bike is working very two categories - QSTK600 gave away the trophies and al Zaidan, Ali al Shammari well and I hope we can make and QSTK Trophy. Chief guest Siddiq Fahad, Business Development Manager of Zaffran Café, with winning ACC team captain prizes. A raffle draw for fans and Kuwaiti Nawaf al Shuabi a good result in the opening Khalid al Remaihi, LCSC Sameer, runners-up M Pallonji skipper Neeraj and Qatar veterans’ cricket officials at the Division 1 tourna- was also held and attractive picked up sixth to 10 spots. round. Thanks to Ooredoo, Vice-President and General ment prize distribution ceremony in Doha. gifts were handed to the lucky Sulaiti expressed happi- the QMMF and Losail Circuit Manager, is pleased that there spectators. ness with his overall results Sports Club for all the sup- is a bigger number of riders TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK League at the Losail Cricket M.Pallonji collected 40 for in the official test. “To be hon- port,” he added. participating in the champi- DOHA Complex. one in first six overs. Prasanth Special awards est, I faced difficult times for Hungarian rider Kovacs is onship. “We are very proud of M Pallonji, after being triggered a slump, picking four Best batsman: Firoz of this weekend as unfortunate- back to Qatar for racing. He what we achieved last season PRASANTH fired Asian Crick- asked to set the target, could scalps for 18. Appu and Man- ACC ly I broke my finger last week has been racing at the IDM and we expect another fierce et Club to edge M Pallonji by reach 123 before getting all nu shared four giving away 18 Best bowler: Ayub of during training but I was able and Suzuki Cup with a 1000cc and strong competition be- a wicket in a low-scoring but out in 19 overs. ACC survived runs each. Adnan and and Sar- M.Pallonji to ride. Despite suffering the bike and he is using the Qatar tween all the participants in pulsating final and win the Di- a collapse and Firoz smashed faraz got one apiece. Best all-rounder: pain on the second day, I set series as a good training op- both categories. It feels great vision 1 crown at the Zaffran the winning boundary to lift Ayub (29 runs) and Rajeev Naveed of ACC the fastest time,” Sulaiti said. portunity. “I am feeling nice that more riders from abroad Cricket Tournament 2018, or- his team to a one-wicket tri- (24 runs) were the highest Best wicket-keeper: “I am also really happy to race here again. After rac- are joining our championship ganised by the Qatar Veterans umph. scorers for M Pallonji. Neeraj of M.Pallonji with Abdulla’s performance. ing with the 1000cc, it is a this season.” 18 Sunday, December 2, 2018 Sports ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE Gnabry boosts Kovac & Bayern, toppers Dortmund win again at home Bayern move up to third but remain nine points behind leaders DPA es with a lucky strike early in BERLIN the second half. Bremen de- fender Niklas Moisander de- BAYERN Munich’s Serge Gna- flected Thomas Mueller’s cross bry scored twice against his onto Gnabry’s leg and the ball former club Werder Bremen to dribbled into the corner. seal a 2-1 Bundesliga away win Moisander was sent off late on Saturday and help ease the on for a second booking. pressure on coach Niko Kovac. Kovac’s position as Bayern Bayern moved up to third coach came under scrutiny after 13 games but remain nine following last weekend’s 3-3 points behind leaders Borussia home draw with Fortuna Dus- Dortmund after they fashioned seldorf, the latest in a series of a 2-0 home win over Freiburg disappointing results which thanks to a Marco Reus pen- even led club president Uli alty and another Paco Alcacer Hoeness to say “internal dis- goal from the bench. cussions” would take place. Dortmund have a seven- Kovac, in his first season as point cushion over second- Bayern coach, boosted his im- placed Borussia Moencheng- mediate prospects with a 5-1 ladbach, who travel to RB win over Benfica in the Cham- Leipzig on Sunday before pions League in midweek fourth-placed Eintracht Frank- which sealed last 16 qualifica- furt host Wolfsburg. tion. But the nervous win in In Saturday’s other match- Bremen and more defensive es, VfB Stuttgart jumped three frailty leaves doubts about his places off the bottom following future. Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling scores a goal against Bournemouth during their Premier League match in Manchester on Saturday. (REUTERS) a 1-0 home win over Augsburg Bayern have now not lost and Hertha Berlin prevailed to Bremen in 23 outings and 2-0 at Hanover. Hoffenheim have won their last 10 league host Schalke in the late game. games in the northern city. But Fans across the Bundesliga the champions have conceded Sterling sparkles as City protested over Monday match- at once in nine consecutive es and other kick-off times league games. during the first half of games A somewhat lethargic by refusing to sing or chant Dortmund broke the deadlock and by holding up banners. at home to Freiburg five min- move five points clear Winger Gnabry, starting utes before the break after Ja- for Bayern because Arjen Rob- don Sancho had his toes stood ben was only fit enough for on by Dominique Heintz. Reus the bench, first pounced on 20 blasted the spot-kick down the Palace end their eight-game winless league run at the expense of fellow strugglers Burnley minutes after his first attempt middle. had been saved. Captain Reus had a great LAFP three games. spring in their step and Ander The chance to increase Dortmund’s LONDON Jose Mourinho’s side des- Herrera equalised in the 39th deemed the Germany winger lead early in the second period perately needed a victory at St minute when he met Rashford’s to have been onside from but shot straight at Alexander MANCHESTER City moved Mary’s to stay in the hunt for a low cross with a clever back- Joshua Kimmich’s clever ball Schwolow. Alcacer then netted five points clear at the top of top four finish, but they ended heeled effort from close-range. over the top. late on to become the Bundes- the Premier League as Raheem up relieved to avoid defeat after But seventh-placed Unit- Bremen then hit back on liga’s top scorer with 10 goals Sterling inspired a 3-1 win over falling two goals behind against ed reverted to their splutter- 33 minutes when Max Kruse from eight matches played. Bournemouth, while Manches- third bottom Saints. ing form after the interval and was not closed down and was Stuttgart recorded only ter United’s problems mounted Southampton had won only they are now six points adrift allowed to cross for Yuya Osa- their third win this season as they escaped with a 2-2 draw once in 13 league matches this of fourth-placed Chelsea, who ko to nod home. thanks to a 39th-minute goal at lowly Southampton on Sat- season, that solitary success would increase that gap if they The ball struck Manuel from Anastasios Donis against urday. coming at Crystal Palace on Sep- beat Fulham on Sunday. Neuer on the way into the net a toothless Augsburg. Pep Guardiola’s side racked tember 1, yet within 12 minutes Crystal Palace ended their and the Germany goalkeeper Hertha moved up to sev- up their sixth successive league they had carved open the United eight-game winless league run could arguably have done bet- enth after Jordan Torunarigha win thanks to a second half surge defence. with a 2-0 success against fellow ter, with defender Jerome headed in a corner and Vedad after Bournemouth shocked the - Stern-faced -Nathan Red- strugglers Burnley. Boateng also looking at fault. Ibisevic nodded home, leaving Etihad Stadium. mond wriggled beyond four Brighton conceded the fast- Gnabry spared their blush- Hanover second-bottom. City hold a significant lead statuesque defenders on the est goal in the Premier League over second placed Liverpool, edge of the penalty area before this season, but Chris Hughton’s but they can close the gap back finding Michael Obafemi, who team recovered to win 2-1 at 10- to two points if they beat Ever- teed up for a man Huddersfield. ton in the Merseyside derby at fierce drive that flashed past Da- Leicester won for just the Anfield on Sunday. vid de Gea. second time in seven league “A good win, after the Cham- Crystal Palace’s Andros Townsend celebrates scoring his goal with Mourinho sat stern-faced games as Watford slumped to pions League it is always tough. Aaron Wan-Bissaka during a Premier League match in London on on the bench as Southampton a 2-0 defeat at the King Power People think it’s easy for us but Saturday. (AFP) celebrated and his expression Stadium, with Jamie Vardy and that is not the truth, so I like to was even more vexed eight min- James Maddison scoring for the win in this way,” Guardiola said. their previous 13 league games Eddie Howe’s team. utes later as Marcus Rashford’s Foxes. “In the second half one ac- and it took them just 16 minutes Sterling netted from close- needless foul on West Ham ended Newcas- tion from Raheem Sterling to shatter Bournemouth’s resist- range after Begovic spilled led to Southampton’s second. tle’s three-match winning run as changed the game. ence as Bernardo Silva bagged Danilo’s shot, making it eight Cedric Soares lined up the Javier Hernandez struck twice It was a landmark moment his second goal of the season. goals in six league appearances resulting free-kick 20 yards in a 3-0 victory at St James Park. for former Barcelona and Bay- Leroy Sane’s shot was saved against Bournemouth for the from goal and curled a superb ern Munich boss Guardiola, by Asmir Begovic, but Silva was City winger. effort over the United wall and who said: “My 400th win as a on hand to tap into the empty Ilkay Gundogan put the into the top corner of De Gea’s Results manager? I didn’t know that. net. result beyond doubt when the net. Crystal Palace 2 - 0 Burnley Congratulations Pep!” City were stunned in the German finished a fine move in- gave Unit- Huddersfield 1 - 2 Brighton Guardiola left City’s record 44th minute when Callum Wil- volving Bernardo Silva and Sane ed a lifeline when he slotted Leicester City 2 - 0 Watford goal-scorer Sergio Aguero out of son headed Bournemouth’s in the 79th minute. home from Rashford’s pass in the squad, but even the Argen- equaliser from a Simon Francis While City remain the team the 33rd minute as the Belgian Man City 3 - 1 Bournemouth tine star’s absence couldn’t halt cross. But the leaders restored to beat, their rivals United re- striker grabbed his first goal in Newcastle 0 - 3 West Ham Bayern Munich’s David Alaba (top) and teammates celebrate after the champions’ momentum. order in the 57th minute as Ster- main in turmoil after their win- 13 games. Southampton 2 - 2 Man Utd Serge Gnabry (unseen) scored a goal against Werder Bremen during City had scored 40 goals in ling continued his mastery of less league run extended to United suddenly had a the German Bundesliga match in Bremen, on Saturday. (REUTERS) Al Rayyan aim to end Al Duhail’s winning run River Plate refuse to play Libertadores in Madrid Al Sadd vs Al Gharafa: Al Al Sadd and Al Sadd will definitely be hungry AFP and Russian leader Vladimir for another victory, in their bid BUENOS AIRES Putin are attending the G20 Gharafa set for to chase Al Duhail in the title summit in the Argentine capi- big clash today race, as they face Al Gharafa at RIVER Plate said Saturday they tal this weekend. their home ground. have refused to play the Copa “The club believes this de- Al Sadd have 29 points Libertadores final against Boca cision demeans the competi- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK (nine wins, two draws and one Juniors in Madrid. The match tion, prejudices those who DOHA defeat). They have the best between the Argentine arch- have bought tickets and makes goal difference of +39, having rivals has been moved to Real it unfair,” River continued. AL Rayyan face unbeaten table- scored 50 goals and conceded Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu sta- Several hours before River toppers Al Duhail in a heavy- 11. dium after it was twice postponed put out their statement, Boca weight encounter in Week 14 of Al Sadd are the side with last weekend after River Plate Juniors said they were going the QNB Stars League at the Al most Qatar League titles (13) fans attacked the Boca Juniors to appeal against the decision Gharafa Stadium on Sunday. and Al Gharafa, who managed team bus. The match is due to to move the match to Madrid Al Duhail coach Nabil Maal- to finish fourth last season, do be played in the Spanish capital to the South American football oul said: “The match against Al not lag behind when it comes on December 9, but River Plate federation CONMEBOL, and Rayyan is a clear challenge for to history, tradition and per- said they “confirmed their rejec- eventually to the Court of Arbi- the players to continue on the Al Rayyan players during a training session in Doha on Friday. formance. tion of the change of location”. tration for Sport (CAS). path of achieving positive re- Al Gharafa are sixth on 18 In a statement on the club’s FIFA President Gianni In- sults and our stay at the top of 11 matches and are the only Al Rayyan are placed still there, mathematically. We points (five wins, as many de- website, River said it was “in- fantino said Saturday that “idiots the standings. unbeaten side in the 12-team fourth on 23 points (six wins, will play for a win.” feats and three draws) to have comprehensible” that the game ruined the party” for everyone at “It will be a very difficult competition. five draws and two defeats). Al Duhail will not want to a goal difference of +8 (25 had been moved to Spain. the Copa Libertadores. game and Al Rayyan are the Al Duhail have a goal differ- They have a goal difference of fumble at any stage in their goals for and 17 against). River said the club bore no “I was here last Saturday,” only team we dropped points ence of +26 (33 goals for and +2, having scored 14 goals and bid to lift the league shield for Al Gharafa will be eager to responsibility for the “faults in Infantino said at a press confer- against when we were held seven against). Their defence is conceded 12. one more time. The same is the get back to winning path after the security operation” for the ence at the G20 summit. “It was goalless in the first leg. We the best, having conceded just Al Rayyan’s Under-23 case with Al Rayyan as they suffering a heartbreak against high profile fixture in Buenos a sad moment for everyone. It is have won all other matches so seven goals. Only Al Sadd come coach Gilson Souza said: “It is need to be in the top four. So Al Sailiya in Week 13. Aires. “It is incomprehensible a football match. It is not a war, far.” close to them with 10 goals. too early to say that Al Duhail that will make the contest pul- Al Sadd also have the likes that the superclasico cannot not even a battle.” Al Duhail have 34 points They are moving closer to- will win the league, because sating. of Gabi Fernandez, Akram take place as normal in the same “We have to work to find with one game yet to play wards retaining the QNB Stars there is plenty of time. Al Sadd Al Rayyan drew 1-1 with Afif, Hassan Al Haydos, Pedro, country where a G20 summit is out who are the people to blame. (against Al Sadd due to the lat- League title as they already are still there and the title fight Umm Salal, while Al Duhail Hamed Ismail and Abdelkarim currently taking place,” the club You have to identify them and ter’s AFC Champions League have an eight-point lead over is between them. beat Al Khor 1-0 in the last Hassan, who was just named added. World leaders including get them out (of football),” said commitment). They have won second-placed Al Sadd. “Al Rayyan’s chances are round. the best player in Asia. US President Donald Trump Infantino.