Q: Kevin De Bruyne and Scott McTominay both on the scoresheet for Napoli in their first Serie A match of the season. Looks like they have a 'bromance', can they fire Napoli to another title?
@Faisalsaleh via Instagram
A: Italian newspapers have already noted how inseparable McTominay and De Bruyne are. Both players share a commitment to winning at Napoli and the fans and media cannot get enough of them. It's easy to see why.
McTominay was crowned Serie A’s Player of the Year last season and scored the opening goal that helped clinch the title on the final day. Against Sassuolo over the weekend, he picked up right where he left off, heading in the opener. Napoli supporters have affectionately dubbed him apribottiglie – “the bottle opener” – for his knack of opening up play and striking first. He lived up to the nickname yet again.
De Bruyne is the brains of the operation. The Belgian marked his league debut with a free-kick goal and dictated the tempo, forever pushing Napoli onto the front foot. At 34 he is the oldest outfield player to feature for Napoli since 1995, but it’s his experience that is viewed as the quality that can elevate the team further. They may have the oldest squad in Serie A, but critics believe that age and experience could be exactly what propels them to another title.
Napoli want to play with more exuberance this season. Last term, they had only the sixth-best attack in the league, and with Romelu Lukaku out injured, they are looking to bring in a new striker, potentially Rasmus Hojlund, and want the midfield to carry more of the goalscoring burden. The 4-1-4-1 shape against Sassuolo was fluid: McTominay drifting centrally from wide left to attack space, De Bruyne dropping deep to orchestrate before ghosting forward as a false nine. The Scotland international has proved to be a fan favourite of the Partenopei and I’m sure De Bruyne will soon be the latest object of their affection.
Q: Was Kingsley Coman pushed out of Bayern Munich? How will they replace him and do you think Al Nassr was the right place to go?
@Zeeh107 on X
A: Bayern’s decision to part with Kingsley Coman was seemingly determined by both finances and politics. The club’s wage bill had spiralled under the previous regime of Oliver Kahn and Hasan Salihamidzic, leaving new sporting director Max Eberl under orders to cut costs while refreshing the squad. Coman’s high salary and injury record made him the obvious sacrifice, even if Vincent Kompany admitted it was an emotional farewell after a decade, eight Bundesliga titles and a Uefa Champions League crown. But the way it happened has sparked tension. According to Süddeutsche Zeitung, Eberl pushed through the sale to Al Nassr without board approval, then further angered leadership by requesting funds for a replacement, one Bayern have yet to secure.
How will they replace him?
Losing Coman on top of Leroy Sane, who was sold to Galatasaray, and with Jamal Musiala out with a long-term injury, has left Bayern light in attack. Their very public pursuit of Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade, a player they have tracked for some time, has not proved fruitful. Stuttgart want around €70 million for the attacking midfielder, a fee Bayern deem excessive. They have since turned their attention to Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku.
Al Nassr finished third in the Saudi Pro League last season. According to German media, Cristiano Ronaldo himself pushed for Coman's signing, believing his direct play would help push the team to challenge for honours. With Ronaldo and Joao Felix alongside him, Coman could make the difference.
Q: I just read that Jobe Bellingham’s parents have been banned from Borussia Dortmund’s dressing room. What happened?
@Lanoushak via Instagram
A: The 19-year-old Bellingham, signed from Sunderland this summer, was handed his first start at St Pauli at the weekend but lasted only 45 minutes before Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovac replaced him with Felix Nmecha. Dortmund were 2-1 up at the break but contrived to throw it away, conceding twice in the final minutes to draw 3-3.
Jobe's dad, Mark Bellingham, had flown in from England to see his son’s debut and was spotted in what was described as an “emotional conversation” with sporting director Sebastian Kehl outside the dressing room. Reports suggested he had demanded to know why Jobe was taken off, which obviously caused headlines.
Lars Ricken, Dortmund’s CEO for sport, played down rumours of a rift. He admitted the exchange happened but insisted it was nothing dramatic, just the natural emotions of a family who have a close relationship with the club. "We'll ensure that we don't get into a furore again by commenting on such matters," Ricken said.
Nonethless, changes will be made. In future, only players, coaches and officials will be allowed near the dressing room. Kehl echoed that same message, noting the area will be reserved for the team, not families or advisors.
It wasn’t the dream debut Jobe and his family had hoped for, and it has caused quite the drama in Germany. BVB are desperate for the fuss to die down, so the player can focus on football rather than headlines.
Q: Why did Barcelona take so long to register Marcus Rashford and what have you made of his appearances for the club?
@Amal_hope4 via Instagram
A: Barcelona took so long to register Marcus Rashford because of the same financial issues that have plagued the club for so many years now. La Liga’s strict rules meant that, after spending more on transfers and wages than they earned in revenue last season, Barca had to free up space before new players could be registered. Hansi Flick admitted before the season that he was “not happy” with the situation, but there is little he can do about it. In the end, Rashford and fellow summer recruit Joao Garcia were only registered on August 17, the morning of the match.
Rashford was introduced as a substitute in the 69th minute for his debut against Mallorca, but by then, the game was already won as Barca were already 2-0 up against nine men. That meant there was little space to operate in, considering how deep Mallorca sat in a damage-limitation exercise.
His full debut came against Levante last weekend, and it wasn’t great. The Manchester United loanee showed early intent but soon drifted out of the game, barely influencing play as Levante repeatedly broke through a shaky defensive line. Trailing 2-0 at half time, Flick opted to withdraw him. Rashford’s subdued display was more a symptom of the team’s collective play.
Whether or not he can be an asset remains to be seen.
Q: Federico Chiesa finally scored a league goal! Do you think he will stay at Liverpool and will he make the desired impact?
@KIdilby via Instagram
A: And what a goal it was. Chiesa waited a full year for his first Premier League strike and delivered it just when Liverpool needed it most, restoring Liverpool's lead against Bournemouth in the opening match of the season. The celebration said everything – the joy on his face, the embrace of his teammates, the cheering from the stands. It showed not only how desperate he is to make an impact, but also how loved he is by the club and supporters.
The Bournemouth game was emotional for many reasons, and it underlined once more that Chiesa is a player for the big occasions. Once a match-winner for Juventus and Italy, injuries have cruelly interrupted his development. But, when fit and given freedom, he still produces. Arne Slot has said as much. AC Milan and others in Serie A were reportedly eager to tempt him back to Italy, but as Tuttosport put it, his strike against Bournemouth felt like a sliding-doors moment, one that could keep him in red for another season. However, reports in England suggest Liverpool may consider including him in a deal for Alexander Isak.
If he stays fit, Chiesa improves any squad. Despite playing only 104 league minutes last season, he has accepted Slot’s decisions, put his head down and worked hard. He is resilient and deserves a run of games. Let's hope Liverpool offer him the opportunity.
WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
THE BIO
Favourite place to go to in the UAE: The desert sand dunes, just after some rain
Who inspires you: Anybody with new and smart ideas, challenging questions, an open mind and a positive attitude
Where would you like to retire: Most probably in my home country, Hungary, but with frequent returns to the UAE
Favorite book: A book by Transilvanian author, Albert Wass, entitled ‘Sword and Reap’ (Kard es Kasza) - not really known internationally
Favourite subjects in school: Mathematics and science
As You Were
Liam Gallagher
(Warner Bros)
How being social media savvy can improve your well being
Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.
As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.
Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.
Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.
Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.
However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.
“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.
People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
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Sun jukebox
Rufus Thomas, Bear Cat (The Answer to Hound Dog) (1953)
This rip-off of Leiber/Stoller’s early rock stomper brought a lawsuit against Phillips and necessitated Presley’s premature sale to RCA.
Elvis Presley, Mystery Train (1955)
The B-side of Presley’s final single for Sun bops with a drummer-less groove.
Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two, Folsom Prison Blues (1955)
Originally recorded for Sun, Cash’s signature tune was performed for inmates of the titular prison 13 years later.
Carl Perkins, Blue Suede Shoes (1956)
Within a month of Sun’s February release Elvis had his version out on RCA.
Roy Orbison, Ooby Dooby (1956)
An essential piece of irreverent juvenilia from Orbison.
Jerry Lee Lewis, Great Balls of Fire (1957)
Lee’s trademark anthem is one of the era’s best-remembered – and best-selling – songs.
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%3Cp%3EDungeons%20%26amp%3B%20Dragons%20began%20as%20an%20interactive%20game%20which%20would%20be%20set%20up%20on%20a%20table%20in%201974.%20One%20player%20takes%20on%20the%20role%20of%20dungeon%20master%2C%20who%20directs%20the%20game%2C%20while%20the%20other%20players%20each%20portray%20a%20character%2C%20determining%20its%20species%2C%20occupation%20and%20moral%20and%20ethical%20outlook.%20They%20can%20choose%20the%20character%E2%80%99s%20abilities%2C%20such%20as%20strength%2C%20constitution%2C%20dexterity%2C%20intelligence%2C%20wisdom%20and%20charisma.%20In%20layman%E2%80%99s%20terms%2C%20the%20winner%20is%20the%20one%20who%20amasses%20the%20highest%20score.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
RESULTS
Bantamweight: Victor Nunes (BRA) beat Azizbek Satibaldiev (KYG). Round 1 KO
Featherweight: Izzeddin Farhan (JOR) beat Ozodbek Azimov (UZB). Round 1 rear naked choke
Middleweight: Zaakir Badat (RSA) beat Ercin Sirin (TUR). Round 1 triangle choke
Featherweight: Ali Alqaisi (JOR) beat Furkatbek Yokubov (UZB). Round 1 TKO
Featherweight: Abu Muslim Alikhanov (RUS) beat Atabek Abdimitalipov (KYG). Unanimous decision
Catchweight 74kg: Mirafzal Akhtamov (UZB) beat Marcos Costa (BRA). Split decision
Welterweight: Andre Fialho (POR) beat Sang Hoon-yu (KOR). Round 1 TKO
Lightweight: John Mitchell (IRE) beat Arbi Emiev (RUS). Round 2 RSC (deep cuts)
Middleweight: Gianni Melillo (ITA) beat Mohammed Karaki (LEB)
Welterweight: Handesson Ferreira (BRA) beat Amiran Gogoladze (GEO). Unanimous decision
Flyweight (Female): Carolina Jimenez (VEN) beat Lucrezia Ria (ITA), Round 1 rear naked choke
Welterweight: Daniel Skibinski (POL) beat Acoidan Duque (ESP). Round 3 TKO
Lightweight: Martun Mezhlumyan (ARM) beat Attila Korkmaz (TUR). Unanimous decision
Bantamweight: Ray Borg (USA) beat Jesse Arnett (CAN). Unanimous decision
The years Ramadan fell in May
Despacito's dominance in numbers
Released: 2017
Peak chart position: No.1 in more than 47 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Lebanon
Views: 5.3 billion on YouTube
Sales: With 10 million downloads in the US, Despacito became the first Latin single to receive Diamond sales certification
Streams: 1.3 billion combined audio and video by the end of 2017, making it the biggest digital hit of the year.
Awards: 17, including Record of the Year at last year’s prestigious Latin Grammy Awards, as well as five Billboard Music Awards
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Visit Abu Dhabi culinary team's top Emirati restaurants in Abu Dhabi
Yadoo’s House Restaurant & Cafe
For the karak and Yoodo's house platter with includes eggs, balaleet, khamir and chebab bread.
Golden Dallah
For the cappuccino, luqaimat and aseeda.
Al Mrzab Restaurant
For the shrimp murabian and Kuwaiti options including Kuwaiti machboos with kebab and spicy sauce.
Al Derwaza
For the fish hubul, regag bread, biryani and special seafood soup.
BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES
Saturday, May 16 (kick-offs UAE time)
Borussia Dortmund v Schalke (4.30pm)
RB Leipzig v Freiburg (4.30pm)
Hoffenheim v Hertha Berlin (4.30pm)
Fortuna Dusseldorf v Paderborn (4.30pm)
Augsburg v Wolfsburg (4.30pm)
Eintracht Frankfurt v Borussia Monchengladbach (7.30pm)
Sunday, May 17
Cologne v Mainz (4.30pm),
Union Berlin v Bayern Munich (7pm)
Monday, May 18
Werder Bremen v Bayer Leverkusen (9.30pm)
What are the GCSE grade equivalents?
- Grade 9 = above an A*
- Grade 8 = between grades A* and A
- Grade 7 = grade A
- Grade 6 = just above a grade B
- Grade 5 = between grades B and C
- Grade 4 = grade C
- Grade 3 = between grades D and E
- Grade 2 = between grades E and F
- Grade 1 = between grades F and G
Avengers: Endgame
Directors: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Josh Brolin
4/5 stars
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KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
MATCH INFO
Norwich City 0 Southampton 3 (Ings 49', Armstrong 54', Redmond 79')
Breaking News: The Remaking of Journalism and Why It Matters Now
Alan Rushbridger, Canongate
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
WOMAN AND CHILD
Director: Saeed Roustaee
Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi
Rating: 4/5
Who has lived at The Bishops Avenue?
- George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
- Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
- Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
- Other residents have included Iraqi businessman Nemir Kirdar, singer Ariana Grande, holiday camp impresario Sir Billy Butlin, businessman Asil Nadir, Paul McCartney’s former wife Heather Mills.
Hunting park to luxury living
- Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
- The road was laid out in the mid 19th Century, meandering through woodland and farmland
- Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds
The biog
Favourite food: Fish and seafood
Favourite hobby: Socialising with friends
Favourite quote: You only get out what you put in!
Favourite country to visit: Italy
Favourite film: Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.
Family: We all have one!
More on animal trafficking
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Top tips to avoid cyber fraud
Microsoft’s ‘hacker-in-chief’ David Weston, creator of the tech company’s Windows Red Team, advises simple steps to help people avoid falling victim to cyber fraud:
1. Always get the latest operating system on your smartphone or desktop, as it will have the latest innovations. An outdated OS can erode away all investments made in securing your device or system.
2. After installing the latest OS version, keep it patched; this means repairing system vulnerabilities which are discovered after the infrastructure components are released in the market. The vast majority of attacks are based on out of date components – there are missing patches.
3. Multi-factor authentication is required. Move away from passwords as fast as possible, particularly for anything financial. Cybercriminals are targeting money through compromising the users’ identity – his username and password. So, get on the next level of security using fingertips or facial recognition.
4. Move your personal as well as professional data to the cloud, which has advanced threat detection mechanisms and analytics to spot any attempt. Even if you are hit by some ransomware, the chances of restoring the stolen data are higher because everything is backed up.
5. Make the right hardware selection and always refresh it. We are in a time where a number of security improvement processes are reliant on new processors and chip sets that come with embedded security features. Buy a new personal computer with a trusted computing module that has fingerprint or biometric cameras as additional measures of protection.
Points to remember
- Debate the issue, don't attack the person
- Build the relationship and dialogue by seeking to find common ground
- Express passion for the issue but be aware of when you're losing control or when there's anger. If there is, pause and take some time out.
- Listen actively without interrupting
- Avoid assumptions, seek understanding, ask questions
BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES
Saturday (UAE kick-off times)
Cologne v Union Berlin (5.30pm)
Fortuna Dusseldorf v Borussia Dortmund (5.30pm)
Hertha Berlin v Eintracht Frankfurt (5.30pm)
Paderborn v Werder Bremen (5.30pm)
Wolfsburg v Freiburg (5.30pm)
Bayern Munich v Borussia Monchengladbach (8.30pm)
Sunday
Mainz v Augsburg (5.30pm)
Schalke v Bayer Leverkusen (8pm)
RESULTS
Lightweight (female)
Sara El Bakkali bt Anisha Kadka
Bantamweight
Mohammed Adil Al Debi bt Moaz Abdelgawad
Welterweight
Amir Boureslan bt Mahmoud Zanouny
Featherweight
Mohammed Al Katheeri bt Abrorbek Madaminbekov
Super featherweight
Ibrahem Bilal bt Emad Arafa
Middleweight
Ahmed Abdolaziz bt Imad Essassi
Bantamweight (female)
Ilham Bourakkadi bt Milena Martinou
Welterweight
Mohamed Mardi bt Noureddine El Agouti
Middleweight
Nabil Ouach bt Ymad Atrous
Welterweight
Nouredine Samir bt Marlon Ribeiro
Super welterweight
Brad Stanton bt Mohamed El Boukhari