
Harper hits career homer No. 299, Phillies slug 5 homers in 12-7 win over Ohtani, Angels
Bryce Harper, Bryson Stott, Trea Turner, Alec Bohm and Kyle Schwarber all homered to lead the Philadelphia Phillies to a 12-7 win over the Los Angeles Angels
2023-08-30 09:35

Biden to Visit Israel, Jordan in Bid to Keep War From Escalating
President Joe Biden will travel to Israel Wednesday, in a visit designed to signal US solidarity with its
2023-10-17 08:44

Seattle Kraken to be without forward Jaden Schwartz for six weeks because of upper body injury
The Seattle Kraken will be without forward Jaden Schwartz for six weeks because of an upper body injury
2023-12-02 03:31

AP Top 25: Oklahoma jumps to No. 5, Miami slides after epic gaffe and hoops schools make history
Oklahoma moved up to No. 5 in The Associated Press college football poll and Miami’s late-game gaffe nearly cost the 25th-ranked Hurricanes a spot in the rankings
2023-10-09 02:08

Microsoft revamps deal for video game maker Activision Blizzard to meet UK demands
Microsoft has revamped its bid to buy video game maker Activision Blizzard to appease British competition regulators
2023-08-22 17:37

Who is Aaron Pennington? Manhunt underway for 'armed' US vetern after wife found shot dead at home
In Gardner, Massachusetts, a manhunt was underway for Aaron Pennington after the fatal shooting of his wife Breanne Pennington
2023-10-24 17:02

US Open 2023: Iga Swiatek wants to win, of course. She wants to be heard on key issues, too
Iga Swiatek wants to win the U.S. Open again, of course
2023-08-25 23:02

Why Axel Disasi could solve Mauricio Pochettino’s defensive problems at Chelsea
When it was confirmed in mid-July that Wesley Fofana would face a significant period on the sidelines owing to an ACL injury, Chelsea started to be linked with a host of centre-backs to replace the Frenchman. Harry Maguire was a reported target, so too was Blues academy product Marc Guehi. However, on Sunday evening, reports started to circulate that Chelsea had an agreement in principle with Monaco for towering France international Axel Disasi. The 25-year-old has been on Premier League radars in recent months, with Manchester United and Newcastle both credited with an interest in the Gonesse-born centre-back. Chelsea have since taken the plunge on the defender, bringing him in for €45m. That in itself serves to highlight the extent of Fofana's injury, but even so; Chelsea couldn't afford to pass up the chance to secure Disasi's services. Even with his compatriot available, Mauricio Pochettino's top quality options at the heart of the defence are thin on the ground. Levi Colwill, who is set to pen a new deal at Stamford Bridge, should go on to become a mainstay in the Blues backline, but a partner for the 20-year-old was key. Trevoh Chalobah isn't quite of the standard expected for a club seeking to return to the Champions League, while the west London outfit can't rely on 38-year-old Thiago Silva to manage the backline for another season, particularly in a four-man defence. Benoit Badiashile will return sooner rather than later, but he'll need some time to get up to speed under Pochettino having missed much of pre-season due to a hamstring issue. For the right-sided centre-back role, Disasi can be viewed as a superb acquisition. Standing at 6ft 3in, the France international maximises his stature having won the second most aerial duels (97) of defenders in Ligue 1 last season. And he was consistent in beating opponents in headed battles, too. Of the 143 players to contest 50 or more aerial duels, Disasi's aerial success rate of 70.3% ranked ninth in the division. Considering Chelsea returned an aerial success rate of just 52.1% last season, Disasi's dominance in the air will certainly boost that return. There's also a willingness to get the ball forward quickly from deep. Not only did Chelsea struggle for goals last season, hitting the back of the net 38 times in the Premier League, but they were compounded by an inability to put an opponent to the sword at speed. No team scored fewer counter-attacking goals than Chelsea (1) in England's top tier last term, and even that came in a 4-1 defeat at Manchester United back in May. Disasi, though, is one willing to pick a pass from range, and does so to a decent standard to help quickly turn defence into attack. Indeed, 141 accurate long balls ranked 14th of outfield players in France's top tier last term, and this in itself played a part in Monaco scoring seven counter-attacking goals; only champions PSG (10) netted more. Dominant in the air and sound with the ball at his feet, Disasi seems the perfect fit for a Chelsea side that will seek to control matches where possible. Another key reason behind the drive to sign Disasi, though, will have been his versatility. Primarily a centre-back, he’ll line up at the heart of the defence with everyone fit in Pochettino's 4-2-3-1 setup, but players who can operate in multiple positions are a precious commodity in the modern game. As such, Disasi's ability to play at right-back as well as centre-back will have been another reason behind Chelsea's interest. The departure of Cesar Azpilicueta over the summer means the Blues needed another defender to operate in a couple of roles, and a defensive-minded right-back is a handy squad option. Pochettino has also previously used a three-man backline during his time at Tottenham, a system that does suit the full-backs at his disposal, so the ability to switch between two formations is ideal. Disasi's flexibility will help Pochettino's decision making when it comes to tinkering with his side, particularly in-play, and it cannot be overstated how important this positional interchangeability is for Chelsea. Given how often managers tinker with their setup across the 90 minutes, the potential ability to swap between a four-man and a three-man defence will aid the Blues, not just on a week-by-week basis, but across the season. There are concerns over the defensive side to his game, particularly when up against direct attackers in one-on-one situations, yet from an offensive perspective; Disasi will benefit Chelsea. Given the right protection in front of him, Disasi should be given the crucial time on the ball to help set the Blues on the front foot. Alongside ball-playing star-in-the-making Colwill, Chelsea will have a solid centre-back foundation to help in their quest to return to the Champions League. Read More Chelsea and Barcelona push for Kylian Mbappe player-plus-cash transfer deals Football rumours: Tottenham name Harry Kane price as Bayern Munich prepare bid Chelsea have a Conor Gallagher problem and Tottenham could be the perfect solution Chelsea agree fee with Monaco for France international defender Axel Disasi Football rumours: Chelsea make revised offer for Brighton’s Moises Caicedo England’s attack goes from tired to inspired as new-look front three devastates China
2023-08-02 14:13

Quentin Tarantino shares heartbreaking news: Rick Dalton from 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' has died
Quentin Tarantino wrote, 'We are saddened by the news of the passing of actor Rick Dalton, best known for his role in the hit TV series Bounty Law'
2023-05-22 17:24

2023 MTV VMAs: The best-dressed stars on the red carpet, from Olivia Rodrigo to Doja Cat
The 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) have arrived, and the stars are pulling out all the fashion stops. The VMAs take place on Tuesday 12 September, as fans and fellow performers celebrate the best music videos and artists of the year. The official ceremony is scheduled to air live from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, beginning at 5pm PST/ 8pm EST. Returning as the VMA host for the second year in a row is Nicki Minaj, who will also be performing. Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion are also set to perform, along with Demi Lovato, Olivia Rodrigo, Doja Cat, Fall Out Boy, Karol G, Kelsea Ballerini, Måneskin, Reneé Rapp, Shakira, Sabrina Carpenter and Future. Taylor Swift is also set to make an appearance, as she leads this year’s nominees with eight nods. While many viewers are looking forward to show-stopping performances from their favourite artists, the VMAs has also been known for pulling out some memorable fashion moments, such as Lady Gaga’s iconic meat dress. Here’s all the best dressed artists on the 2023 MTV VMAs red carpet. Olivia Rodrigo Olivia Rodrigo dazzled in a low-cut silver column dress. She styled her long hair brown straight, with a center part. Doja Cat Doja Cat wore a barely-there, white Apocene dress that closely resembled spider webs. The look featured sparse, white fabric draped across her body, with a pair of nude underwear hidden underneath the ensemble. She paired her red carpet fashion with see-through heels, diamond drop earrings, and silver bracelets. Read More What time does the 2023 MTV VMAs start and how to watch? Taylor Swift and SZA lead 2023 MTV Video Music Award nominations MTV Video Music Awards return Tuesday, with an all-female artist of the year category Pro-gamer Jukeyz ‘died for two minutes’ after cardiac arrest which left him ‘scared to sleep’ Fashion executive and breast cancer survivor uses her NYFW show to raise awareness Blake Lively fans wowed by Seventies-inspired gold jumpsuit at New York Fashion Week
2023-09-13 06:18

North Korea's Kim inspects cruise missile test as South Korea-US military drills begin
By Hyonhee Shin SEOUL (Reuters) -North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has overseen a test of strategic cruise missiles, state
2023-08-21 06:19

Former Red Sox hero expresses regret over leaving Boston
Nathan Eovaldi was a hero for the Red Sox en route to the 2018 World Series. Now starring with the Rangers, he expressed regrets leaving Boston.There's no question that Nathan Eovaldi is thriving with the Texas Rangers after signing with the club on a two-year, $34 million this offseason af...
2023-07-06 07:14
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