CRYSTAL PALACE RATINGS: Vicente Guaita – 7. The Palace shot-stopper faced a busy start to the match after having been forced into a terrific save to keep out an effort from distance. Forced off at half time. AP Photo
CRYSTAL PALACE RATINGS: Vicente Guaita – 7. The Palace shot-stopper faced a busy start to the match after having been forced into a terrific save to keep out an effort from distance. Forced off at half time. AP Photo
Nathaniel Clyne – 6. The 30-year-old made just his second league start this season having been kept out by Joel Ward. He did well at right-back, but will feel disappointed to let Alonso get his cross over to Ziyech at the far post. Getty Images
Nathaniel Clyne – 6. The 30-year-old made just his second league start this season having been kept out by Joel Ward. He did well at right-back, but will feel disappointed to let Alonso get his cross over to Ziyech at the far post. Getty Images
Joachim Andersen – 7. A good display by the defender, who kept Chelsea’s frontline quiet for large portions of the game. Getty Images
Joachim Andersen – 7. A good display by the defender, who kept Chelsea’s frontline quiet for large portions of the game. Getty Images
Marc Guehi – 7. The former Chelsea man made the move across London in the summer and alongside Andersen did a good job defending against his former side. AFP
Marc Guehi – 7. The former Chelsea man made the move across London in the summer and alongside Andersen did a good job defending against his former side. AFP
Tyrick Mitchell – 6. A busy game for the Palace left-back, working to limit Ziyech on the wing. He did well for most the game before being caught out by Ziyech for the goal. AFP
Tyrick Mitchell – 6. A busy game for the Palace left-back, working to limit Ziyech on the wing. He did well for most the game before being caught out by Ziyech for the goal. AFP
James McArthur – 7. Brought in to replace the ineligible Conor Gallagher, McArthur proved to be an asset in the middle of the park alongside Kouyate. Getty Images
James McArthur – 7. Brought in to replace the ineligible Conor Gallagher, McArthur proved to be an asset in the middle of the park alongside Kouyate. Getty Images
Cheikhou Kouyate – 6. The Senegal international played his first Premier League minutes in 2022, having been away at the Africa Cup of Nations. Kept himself busy. Getty Images
Cheikhou Kouyate – 6. The Senegal international played his first Premier League minutes in 2022, having been away at the Africa Cup of Nations. Kept himself busy. Getty Images
Jeffrey Schlupp – 7. Scuppered Kante’s move into Palace’s box before sending a glorious ball to Zaha on the left wing, which tore apart Chelsea’s defence. Saw his own shot fly over the crossbar in the 54th minute. AFP
Jeffrey Schlupp – 7. Scuppered Kante’s move into Palace’s box before sending a glorious ball to Zaha on the left wing, which tore apart Chelsea’s defence. Saw his own shot fly over the crossbar in the 54th minute. AFP
Michael Olise – 7. The young Frenchman came close to netting the opener when his strike missed the far post by inches. Sparked a break on the stroke of half time to release Zaha into the box, who couldn’t convert from a tight angle. Booked. Getty Images
Michael Olise – 7. The young Frenchman came close to netting the opener when his strike missed the far post by inches. Sparked a break on the stroke of half time to release Zaha into the box, who couldn’t convert from a tight angle. Booked. Getty Images
Jordan Ayew – 6. Busy and hardworking, Ayew was guilty of losing possession too often. Getty Images
Jordan Ayew – 6. Busy and hardworking, Ayew was guilty of losing possession too often. Getty Images
Wilfried Zaha – 7. Came close to giving his side a half-time lead but saw his effort bobble wide of the far post. Brushed off several challenges in stoppage time before seeing a shot go narrowly wide again. Getty Images
Wilfried Zaha – 7. Came close to giving his side a half-time lead but saw his effort bobble wide of the far post. Brushed off several challenges in stoppage time before seeing a shot go narrowly wide again. Getty Images
Jack Butland (Guaita 46’) – 6. Let off the hook when he parried away Lukaku’s shot into the path of Ziyech, who saw his goal disallowed for offside. AFP
Jack Butland (Guaita 46’) – 6. Let off the hook when he parried away Lukaku’s shot into the path of Ziyech, who saw his goal disallowed for offside. AFP
SUB: Eberechi Eze (Ayew 85’) – N/R. A late substitute for Patrick Vieria’s side. Getty Images
SUB: Eberechi Eze (Ayew 85’) – N/R. A late substitute for Patrick Vieria’s side. Getty Images
SUB: Jean-Philippe Mateta (McArthur 90+1) – N/R. Another late change with McArthur seeing out his first 90 minutes since November. Getty Images
SUB: Jean-Philippe Mateta (McArthur 90+1) – N/R. Another late change with McArthur seeing out his first 90 minutes since November. Getty Images
CHELSEA RATINGS: Edouard Mendy – 6. The AFCON winner returned to Premier League action and had very little to do. Getty Images
CHELSEA RATINGS: Edouard Mendy – 6. The AFCON winner returned to Premier League action and had very little to do. Getty Images
Andreas Christensen – 6. After two successful starts in the Fifa Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi, the Danish centre-back started his first Premier League game since December. Getty Images
Andreas Christensen – 6. After two successful starts in the Fifa Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi, the Danish centre-back started his first Premier League game since December. Getty Images
Thiago Silva – 7. The 37-year-old veteran found himself in the right place several times after the restart to cut out Palace. AP Photo
Thiago Silva – 7. The 37-year-old veteran found himself in the right place several times after the restart to cut out Palace. AP Photo
Antonio Rudiger – 6. The German was denied a goal by a terrific Guaita save. AP Photo
Antonio Rudiger – 6. The German was denied a goal by a terrific Guaita save. AP Photo
Malang Sarr – 6. The 23-year-old kept his place in the starting line-up after his side’s league win against Spurs, and despite putting in a brilliant ball to Kante in the first half, he was caught out by Palace’s fast attacks early on. AFP
Malang Sarr – 6. The 23-year-old kept his place in the starting line-up after his side’s league win against Spurs, and despite putting in a brilliant ball to Kante in the first half, he was caught out by Palace’s fast attacks early on. AFP
Hakim Ziyech – 8. The Moroccan looked to be one of the few influences Chelsea had to get things going. Couldn’t have had it easier than when the ball was parried into his path by Butland, though his goal was disallowed for offside by VAR. Finally got the goal he deserved. PA
Hakim Ziyech – 8. The Moroccan looked to be one of the few influences Chelsea had to get things going. Couldn’t have had it easier than when the ball was parried into his path by Butland, though his goal was disallowed for offside by VAR. Finally got the goal he deserved. PA
N’Golo Kante – 6. Released through on goal after a brilliant pass by Sarr but Guaita was equal to the shot by the Frenchman. Getty Images
N’Golo Kante – 6. Released through on goal after a brilliant pass by Sarr but Guaita was equal to the shot by the Frenchman. Getty Images
Jorginho – 5. The Italian came back into the starting line-up and whilst busier in the second half, struggled to have much influence on the game. Reuters
Jorginho – 5. The Italian came back into the starting line-up and whilst busier in the second half, struggled to have much influence on the game. Reuters
Kai Havertz – 5. A tough afternoon for the German, who glanced a header over the bar in the final 10 minutes. EPA
Kai Havertz – 5. A tough afternoon for the German, who glanced a header over the bar in the final 10 minutes. EPA
Romelu Lukaku – 5. A grand total of two touches in the opening 45 minutes summed up an anonymous display from the Belgian. Had one shot saved. Getty Images
Romelu Lukaku – 5. A grand total of two touches in the opening 45 minutes summed up an anonymous display from the Belgian. Had one shot saved. Getty Images
Christian Pulisic – 5. The American will rue an early miss when he failed to convert at the far post. Anonymous in the second half. Getty Images
Christian Pulisic – 5. The American will rue an early miss when he failed to convert at the far post. Anonymous in the second half. Getty Images
SUB: Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Jorginho 74’) – N/R. Part of a triple substitution from Thomas Tuchel, which seemed to kick on Chelsea after a disappointing start to the second half. AFP
SUB: Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Jorginho 74’) – N/R. Part of a triple substitution from Thomas Tuchel, which seemed to kick on Chelsea after a disappointing start to the second half. AFP
SUB: Mateo Kovacic (Kante 74’) – N/R. Played Lukaku in with a beauty of a ball immediately after coming off the bench, ahead of Ziyech’s disallowed goal. AFP
SUB: Mateo Kovacic (Kante 74’) – N/R. Played Lukaku in with a beauty of a ball immediately after coming off the bench, ahead of Ziyech’s disallowed goal. AFP
SUB: Marcos Alonso (Sarr 74’) – N/R. The Spaniard put a good ball across from the wing to the far post, making it easy for Ziyech to volley home. AP Photo
SUB: Marcos Alonso (Sarr 74’) – N/R. The Spaniard put a good ball across from the wing to the far post, making it easy for Ziyech to volley home. AP Photo

Sport

Football

Crystal Palace vs Chelsea player ratings: Zaha 7, Mitchell 6; Ziyech 8, Lukaku 5

Chelsea striker Lukaku touches ball just seven times in 90 minutes in 1-0 win over Eagles

Emma James

February 20, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Thomas Tuchel conceded Romelu Lukaku "wasn't involved" after the Chelsea striker touched the ball just seven times during the 1-0 victory against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Tuchel's side made a winning return to Premier League action after securing the Fifa Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi last weekend.

They took the points at Selhurst Park thanks to Hakim Ziyech's 89th-minute volley.

But it was Lukaku's anonymous display which was the centre of attention when Tuchel faced the media after the final whistle.

The former Inter Milan star's difficult season continued as he failed to make any impact.

He managed the fewest touches in a single top-flight game for a player who played 90 minutes since Opta started collecting data back in the 2003/04 season.

Lukaku had scored twice in the Club World Cup to reach 10 goals for Chelsea since his £97 million ($131 million) club record move to Stamford Bridge last year.

However, the 28-year-old has not netted in the Premier League since December, when he gave a controversial interview that featured criticism of the way he was being used at Chelsea and hints he wanted to rejoin Inter.

Tuchel opted against criticising Lukaku, but offered little defence of his latest flop.

"I am not so sure if I have a good answer to your question. I don't know what it says. It says he was obviously not involved and could not make a point. I am not sure if it says so much about us in general," Tuchel said.

"We look a bit drained, a bit exhausted, and you can see everybody tries hard. Everybody is looking for the flow where you try hard but nobody sees you are trying hard.

"We are looking for it but in this moment we struggle, which is not a bad thing because everybody wants to be part of it and everybody gives their best but we do struggle a bit.

"For that it is important to win and keep a clean sheet so we keep on going."

Chelsea win Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi

Chelsea celebrate winning the Fifa Club World Cup final after defeating Palmeiras at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, February 12, 2022. All images Chris Whiteoak / The National
Chelsea celebrate winning the Fifa Club World Cup final after defeating Palmeiras at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, February 12, 2022. All images Chris Whiteoak / The National
Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta celebrates winning the Fifa Club World Cup final in Abu Dhabi.
Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta celebrates winning the Fifa Club World Cup final in Abu Dhabi.
Kai Havertz scores the winner for Chelsea against Palmeiras in the Fifa Club World Cup final at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium.
Kai Havertz scores the winner for Chelsea against Palmeiras in the Fifa Club World Cup final at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium.
Chelsea celebrate after Romelu Lukaku scored against Palmeiras in the Fifa Club World Cup final at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Chelsea celebrate after Romelu Lukaku scored against Palmeiras in the Fifa Club World Cup final at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Romelu Lukaku scored Chelsea's opener against Palmeiras in the Fifa Club World Cup final at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Romelu Lukaku scored Chelsea's opener against Palmeiras in the Fifa Club World Cup final at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Raphael Veiga of Palmeiras scores from the penalty spot.
Raphael Veiga of Palmeiras scores from the penalty spot.
Former Chelsea captain John Terry during the Fifa Club World Cup final at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Former Chelsea captain John Terry during the Fifa Club World Cup final at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel speaks with Mateo Kovacic.
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel speaks with Mateo Kovacic.
Palmeiras fans set off a flare during the final at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium.
Palmeiras fans set off a flare during the final at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium.
Chelsea fans during the final at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Chelsea fans during the final at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Palmeiras fans at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium.
Palmeiras fans at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium.
On Women's Day
Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?

The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.

A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.

Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.

The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.

When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.

While you're here
Europe’s rearming plan
  • Suspend strict budget rules to allow member countries to step up defence spending
  • Create new "instrument" providing €150 billion of loans to member countries for defence investment
  • Use the existing EU budget to direct more funds towards defence-related investment
  • Engage the bloc's European Investment Bank to drop limits on lending to defence firms
  • Create a savings and investments union to help companies access capital
While you're here
Sarfira

Director: Sudha Kongara Prasad

Starring: Akshay Kumar, Radhika Madan, Paresh Rawal 

Rating: 2/5

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Profile of Foodics

Founders: Ahmad AlZaini and Mosab AlOthmani

Based: Riyadh

Sector: Software

Employees: 150

Amount raised: $8m through seed and Series A - Series B raise ongoing

Funders: Raed Advanced Investment Co, Al-Riyadh Al Walid Investment Co, 500 Falcons, SWM Investment, AlShoaibah SPV, Faith Capital, Technology Investments Co, Savour Holding, Future Resources, Derayah Custody Co.

COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Red flags
  • Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
  • Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
  • Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
  • Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
  • Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.

Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching

The specs

AT4 Ultimate, as tested

Engine: 6.2-litre V8

Power: 420hp

Torque: 623Nm

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)

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The%20specs%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.0-litre%204cyl%20turbo%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E261hp%20at%205%2C500rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E400Nm%20at%201%2C750-4%2C000rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E7-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E10.5L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh129%2C999%20(VX%20Luxury)%3B%20from%20Dh149%2C999%20(VX%20Black%20Gold)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
On Women's Day
Favourite things

Luxury: Enjoys window shopping for high-end bags and jewellery

Discount: She works in luxury retail, but is careful about spending, waits for sales, festivals and only buys on discount

University: The only person in her family to go to college, Jiang secured a bachelor’s degree in business management in China

Masters: Studying part-time for a master’s degree in international business marketing in Dubai

Vacation: Heads back home to see family in China

Community work: Member of the Chinese Business Women’s Association of the UAE to encourage other women entrepreneurs

Killing of Qassem Suleimani
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Jetour T1 specs

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

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2.0

Director: S Shankar

Producer: Lyca Productions; presented by Dharma Films

Cast: Rajnikanth, Akshay Kumar, Amy Jackson, Sudhanshu Pandey

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Milestones on the road to union

1970

October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar. 

December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.

1971

March 1:  Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.

July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.

July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.

August 6:  The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.

August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.

September 3: Qatar becomes independent.

November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.

November 29:  At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.

November 30: Despite  a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa. 

November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties

December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.

December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.

Killing of Qassem Suleimani
SUNDAY'S ABU DHABI T10 MATCHES

Northern Warriors v Team Abu Dhabi, 3.30pm
Bangla Tigers v Karnataka Tuskers, 5.45pm
Qalandars v Maratha Arabians, 8pm

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What is an FTO Designation?

FTO designations impose immigration restrictions on members of the organisation simply by virtue of their membership and triggers a criminal prohibition on knowingly providing material support or resources to the designated organisation as well as asset freezes. 

It is a crime for a person in the United States or subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to knowingly provide “material support or resources” to or receive military-type training from or on behalf of a designated FTO.

Representatives and members of a designated FTO, if they are aliens, are inadmissible to and, in certain circumstances removable from, the United States.

Except as authorised by the Secretary of the Treasury, any US financial institution that becomes aware that it has possession of or control over funds in which an FTO or its agent has an interest must retain possession of or control over the funds and report the funds to the Treasury Department.

Source: US Department of State

Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
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Transgender report
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Updated: February 20, 2022, 4:27 AM`
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