ASTON VILLA PLAYER RATINGS: Produced a very good save to deny Odegaard from point-blank range in the 38th minute. Had a scary moment where he punched a corner-kick into the back of Watkins, which almost led to an own goal. AFP
Emiliano Martinez 7/10
ASTON VILLA PLAYER RATINGS: Produced a very good save to deny Odegaard from point-blank range in the 38th minute. Had a scary moment where he punched a corner-kick into the back of Watkins, which almost led to an own goal. AFP
ASTON VILLA PLAYER RATINGS: Produced a very good save to deny Odegaard from point-blank range in the 38th minute. Had a scary moment where he punched a corner-kick into the back of Watkins, which almo
Kept Saka quiet in the first half but struggled in the second. Stung the palms of Raya with a low shot in the 61st minute. PA
Lucas Digne 6/10
Kept Saka quiet in the first half but struggled in the second. Stung the palms of Raya with a low shot in the 61st minute. PA
Kept Saka quiet in the first half but struggled in the second. Stung the palms of Raya with a low shot in the 61st minute. PA
Dealt well with the threat of the pacy Martinelli and kept him relatively quiet. Good sliding tackle to stop Havertz from getting on the end of Zinchenko’s pass in the 16th minute. Reuters
Ezri Konsa 7/10
Dealt well with the threat of the pacy Martinelli and kept him relatively quiet. Good sliding tackle to stop Havertz from getting on the end of Zinchenko’s pass in the 16th minute. Reuters
Dealt well with the threat of the pacy Martinelli and kept him relatively quiet. Good sliding tackle to stop Havertz from getting on the end of Zinchenko’s pass in the 16th minute. Reuters
Made an important clearance to stop Havertz from tapping the ball into an empty goal in the 23rd minute. Excellent goal-line clearance to stop Martinelli from drawing the Gunners level in the 35th minute. Getty Images
Diego Carlos 7/10
Made an important clearance to stop Havertz from tapping the ball into an empty goal in the 23rd minute. Excellent goal-line clearance to stop Martinelli from drawing the Gunners level in the 35th minute. Getty Images
Made an important clearance to stop Havertz from tapping the ball into an empty goal in the 23rd minute. Excellent goal-line clearance to stop Martinelli from drawing the Gunners level in the 35th min
Superb at the back for Villa and didn’t put a foot wrong all game. EPA
Pau Torres 8/10
Superb at the back for Villa and didn’t put a foot wrong all game. EPA
Superb at the back for Villa and didn’t put a foot wrong all game. EPA
The least advanced of the home side’s midfield, Kamara tucked in well and sat just ahead of the defence. Ran himself into the ground after the Gunners took control of proceedings. Reuters
Boubacar Kamara 7/10
The least advanced of the home side’s midfield, Kamara tucked in well and sat just ahead of the defence. Ran himself into the ground after the Gunners took control of proceedings. Reuters
The least advanced of the home side’s midfield, Kamara tucked in well and sat just ahead of the defence. Ran himself into the ground after the Gunners took control of proceedings. Reuters
Another relentless performance from the Brazilian who threw himself into every challenge. Lucky to get away with a foul on Gabriel Jesus in the penalty area just after the restart. Getty Images
Douglas Luiz 7/10
Another relentless performance from the Brazilian who threw himself into every challenge. Lucky to get away with a foul on Gabriel Jesus in the penalty area just after the restart. Getty Images
Another relentless performance from the Brazilian who threw himself into every challenge. Lucky to get away with a foul on Gabriel Jesus in the penalty area just after the restart. Getty Images
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 09: John McGinn of Aston Villa celebrates scoring their team's first goal during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Arsenal FC at Villa Park on December 09, 2023 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill / Getty Images)
Aston Villa v Arsenal FC - Premier League
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 09: John McGinn of Aston Villa celebrates scoring their team's first goal during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Arsenal FC at Villa Park on December 09, 2023 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill / Getty Images)
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 09: John McGinn of Aston Villa celebrates scoring their team's first goal during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Arsenal FC at Villa Park on December 09
Started the game well and deservedly grabbed the assist for the goal, following an excellent run and cutback to set up McGinn. Picked up an injury which limited him in the first half and was brought off at half-time. Getty Images
Leon Bailey 8/10
Started the game well and deservedly grabbed the assist for the goal, following an excellent run and cutback to set up McGinn. Picked up an injury which limited him in the first half and was brought off at half-time. Getty Images
Started the game well and deservedly grabbed the assist for the goal, following an excellent run and cutback to set up McGinn. Picked up an injury which limited him in the first half and was brought o
Caused plenty of problems for the Gunners midfield with his movement in the first half. His influence quickly waned after the restart, and was deservedly subbed off early in the second half. AFP
Youri Tielemans 6/10
Caused plenty of problems for the Gunners midfield with his movement in the first half. His influence quickly waned after the restart, and was deservedly subbed off early in the second half. AFP
Caused plenty of problems for the Gunners midfield with his movement in the first half. His influence quickly waned after the restart, and was deservedly subbed off early in the second half. AFP
Called Raya into action with a first-time shot in the 67th minute. Made a nuisance of himself at the top of the pitch and caused Saliba problems. EPA
Ollie Watkins 6/10
Called Raya into action with a first-time shot in the 67th minute. Made a nuisance of himself at the top of the pitch and caused Saliba problems. EPA
Called Raya into action with a first-time shot in the 67th minute. Made a nuisance of himself at the top of the pitch and caused Saliba problems. EPA
SUBS: (Bailey 46') Did well to set up Watkins for a shot in the 67th minute. Helped out at the back when the visitors upped the tempo in search of an equaliser late in the game. Getty Images
Moussa Diaby 6/10
SUBS: (Bailey 46') Did well to set up Watkins for a shot in the 67th minute. Helped out at the back when the visitors upped the tempo in search of an equaliser late in the game. Getty Images
SUBS: (Bailey 46') Did well to set up Watkins for a shot in the 67th minute. Helped out at the back when the visitors upped the tempo in search of an equaliser late in the game. Getty Images
(Tielemans 56') Never stopped running and was useful on the few occasions Villa pushed up in the second half. PA
Jacob Ramsey 7/10
(Tielemans 56') Never stopped running and was useful on the few occasions Villa pushed up in the second half. PA
(Tielemans 56') Never stopped running and was useful on the few occasions Villa pushed up in the second half. PA
(Konsa 66') Had a go from range in the 76th minute, but his effort went wide. Stayed close to Trossard and stopped him from making an impact. Getty Images
Matty Cash 7/10
(Konsa 66') Had a go from range in the 76th minute, but his effort went wide. Stayed close to Trossard and stopped him from making an impact. Getty Images
(Konsa 66') Had a go from range in the 76th minute, but his effort went wide. Stayed close to Trossard and stopped him from making an impact. Getty Images
(Kamara 67') Brought on to add fresh legs to Villa's tiring midfield, Deondoncker worked hard and played almost like a third centre-back. Reuters
Leander Dendoncker 7/10
(Kamara 67') Brought on to add fresh legs to Villa's tiring midfield, Deondoncker worked hard and played almost like a third centre-back. Reuters
(Kamara 67') Brought on to add fresh legs to Villa's tiring midfield, Deondoncker worked hard and played almost like a third centre-back. Reuters
(Digne 78') Excellent last-ditch interception to stop Jesus from playing Saka through on goal with ten minutes of normal time left to play. Reuters
Alex Moreno N/A
(Digne 78') Excellent last-ditch interception to stop Jesus from playing Saka through on goal with ten minutes of normal time left to play. Reuters
(Digne 78') Excellent last-ditch interception to stop Jesus from playing Saka through on goal with ten minutes of normal time left to play. Reuters
ARSENAL PLAYER RATINGS: Had a shaky moment in the third minute when he stepped off his line to claim a cross, but dropped it. Forced into a routine save by Watkins in the second half. Couldn’t do anything about the goal. AP
David Raya 6/10
ARSENAL PLAYER RATINGS: Had a shaky moment in the third minute when he stepped off his line to claim a cross, but dropped it. Forced into a routine save by Watkins in the second half. Couldn’t do anything about the goal. AP
ARSENAL PLAYER RATINGS: Had a shaky moment in the third minute when he stepped off his line to claim a cross, but dropped it. Forced into a routine save by Watkins in the second half. Couldn’t do anyt
Allowed McGinn to turn too easily in the build-up to the goal. Wasn’t at his best defensively and struggled with his decision-making on the few occasions he joined the attack. Reuters
Ben White 4/10
Allowed McGinn to turn too easily in the build-up to the goal. Wasn’t at his best defensively and struggled with his decision-making on the few occasions he joined the attack. Reuters
Allowed McGinn to turn too easily in the build-up to the goal. Wasn’t at his best defensively and struggled with his decision-making on the few occasions he joined the attack. Reuters
Looked suspect with his defensive positioning all through the game but was brilliant going forward. Played several line-breaking passes. Getty Images
Oleksandr Zinchenko 6/10
Looked suspect with his defensive positioning all through the game but was brilliant going forward. Played several line-breaking passes. Getty Images
Looked suspect with his defensive positioning all through the game but was brilliant going forward. Played several line-breaking passes. Getty Images
Had a tough outing against the hardworking Watkins. Kept the striker at arm's length for most of the game. Getty Images
William Saliba 6/10
Had a tough outing against the hardworking Watkins. Kept the striker at arm's length for most of the game. Getty Images
Had a tough outing against the hardworking Watkins. Kept the striker at arm's length for most of the game. Getty Images
Should have got closer to Bailey to prevent him from passing to McGinn in the build-up to the winning goal. Brilliant recovery tackle to stop a McGinn cross in the 93rd minute. AP
Gabriel Magalhaes 6/10
Should have got closer to Bailey to prevent him from passing to McGinn in the build-up to the winning goal. Brilliant recovery tackle to stop a McGinn cross in the 93rd minute. AP
Should have got closer to Bailey to prevent him from passing to McGinn in the build-up to the winning goal. Brilliant recovery tackle to stop a McGinn cross in the 93rd minute. AP
A tireless performance from the midfielder. Mopped up several loose balls and helped kickstart attacks from deep. AFP
Declan Rice 7/10
A tireless performance from the midfielder. Mopped up several loose balls and helped kickstart attacks from deep. AFP
A tireless performance from the midfielder. Mopped up several loose balls and helped kickstart attacks from deep. AFP
Tried to catch Martinez out at his near post with a shot in the 33rd minute, but his effort went just wide. Should have scored when Havertz brilliantly set him up in the second half. Getty Images
Martin Odegaard 5/10
Tried to catch Martinez out at his near post with a shot in the 33rd minute, but his effort went just wide. Should have scored when Havertz brilliantly set him up in the second half. Getty Images
Tried to catch Martinez out at his near post with a shot in the 33rd minute, but his effort went just wide. Should have scored when Havertz brilliantly set him up in the second half. Getty Images
Thought he had scored the equaliser with just one minute to play, but his goal was harshly ruled out for handball. Reuters
Kai Havertz 6/10
Thought he had scored the equaliser with just one minute to play, but his goal was harshly ruled out for handball. Reuters
Thought he had scored the equaliser with just one minute to play, but his goal was harshly ruled out for handball. Reuters
Had the Gunners’ first shot on target with a shot straight into the hands of Martinez in the 31st minute. Barely got involved in the first half but improved in the second and caused Digne problems. Getty Images
Bukayo Saka 6/10
Had the Gunners’ first shot on target with a shot straight into the hands of Martinez in the 31st minute. Barely got involved in the first half but improved in the second and caused Digne problems. Getty Images
Had the Gunners’ first shot on target with a shot straight into the hands of Martinez in the 31st minute. Barely got involved in the first half but improved in the second and caused Digne problems. Ge
Whipped in an excellent cross towards Saka at the back post in the fifth minute, but the England international failed to make the right connection. Went close to making it 1-1 in the 35th minute, but a goal-line clearance denied him. EPA
Gabriel Martinelli - 5/10
Whipped in an excellent cross towards Saka at the back post in the fifth minute, but the England international failed to make the right connection. Went close to making it 1-1 in the 35th minute, but a goal-line clearance denied him. EPA
Whipped in an excellent cross towards Saka at the back post in the fifth minute, but the England international failed to make the right connection. Went close to making it 1-1 in the 35th minute, but
Forced Martinez into a smart save in the 41st minute. His first touch let him down when was played through by Saka in the 68th minute. EPA
Gabriel Jesus 6/10
Forced Martinez into a smart save in the 41st minute. His first touch let him down when was played through by Saka in the 68th minute. EPA
Forced Martinez into a smart save in the 41st minute. His first touch let him down when was played through by Saka in the 68th minute. EPA
SUBS: (Martinelli 70') Almost cost his side a goal following a wayward pass at the edge of the Arsenal penalty area just after coming on. Not the best of cameos from the Belgian. Getty Images
Leandro Trossard 5/10
SUBS: (Martinelli 70') Almost cost his side a goal following a wayward pass at the edge of the Arsenal penalty area just after coming on. Not the best of cameos from the Belgian. Getty Images
SUBS: (Martinelli 70') Almost cost his side a goal following a wayward pass at the edge of the Arsenal penalty area just after coming on. Not the best of cameos from the Belgian. Getty Images
(Jesus 81') Had the Gunners’ last chance of the match but failed to keep a header on target. Reuters
Eddie Nketiah N/A
(Jesus 81') Had the Gunners’ last chance of the match but failed to keep a header on target. Reuters
(Jesus 81') Had the Gunners’ last chance of the match but failed to keep a header on target. Reuters
(Zinchenko 90') Came on too late to make an impact. AFP
Reiss Nelson N/A
(Zinchenko 90') Came on too late to make an impact. AFP
(Zinchenko 90') Came on too late to make an impact. AFP

Sport

Football

Aston Villa v Arsenal player ratings: McGinn 8, Watkins 6; Rice 7, Odegaard 5

John McGinn's early goal continues Villa's superb home form in a 1-0 win over the Gunners

Olakunle Afolabi

December 10, 2023

  • English
  • Arabic

Aston Villa closed to within two points of the top of the Premier League as John McGinn's goal beat title rivals Arsenal 1-0 on Saturday.

Unai Emery's men have now won 15 consecutive Premier League games at Villa Park and back-to-back victories over Manchester City and the Gunners have sparked hopes of an unexpected challenge for their first title since 1981.

The only goal came after just six minutes when Villa captain McGinn span onto Leon Bailey's cross and fired into the top corner.

Arsenal's second league defeat of the season leaves Mikel Arteta's men one point behind Liverpool, who went top with a controversial 2-1 win at Crystal Palace earlier on Saturday.

Victory was sweet for Emery, who was sacked by Arsenal four years ago.

The Spaniard has made a remarkable impact in just over a year at Villa on his return to England, taking charge thirteen months ago with the club outside the relegation zone only on goals scored.

Arsenal's ascent to the top of the table prior to this weekend has been built on a series of vital late goals.

And the visitors nearly snatched a point in stoppage time as Kai Havertz forced the ball home in a goalmouth scramble, but the German international handled it before prodding in at the back post.

Check out the photo gallery above for the player ratings from Villa Park. To move on to the next slide, click on the arrows or swipe if using a mobile device.

More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
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
BMW M5 specs

Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor

Power: 727hp

Torque: 1,000Nm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh650,000

Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-final, second leg result:

Ajax 2-3 Tottenham

Tottenham advance on away goals rule after tie ends 3-3 on aggregate

Final: June 1, Madrid

Closing the loophole on sugary drinks

As The National reported last year, non-fizzy sugared drinks were not covered when the original tax was introduced in 2017. Sports drinks sold in supermarkets were found to contain, on average, 20 grams of sugar per 500ml bottle.

The non-fizzy drink AriZona Iced Tea contains 65 grams of sugar – about 16 teaspoons – per 680ml can. The average can costs about Dh6, which would rise to Dh9.

Drinks such as Starbucks Bottled Mocha Frappuccino contain 31g of sugar in 270ml, while Nescafe Mocha in a can contains 15.6g of sugar in a 240ml can.

Flavoured water, long-life fruit juice concentrates, pre-packaged sweetened coffee drinks fall under the ‘sweetened drink’ category
 

Not taxed:

Freshly squeezed fruit juices, ground coffee beans, tea leaves and pre-prepared flavoured milkshakes do not come under the ‘sweetened drink’ band.

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)
Results

5pm: Reem Island – Conditions (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,600m; Winner: Farasah, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Musabah Al Muhairi

5.30pm: Sir Baniyas Island – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: SSR Ghazwan, Antonio Fresu, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami

6pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: Astral Del Sol, Sean Kirrane, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami

6.30pm: Al Maryah Island – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Toumadher, Dane O’Neill, Jaber Bittar

7pm: Yas Island – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: AF Mukhrej, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel

7.30pm: Saadiyat Island – Handicap (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 2,400m; Winner: Celestial Spheres, Gary Sanchez, Ismail Mohammed

The national orchestra
How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
The%20US%20Congress%20explained
%3Cp%3E-%20Congress%20is%20one%20of%20three%20branches%20of%20the%20US%20government%2C%20and%20the%20one%20that%20creates%20the%20nation's%20federal%20laws%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20Congress%20is%20divided%20into%20two%20chambers%3A%20The%20House%20of%20Representatives%20and%20the%20Senate%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%C2%A0The%20House%20is%20made%20up%20of%20435%20members%20based%20on%20a%20state's%20population.%20House%20members%20are%20up%20for%20election%20every%20two%20years%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20A%20bill%20must%20be%20approved%20by%20both%20the%20House%20and%20Senate%20before%20it%20goes%20to%20the%20president's%20desk%20for%20signature%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20A%20political%20party%20needs%20218%20seats%20to%20be%20in%20control%20of%20the%20House%20of%20Representatives%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20The%20Senate%20is%20comprised%20of%20100%20members%2C%20with%20each%20state%20receiving%20two%20senators.%20Senate%20members%20serve%20six-year%20terms%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20A%20political%20party%20needs%2051%20seats%20to%20control%20the%20Senate.%20In%20the%20case%20of%20a%2050-50%20tie%2C%20the%20party%20of%20the%20president%20controls%20the%20Senate%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Results:

5pm: Conditions (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m | Winner: AF Tahoonah, Richard Mullen (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer)

5.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh90,000 1,400m | Winner: Ajwad, Gerald Avranche, Rashed Bouresly

6pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,600m | Winner: RB Lam Tara, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel

6.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 1,600m | Winner: Duc De Faust, Szczepan Mazur, Younis Al Kalbani

7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup (PA) Dh70,000 2,200m | Winner: Shareef KB, Fabrice Veron, Ernst Oertel

7.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh90,000 1,500m | Winner: Bainoona, Pat Cosgrave, Eric Lemartinel

Transgender report
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo

The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
​​​​​​​Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km

Correspondents

By Tim Murphy

(Grove Press)

The rules on fostering in the UAE

A foster couple or family must:

  • be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
  • not be younger than 25 years old
  • not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
  • be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
  • have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
  • undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
  • A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
While you're here
COMPANY PROFILE

Name: Qyubic
Started: October 2023
Founder: Namrata Raina
Based: Dubai
Sector: E-commerce
Current number of staff: 10
Investment stage: Pre-seed
Initial investment: Undisclosed 

Five famous companies founded by teens

There are numerous success stories of teen businesses that were created in college dorm rooms and other modest circumstances. Below are some of the most recognisable names in the industry:

  1. Facebook: Mark Zuckerberg and his friends started Facebook when he was a 19-year-old Harvard undergraduate. 
  2. Dell: When Michael Dell was an undergraduate student at Texas University in 1984, he started upgrading computers for profit. He starting working full-time on his business when he was 19. Eventually, his company became the Dell Computer Corporation and then Dell Inc. 
  3. Subway: Fred DeLuca opened the first Subway restaurant when he was 17. In 1965, Mr DeLuca needed extra money for college, so he decided to open his own business. Peter Buck, a family friend, lent him $1,000 and together, they opened Pete’s Super Submarines. A few years later, the company was rebranded and called Subway. 
  4. Mashable: In 2005, Pete Cashmore created Mashable in Scotland when he was a teenager. The site was then a technology blog. Over the next few decades, Mr Cashmore has turned Mashable into a global media company.
  5. Oculus VR: Palmer Luckey founded Oculus VR in June 2012, when he was 19. In August that year, Oculus launched its Kickstarter campaign and raised more than $1 million in three days. Facebook bought Oculus for $2 billion two years later.
Updated: December 10, 2023, 6:50 AM`
Aston VillaArsenalPremier League