Cole Palmer has been a revelation since joining Chelsea but he missed several big chances against Middlesbrough. Getty Images
Cole Palmer has been a revelation since joining Chelsea but he missed several big chances against Middlesbrough. Getty Images
Cole Palmer has been a revelation since joining Chelsea but he missed several big chances against Middlesbrough. Getty Images
Cole Palmer has been a revelation since joining Chelsea but he missed several big chances against Middlesbrough. Getty Images

Sport

Football

How to solve a problem like Chelsea's goalscoring woes

Familiar issues in front of goal resurfaced on Tuesday night as the Blues slumped to a shock defeat to Middlesbrough in the League Cup semi-finals

Jon Turner

January 10, 2024

  • English
  • Arabic

Tuesday night's shock defeat to second-tier Middlesbrough in the League Cup semi-finals first leg encapsulated everything about Chelsea since the start of last season, both the good and the bad – mainly the bad.

Let's start with the good (it won't take long): Chelsea once again dominated possession, controlling 72 per cent of the ball, and created a fair few chances, taking 18 shots with five on target.

Now for the bad: Chelsea couldn't score, nor avoid defeat.

The 1-0 loss at Riverside Stadium, courtesy of Hayden Hackney's 37th-minute goal, was Chelsea's 31st defeat dating back to the beginning of the 2022/23 campaign. Of clubs currently in the Premier League, only Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest (32) have lost more matches in that time.

Yet, no top-flight club can match Chelsea's abysmal record of 21 away defeats in that same time period.

Questionable game management and defensive issues have played their part in the Blues' ongoing misery, but the biggest contributing factor continues to be their struggles in front of goal.

A recent overall upturn in league form means Chelsea now have the seventh-best scoring record in the division – a significant improvement on last season, when only four clubs scored fewer goals – but of their eight defeats in the Premier League this campaign, seven could arguably have had different outcomes were the Blues more clinical.

As a consequence, Chelsea languish 10th in the table, and unless Mauricio Pochettino finds a way to solve his team's profligacy then another year without European football surely beckons.

So, how does the Blues manager go about fixing this particular, and glaring, problem? These are the options available to the Argentine.

Time and patience

The very virtues Pochettino has been preaching ever since he was appointed manager last summer.

Chelsea have experienced an unprecedented overhaul in the past 18 months, with 23 senior squad players arriving and 19 leaving on permanent deals in just three transfer windows. Such extreme turnover was only ever going to result in disjointed and inconsistent performances and time is needed for it to all come together as a cohesive unit.

Pochettino's task of gelling the squad has been further complicated by the absence of so many players through injury during his first half-season in charge. At present, eight first-team players are sidelined, led by captain and star player Reece James, while at one stage that number was as high as 14.

Patience is also required when taking a longer-term view of the Chelsea squad. Owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital have focused their transfer strategy on signing some of the most exciting young talents in world football, but that has come at the expense of experience.

Only James, Thiago Silva, Raheem Sterling, the perennially injured Ben Chilwell, Robert Sanchez and arguably Conor Gallagher could be classed as experienced Premier League players, and that has cost Chelsea dearly this season.

While time and patience are needed at Stamford Bridge, in a cut-throat results business like elite football, they are not usually afforded.

MIDDLESBROUGH RATINGS: Would have conceded in first half had Palmer not forgotten his shooting boots. Handed one chance on plate to Chelsea man after spilling easy shot - which he also did after break - but also produced good save to deny same player. AFP
MIDDLESBROUGH RATINGS: Would have conceded in first half had Palmer not forgotten his shooting boots. Handed one chance on plate to Chelsea man after spilling easy shot - which he also did after break - but also produced good save to deny same player. AFP
Dutch defender helped limit Sterling’s contribution to the bare minimum and was at the heart of a brave defensive effort that helped Boro seal a narrow advantage going into the second leg at Stamford Bridge. AFP
Dutch defender helped limit Sterling’s contribution to the bare minimum and was at the heart of a brave defensive effort that helped Boro seal a narrow advantage going into the second leg at Stamford Bridge. AFP
Like all of Boro’s defenders, had home fans' hearts in mouths at times with his determination to play out from the back, although that would change to a no-risk mentality towards end as Chelsea piled on pressure. Getty Images
Like all of Boro’s defenders, had home fans' hearts in mouths at times with his determination to play out from the back, although that would change to a no-risk mentality towards end as Chelsea piled on pressure. Getty Images
Danish defender started in central role but moved out to left due to Bangura’s injury. Up against a tricky customer in Madueke but the fact his oponent was taken off in second half tells whole story. PA
Danish defender started in central role but moved out to left due to Bangura’s injury. Up against a tricky customer in Madueke but the fact his oponent was taken off in second half tells whole story. PA
Left-back was second home player in first 20 minutes to come off injured. The Sierra Leonean appeared to damage his hamstring under pressure from Madueke to leave the home side cursing their luck. PA
Left-back was second home player in first 20 minutes to come off injured. The Sierra Leonean appeared to damage his hamstring under pressure from Madueke to leave the home side cursing their luck. PA
Brilliant first-time ball over top to Jones down the right flank started move that led to opening goal. Should have done better with strike from edge of area that he sent high over bar in second half. Getty Images
Brilliant first-time ball over top to Jones down the right flank started move that led to opening goal. Should have done better with strike from edge of area that he sent high over bar in second half. Getty Images
Pulled shot from outside penalty area wide of goal but then produced nice side-footed first-time finish to put his team in front after 37 minutes. Vital tracking back to deny Chelsea substitute Gilchrist free head at goal late on. Getty Images
Pulled shot from outside penalty area wide of goal but then produced nice side-footed first-time finish to put his team in front after 37 minutes. Vital tracking back to deny Chelsea substitute Gilchrist free head at goal late on. Getty Images
Bundled his way past Colwell down right-hand side of penalty area before providing perfect pass to Hackney who put side 1-0 up. Was always a handful whenever Boro launched a counter-attack. Booked for time-wasting. AP
Bundled his way past Colwell down right-hand side of penalty area before providing perfect pass to Hackney who put side 1-0 up. Was always a handful whenever Boro launched a counter-attack. Booked for time-wasting. AP
Long-serving midfielder and captain guilty of dreadful pass that handed chance on plate to Palmer and would have been relieved to see Chelsea attacker to miss easy chance. Some vital challenges in backs-to-the-wall final 20 minutes. Reuters
Long-serving midfielder and captain guilty of dreadful pass that handed chance on plate to Palmer and would have been relieved to see Chelsea attacker to miss easy chance. Some vital challenges in backs-to-the-wall final 20 minutes. Reuters
Key player for Boro this season, with five goals and six assists, and might have added to his tally in second half if Coburn had threaded a ball through to him instead of attempting to get through on goal on his own. PA
Key player for Boro this season, with five goals and six assists, and might have added to his tally in second half if Coburn had threaded a ball through to him instead of attempting to get through on goal on his own. PA
Boro’s top-scorer was gifted chance in opening minute courtesy of Colwill error but failed to connect with shot – and picked up injury from covering Disasi tackle. Tried to play on but soon limped. Getty Images
Boro’s top-scorer was gifted chance in opening minute courtesy of Colwill error but failed to connect with shot – and picked up injury from covering Disasi tackle. Tried to play on but soon limped. Getty Images
SUBS: (On for Latte Lath 4’) Early introduction for 21-year-old forward who had half a chance to make it 2-0 in first half but could not get show away under pressure from Gusto. Wasted another opportunity when he chose to go alone rather than pass to teammate. Reuters
SUBS: (On for Latte Lath 4’) Early introduction for 21-year-old forward who had half a chance to make it 2-0 in first half but could not get show away under pressure from Gusto. Wasted another opportunity when he chose to go alone rather than pass to teammate. Reuters
(On for Bangura 19’) Another forced substitution due to injury and centre-back was quickly put under pressure by pace of Mandueke and Palmer. A man mountain at back in second half, though. Reuters
(On for Bangura 19’) Another forced substitution due to injury and centre-back was quickly put under pressure by pace of Mandueke and Palmer. A man mountain at back in second half, though. Reuters
CHELSEA RATINGS: Very quiet evening for Serbian goalkeeper who only had to face two shots on target, one of which was the goal. Reuters
CHELSEA RATINGS: Very quiet evening for Serbian goalkeeper who only had to face two shots on target, one of which was the goal. Reuters
Had to make recovery tackle on Coburn after his own dreadful pass almost allowed Boro in for second goal in two first-half minutes. Always looking to push forward but crossing and passing often wayward. PA
Had to make recovery tackle on Coburn after his own dreadful pass almost allowed Boro in for second goal in two first-half minutes. Always looking to push forward but crossing and passing often wayward. PA
On another day, and with VAR in action, could have given away first-minute penalty for crunching tackle on Latte Lath that ended the Boro’s man’s match. Ludicrous shot for goal in 55th minute from 25 metres out flew high and wide. Reuters
On another day, and with VAR in action, could have given away first-minute penalty for crunching tackle on Latte Lath that ended the Boro’s man’s match. Ludicrous shot for goal in 55th minute from 25 metres out flew high and wide. Reuters
Veteran defender was comfortable up against a side whose attacking forays were limited to counter-attacks. One slip in second half almost let in Coburn but the Brazilian recovered to snuff out chance. Went over to try and calm furious Chelsea fans after final whistle. PA
Veteran defender was comfortable up against a side whose attacking forays were limited to counter-attacks. One slip in second half almost let in Coburn but the Brazilian recovered to snuff out chance. Went over to try and calm furious Chelsea fans after final whistle. PA
Disastrous first half from defender. Woeful back header in opening minute put Latte Lath through on goal, booked for pulling down Jones and then failed to stop run from same player ahead of opening goal. Better after break but is not natural left-back and needs to be playing in centre. Getty Images
Disastrous first half from defender. Woeful back header in opening minute put Latte Lath through on goal, booked for pulling down Jones and then failed to stop run from same player ahead of opening goal. Better after break but is not natural left-back and needs to be playing in centre. Getty Images
Fizzed low strike just wide of target in first-half injury-time after the £100m midfielder had done little right in the game. Failed to track back with Hackney ahead of midfielder’s first-half goal and is yet to show anything like the form that encouraged Chelsea to fork out such a huge fee. AFP
Fizzed low strike just wide of target in first-half injury-time after the £100m midfielder had done little right in the game. Failed to track back with Hackney ahead of midfielder’s first-half goal and is yet to show anything like the form that encouraged Chelsea to fork out such a huge fee. AFP
Helped Chelsea dominate possession but there was a distinct lack of passes in behind the home defence from the Blues captain that his team needed to unlock the home defence. England midfielder saw shot on turn fly a few metres wide of target on the hour. PA
Helped Chelsea dominate possession but there was a distinct lack of passes in behind the home defence from the Blues captain that his team needed to unlock the home defence. England midfielder saw shot on turn fly a few metres wide of target on the hour. PA
Handled in own box in opening 10 minutes but referee waived away Boro appeals. Saw shot straight at keeper spilled by Glover but Palmer failed to finish. Nowhere near enough impact from World Cup winner who cost Chelsea more than £100m and was hooked in second half. AFP
Handled in own box in opening 10 minutes but referee waived away Boro appeals. Saw shot straight at keeper spilled by Glover but Palmer failed to finish. Nowhere near enough impact from World Cup winner who cost Chelsea more than £100m and was hooked in second half. AFP
Non-existent as attacking threat in opening 45 minutes with all big chances falling to teammate Palmer. Slight improvement after break but still a frustrating 90 minutes for former Manchester City man. Curled one effort wide of target with 15 minutes to go. Reuters
Non-existent as attacking threat in opening 45 minutes with all big chances falling to teammate Palmer. Slight improvement after break but still a frustrating 90 minutes for former Manchester City man. Curled one effort wide of target with 15 minutes to go. Reuters
A few flashes of his pace and quick feet but showed lack of composure with final ball, whether that be shot or cross. Saw header just after half-time comfortably saved. Reuters
A few flashes of his pace and quick feet but showed lack of composure with final ball, whether that be shot or cross. Saw header just after half-time comfortably saved. Reuters
Leading attack due to injuries but should have had first-half hat-trick only to send one shot wide, another over the bar after Glover’s error and have his last effort saved by the keeper. Got himself into the right positions but finishing deserted him on night. PA
Leading attack due to injuries but should have had first-half hat-trick only to send one shot wide, another over the bar after Glover’s error and have his last effort saved by the keeper. Got himself into the right positions but finishing deserted him on night. PA
SUBS: (On for Fernandez 62’) Drilled shot straight at keeper after being teed-up on edge of box by Sterling. Reuters
SUBS: (On for Fernandez 62’) Drilled shot straight at keeper after being teed-up on edge of box by Sterling. Reuters
Chelsea's Armando Broja attempts a shot on goal, during the English League Cup semi final first leg soccer match between Middlesbrough and Chelsea, at the Riverside Stadium, in Middlesbrough, England, Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024. (Martin Rickett / PA via AP)
Chelsea's Armando Broja attempts a shot on goal, during the English League Cup semi final first leg soccer match between Middlesbrough and Chelsea, at the Riverside Stadium, in Middlesbrough, England, Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024. (Martin Rickett / PA via AP)
(On for Gusto 90’) PA
(On for Gusto 90’) PA

Sign a striker

It's symbolic of Chelsea's muddled approach to transfers that despite almost £1 billion spent on players in the past 18 months, the team is still in desperate need of a goalscorer, a focal point of their attack.

Wouldn't some of the £280 million invested in four central midfielders – Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia, and Lesley Ugochukwu – have been better spent on a striker?

The Blues did spend £30 million to sign Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal last summer, but the 22-year-old Senegalese is young and raw and needs much more time to adapt. He is also absent for the next few weeks on Africa Cup of Nations duty. His rival for the No 9 role, Armando Broja, has impressed Pochettino since his return from long-term injury but at the same age also lacks experience.

Should Chelsea turn to the transfer market this month, what are their options? Given the club's recent outlay, Financial Fair Play will have to be a consideration, so big-money arrivals will likely depend on outgoings.

Even if Chelsea were given carte blanche, options to solve their striker problem this month look limited. England international Ivan Toney, valued at more than £100m, has pledged to repay Brentford's support during his ban; Girona have insisted Artem Dovbyk, the Ukrainian who has fired their surprise La Liga title bid, is going nowhere this month; and Nigerian superstar Victor Osimhen recently signed a new contract with Napoli.

Pochettino has revealed Chelsea "are looking for opportunities" in the transfer market and that talks with the owners about new signings have been "really good". But is there a reliable goalscorer available now that can help solve their problems?

Ivan Toney would seem a ready-made solution but he is set to stay at Brentford until the end of the season. AFP
Ivan Toney would seem a ready-made solution but he is set to stay at Brentford until the end of the season. AFP

Bank on Nkunku

When Christopher Nkunku joined Chelsea last summer, it was hoped the France international would be the solution to their goalscoring woes. While still not a thoroughbred striker, Nkunku has thrived when deployed in the role and his record for RB Leipzig – 58 goals over two seasons – suggests he has no problem finding the net.

He impressed during pre-season when he assumed a key role in Chelsea's new-look attack alongside Sterling and Jackson, but a serious knee injury kept him out for six months. Since making his debut last month, Nkunku has shown promise, scoring off the bench against Wolves in his first league appearance and providing an extra cutting edge in the final third, even while clearly lacking match fitness.

However, the 26-year-old is injured again, this time a hip injury keeping him out of the FA Cup victory against Preston and the League Cup defeat to Middlesbrough. Pochettino is hopeful it's not serious, but it continues a concerning trend for Nkunku, who missed the 2022 World Cup with a knee injury.

When fit and firing, Nkunku has the ability as a scorer and creator to make a huge impact on this Chelsea team. Getting and keeping him fit, however, has proved the biggest challenge so far.

Christopher Nkunku has the ability to be a key player in Chelsea's attack but has struggled for fitness. Getty Images
Christopher Nkunku has the ability to be a key player in Chelsea's attack but has struggled for fitness. Getty Images

Trust the current squad

In addition to Nkunku, there is no shortage of attacking talent in the Chelsea squad.

Cole Palmer has been a revelation since joining from Manchester City with 15 goal involvements (eight scored, seven assisted). Sterling is, with the exception of last season, a proven reliable Premier League goalscorer. Mykhailo Mudryk may have his detractors but the Ukrainian has the skills, pace and potential to be a terrifying winger. Jackson has shown plenty of promise, even if he's been guilty of missing more than a few chances.

Noni Madueke, meanwhile, has shown his desire to take responsibility in big pressure moments, Broja has the ability to make a difference in the box, and even midfielders like Gallagher and Fernandez are more than capable of contributing goals.

Chelsea have not had any problems creating chances; they have created the fifth-most big chances in the Premier League this season (44). However, they are second in most big chances missed (40).

If options in the January transfer market are not forthcoming, then Pochettino will have no choice but to trust his current players. There is enough attacking quality in the squad to find greater consistency in front of goal, even if it requires time and patience.

Chelsea have no problem creating chances but need to be more clinical in front of goal. Getty Images
Chelsea have no problem creating chances but need to be more clinical in front of goal. Getty Images

Voices: How A Great Singer Can Change Your Life
Nick Coleman
Jonathan Cape

Three ways to limit your social media use

Clinical psychologist, Dr Saliha Afridi at The Lighthouse Arabia suggests three easy things you can do every day to cut back on the time you spend online.

1. Put the social media app in a folder on the second or third screen of your phone so it has to remain a conscious decision to open, rather than something your fingers gravitate towards without consideration.

2. Schedule a time to use social media instead of consistently throughout the day. I recommend setting aside certain times of the day or week when you upload pictures or share information. 

3. Take a mental snapshot rather than a photo on your phone. Instead of sharing it with your social world, try to absorb the moment, connect with your feeling, experience the moment with all five of your senses. You will have a memory of that moment more vividly and for far longer than if you take a picture of it.

Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Combating coronavirus

White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogenChromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxideUltramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica contentOphiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on landOlivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour

The specs

Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six

Power: 650hp at 6,750rpm

Torque: 800Nm from 2,500-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto

Fuel consumption: 11.12L/100km

Price: From Dh796,600

On sale: now

War on waste
The 10 Questions
  • Is there a God?
  • How did it all begin?
  • What is inside a black hole?
  • Can we predict the future?
  • Is time travel possible?
  • Will we survive on Earth?
  • Is there other intelligent life in the universe?
  • Should we colonise space?
  • Will artificial intelligence outsmart us?
  • How do we shape the future?
While you're here
What is type-1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a genetic and unavoidable condition, rather than the lifestyle-related type 2 diabetes.

It occurs mostly in people under 40 and a result of the pancreas failing to produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugars.

Too much or too little blood sugar can result in an attack where sufferers lose consciousness in serious cases.

Being overweight or obese increases the chances of developing the more common type 2 diabetes.

New UK refugee system

 

  • A new “core protection” for refugees moving from permanent to a more basic, temporary protection
  • Shortened leave to remain - refugees will receive 30 months instead of five years
  • A longer path to settlement with no indefinite settled status until a refugee has spent 20 years in Britain
  • To encourage refugees to integrate the government will encourage them to out of the core protection route wherever possible.
  • Under core protection there will be no automatic right to family reunion
  • Refugees will have a reduced right to public funds
The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

UAE currency
SPECS
%3Cp%3EEngine%3A%20Supercharged%203.5-litre%20V6%0D%3Cbr%3EPower%3A%20400hp%0D%3Cbr%3ETorque%3A%20430Nm%0D%3Cbr%3EOn%20sale%3A%20Now%0D%3Cbr%3EPrice%3A%20From%20Dh450%2C000%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs: 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali

Price, base / as tested Dh207,846 / Dh220,000

Engine 6.2L V8

Transmission Eight-speed automatic

Power 420hp @ 5,600rpm

Torque 624Nm @ 4,100rpm

Fuel economy, combined 13.5L / 100km

While you're here
While you're here
THE CLOWN OF GAZA

Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah 

Starring: Alaa Meqdad

Rating: 4/5

The Sand Castle

Director: Matty Brown

Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea

Rating: 2.5/5

Company profile

Name:​ One Good Thing ​

Founders:​ Bridgett Lau and Micheal Cooke​

Based in:​ Dubai​​ 

Sector:​ e-commerce​

Size: 5​ employees

Stage: ​Looking for seed funding

Investors:​ ​Self-funded and seeking external investors

MATCH INFO

Al Jazira 3 (O Abdulrahman 43', Kenno 82', Mabkhout 90 4')

Al Ain 1 (Laba 39')

Red cards: Bandar Al Ahbabi (Al Ain)

TICKETS

For tickets for the two-day Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) event, entitled Dubai Invasion 2019, on September 27 and 28 go to www.meraticket.com.

Whiile you're here
UAE currency
RACE SCHEDULE

All times UAE ( 4 GMT)

Friday, September 29
First practice: 7am - 8.30am
Second practice: 11am - 12.30pm

Saturday, September 30
Qualifying: 1pm - 2pm

Sunday, October 1
Race: 11am - 1pm

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How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
  1. Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
  2. Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
  3. Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
  4. Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
  5. Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
  6. The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
  7. Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269

*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year

Two-step truce

The UN-brokered ceasefire deal for Hodeidah will be implemented in two stages, with the first to be completed before the New Year begins, according to the Arab Coalition supporting the Yemeni government.

By midnight on December 31, the Houthi rebels will have to withdraw from the ports of Hodeidah, Ras Issa and Al Saqef, coalition officials told The National. 

The second stage will be the complete withdrawal of all pro-government forces and rebels from Hodeidah city, to be completed by midnight on January 7.

The process is to be overseen by a Redeployment Co-ordination Committee (RCC) comprising UN monitors and representatives of the government and the rebels.

The agreement also calls the deployment of UN-supervised neutral forces in the city and the establishment of humanitarian corridors to ensure distribution of aid across the country.

Safety 'top priority' for rival hyperloop company

The chief operating officer of Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, Andres de Leon, said his company's hyperloop technology is “ready” and safe.

He said the company prioritised safety throughout its development and, last year, Munich Re, one of the world's largest reinsurance companies, announced it was ready to insure their technology.

“Our levitation, propulsion, and vacuum technology have all been developed [...] over several decades and have been deployed and tested at full scale,” he said in a statement to The National.

“Only once the system has been certified and approved will it move people,” he said.

HyperloopTT has begun designing and engineering processes for its Abu Dhabi projects and hopes to break ground soon. 

With no delivery date yet announced, Mr de Leon said timelines had to be considered carefully, as government approval, permits, and regulations could create necessary delays.

if you go

The flights Fly Dubai, Air Arabia, Emirates, Etihad, and Royal Jordanian all offer direct, three-and-a-half-hour flights from the UAE to the Jordanian capital Amman. Alternatively, from June Fly Dubai will offer a new direct service from Dubai to Aqaba in the south of the country. See the airlines’ respective sites for varying prices or search on reliable price-comparison site Skyscanner.

The trip 

Jamie Lafferty was a guest of the Jordan Tourist Board. For more information on adventure tourism in Jordan see Visit Jordan. A number of new and established tour companies offer the chance to go caving, rock-climbing, canyoning, and mountaineering in Jordan. Prices vary depending on how many activities you want to do and how many days you plan to stay in the country. Among the leaders are Terhaal, who offer a two-day canyoning trip from Dh845 per person. If you really want to push your limits, contact the Stronger Team. For a more trek-focused trip, KE Adventure offers an eight-day trip from Dh5,300 per person.

While you're here
Results

4pm: Maiden (Dirt) Dh165,000 1,600m
Winner: Moshaher, Pat Dobbs (jockey), Doug Watson (trainer).

4.35pm: Handicap (D) Dh165,000 2,200m
Winner: Heraldic, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.

5.10pm: Maiden (Turf) Dh165,000 1,600m
Winner: Rua Augusta, Harry Bentley, Ahmad bin Harmash.

5.45pm: Handicap (D) Dh190,000 1,200m
Winner: Private’s Cove, Mickael Barzalona, Sandeep Jadhav.

6.20pm: Handicap (T) Dh190,000 1,600m
Winner: Azmaam, Jim Crowley, Musabah Al Muhairi.

6.55pm: Handicap (D) Dh190,000 1,400m
Winner: Bochart, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.

7.30pm: Handicap (T) Dh190,000 2,000m
Winner: Rio Tigre, Mickael Barzalona, Sandeep Jadhav.

GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

While you're here
Final scores

18 under: Tyrrell Hatton (ENG)

- 14: Jason Scrivener (AUS)

-13: Rory McIlroy (NIR)

-12: Rafa Cabrera Bello (ESP)

-11: David Lipsky (USA), Marc Warren (SCO)

-10: Tommy Fleetwood (ENG), Chris Paisley (ENG), Matt Wallace (ENG), Fabrizio Zanotti (PAR)

The specs: 2019 Jeep Wrangler

Price, base: Dh132,000

Engine: 3.6-litre V6

Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic

Power: 285hp @ 6,400rpm

Torque: 347Nm @ 4,100rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 9.6L to 10.3L / 100km

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The specs
Engine: 2.4-litre 4-cylinder

Transmission: CVT auto

Power: 181bhp

Torque: 244Nm

Price: Dh122,900 

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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
Tearful appearance

Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday. 

Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow. 

She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.

A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.

MATCH INFO

Juventus 1 (Dybala 45')

Lazio 3 (Alberto 16', Lulic 73', Cataldi 90 4')

Red card: Rodrigo Bentancur (Juventus)

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Global state-owned investor ranking by size

1.

United States

2.

China

3.

UAE

4.

Japan

5

Norway

6.

Canada

7.

Singapore

8.

Australia

9.

Saudi Arabia

10.

South Korea
Updated: January 10, 2024, 10:27 AM
ChelseaPremier League