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After dismal 4-1 loss to Arsenal, Tudor says Spurs need mentality shift and hard work, not relegation fear

Igor Tudor has said thinking about relegation will not help Tottenham turn around their form.

Spurs sunk to a dismal derby defeat to Arsenal on Sunday, losing 4-1 to their North London rivals on home soil. The defeat extended the club’s winless run to nine games in thePremier League and leaves Spurs just four points above the relegation places.

Tottenham ended last season 17th in thePremier League but were never close to genuine trouble as the relegated sides were cut adrift at the bottom. However, Spurs have been dragged into a dogfight this time around and the Europa League holders face the prospect of an unthinkable relegation if results do not improve.

Tudor has taken charge on an interim basis until the end of the season and has outlined the need to change ‘bad habits’.

“Difficult start against a team who is now in this moment. A different level of physical state of mind, so congratulations to them. They were much better and they deserve this win,” Tudor reflected on the loss to Arsenal, speaking toBBC Radio 5 Live.

“I got the spirit which we wanted to do things, but it was not enough. It is nice to understand where we are in this moment.

“It showed me on Tuesday that we need to work hard and work hard and seriously.

“Now in this moment, the team is full of problems. The only key is to work on the training day by day and be humble. We need to be more aggressive – we need to be more compact. These are the keys.

“You understand the gap with the mental sharpness of one team and other teams. This is a thing we need to change. I saw players available to do this, but we need more time to do this.

“Thinking about relegation doesn’t bring you anything to anybody.”

In further comments toSky Sports, Tudor said Spurs need to shift their mentality after a poor run of results.

“I’m sad because it was not good enough. Arsenal was much better. At this moment there is too much gap between the two teams. It’s good to show and to see this kind of team the start to show us where we need to be. It’s about work, to start to work hard because we struggle in a lot of things for sure.

“Psychologically, we need to come out from this moment, only way is work, stay quiet stay humble, stay where we are now and look at the future. Growing day by day, week by week. Too strong for us at this moment.

“Too much bad habits in the past, each part of the team we need to look at ourselves, grow, be humble. We need to run more, we need to play better, we need to defend better, we need to win duels, second duels. second balls.

“We prepared these four, five days but they were faster, even I can say that the players showed the passion, they wanted to run, but we pressed high. They are stronger they have more power, more energy. They believe more, that is the key in the end is they believe more. And that’s it, so take the lessons.”

​https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/dismal-4-1-loss-arsenal-104500721.html 

Sheffield United 2-1 Sheffield Wednesday: Blades Complete Another Double And Relegate Owls

Sheffield United completed another double over Sheffield Wednesday after holding onto a 2-1 win at Bramall Lane on Sunday afternoon which officially relegated the Owls.

The Blades took an early lead when Gustavo Hamer picked the ball up on the edge of the box and reversed a pass to the left for Patrick Bamford who finished superbly inside two minutes at the Kop end. United doubled their advantage when Harrison Burrows broke into the box on the left and lasered a left-footed strike past Seny Dieng. The game took a huge twist in the opening minutes of the second half when Kalvin Phillips was shown a straight red card, and inevitably the Owls got a huge boost which led to a rare Steel City derby goal thanks to Charlie McNeil.

Lineups

Blades: Cooper, Tanganga, Bindon, Hamer (Arblaster 53), O’Hare (Soumare 83), Brooks (Hoever 63), Burrows, Phillips, Seriki (Hjelde 83), Peck, Bamford (Campbell 63).

Unused: A. Davies, Cannon, Chong, McGuinness.

Wednesday: Dieng, Palmer, Ingelsson, J. Lowe, Yates (Moses 87), Cooper (Ugbo 79), McNeill (McGhee 90), Ndala, Otegbayo, Heskey, Adaramola (Fusire 87).

Unused: Stretch, Johnson, Grainger, Emery, Thornton.

First Half

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 22: Gustavo Hamer of Sheffield United clashes with Gabriel Otegbayo of Sheffield Wednesday during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday at Bramall Lane on February 22, 2026 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Cameron Smith/Getty Images)

With barely 60 seconds on the clock, Ndala’s attempted clearance went horribly wrong, dropping invitingly at the feet of Gustavo Hamer some 30 yards from goal. The Blades midfielder reacted instantly, sliding a perfectly weighted pass into Patrick Bamford, who kept his composure to slot home with a calm, clinical finish and stun the visitors before they had even settled.

The early breakthrough rattled Wednesday, and it almost became two soon after. Callum O’Hare surged forward with intent and unleashed a fierce drive that cannoned off the outside of the post, while Japhet Tanganga blazed over the bar following a cleverly worked free-kick routine.

On 19 minutes, that dominance told again. A defence-splitting through ball from Sydie Peck carved Wednesday open, and Harrison Burrows raced onto it before firing emphatically past Seny Dieng at his near post.

At 2-0, the home side were rampant, moving the ball with confidence and purpose, and looking every bit capable of extending their advantage.

Second Half

For much of the first half, it was one-way traffic. The Blades dictated the tempo, won the midfield battles, and pressed relentlessly. Wednesday struggled to gain a foothold and offered little in response. However, the complexion of the contest shifted dramatically when Phillips was shown a red card.

Wednesday pushed forward and they had not scored a goal against Sheffield United since 2017, but that barren run came to an end when Charlie McNeil found the net, halving the deficit.

The drama did not end there. With Wednesday pressing for an equaliser, Otegbayo received his marching orders for hauling down Tyrese Campbell, restoring parity in numbers and easing some of the pressure on the hosts.

Even so, the closing stages were far from comfortable. The Blades had to weather a late storm as Wednesday threw bodies forward in search of a leveller. But there were chances at the other end too. Tyrese Campbell and the tireless Sydie Peck both had opportunities to wrap up the points, only to be denied by impressive saves from Dieng in the visiting goal as the clock ticked down.

This win keeps Sheffield United six points off the play-offs as they prepare to host league leaders Coventry City on Wednesday night.

​https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/sheffield-united-2-1-sheffield-104500397.html 

🎥 You can’t watch it enough: Ache’s overhead kick on video

When it comes to future goal awards, you simply can’t overlook Ragnar Ache’s bicycle kick. And because it was so beautiful, here it is again in the video. After all, you can never watch it enough. 

Even ‘DAZN’ expert Sami Khedira was thrilled during the halftime break: “This is a beautiful goal because it is so technically demanding. It’s the goal of the month, possibly even the goal of the year.”

Additionally, the former Real star drew a comparison to his former teammate, which is sure to please Ache. “The last time I saw such a goal, I was on the field and just five meters away. That was a goal by Cristiano Ronaldo.”

📸 ALBERTO PIZZOLI – AFP or licensors

Scoring the goal of the year already in February would definitely be a statement. 

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

​https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/t-watch-enough-ache-overhead-104100231.html 

Lewis Steele: Young star “makes defenders panic and retreat”

Ngumoha Moment Signals Slot’s Next Big Call as Salah Watches On

There are nights when the football is silk and the points slip away, and nights like Nottingham Forest when the football is ragged yet the result gleams. As reported by Lewis Steele of dailymail.co.uk, this was “a great robbery in the parish of Robin Hood” – a line that felt both cheeky and painfully accurate.

Slot’s Liverpool, champions less than a year ago, found themselves stumbling through a dire first half at the City Ground before snatching victory. Alexis Mac Allister, scorer of the decisive moment, admitted as much afterwards: “I love scoring, I love winning, but I don’t think we played very well.” It was honesty that rang louder than the goal itself.

Yet amid the muddle, one name echoed louder than most: Ngumoha.

Nottingham, England, 22nd February 2026. Alexis Mac Allister 

Ngumoha Cameo Changes Narrative Around Slot

Every manager has a dilemma between caution and courage. Slot’s is wrapped in a teenager’s boots. Ngumoha arrived late from the bench and instantly bent the mood of the match. Steele wrote that he “makes defenders panic and retreat,” and you could see it in the way Forest’s back line dropped five yards without instruction.

This was not hype. It was instinct. Liverpool had struggled for width and invention, and suddenly a 17-year-old ran at defenders like the game still belonged to street football.

Slot himself acknowledged the promise: “He has incredible potential… I don’t think there is any other 17-year-old who has played as many minutes in the Premier League as he has.” That is not flattery. That is evidence.

For a side where Salah has carried the right flank for years, the arrival of Ngumoha is both a relief and a challenge.

Salah Standard Sets Bar for Young Wingers

No winger in Liverpool’s modern history has set a benchmark like Salah. Even in quieter months, defenders double up on him out of fear, not form. Steele noted that both Salah and Cody Gakpo have endured a lean spell – Salah last scoring in the league in early November – and that context matters when judging Ngumoha’s opportunity.

But football is not sentimental. It is tactical. Slot must ask what gives Liverpool balance now, not what gave them glory yesterday.

Ngumoha is not expected to deliver ten goals overnight. He offers something subtler: chaos. Against compact defences, chaos is currency. You know this from watching Liverpool under Slot’s pressing philosophy – when rhythm breaks, goals often follow.

For Salah, it may be the push that sharpens his edge. For Slot, it is a selection decision looming ever larger.

Slot’s Selection Dilemma After Forest Escape

Liverpool’s first half against Forest was dire by their own standards. Steele noted it was “the eighth time this season that the Reds have not tested a goalkeeper in the opening 45 minutes.” Slot agreed bluntly: “The first-half was really poor… but the second-half was much better.”

Managers rarely admit such things unless they must. Slot is no fool. He knows slow starts will haunt Liverpool against sharper opponents.

And here lies the dilemma: trust experience or reward momentum?

Ngumoha’s cameos are no longer curiosities. They are arguments.

Momentum Shift Could Shape Title Chase

There was resilience in the win. Steele observed Liverpool “would have lost this game two months ago,” and that mental strength is not trivial. It is often what separates champions from hopefuls.

Slot’s Liverpool are still searching for their cleanest rhythm. With Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City forever lurking and Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal relentless, margins matter. Young legs, fearless dribbles, fresh energy – these are not luxuries in a title race.

Ngumoha may not start every week. He should not. But if Slot wants Liverpool’s attack to breathe again, the boy who makes defenders retreat might soon be first on the teamsheet.

And when that happens, Salah will not be diminished. He will be challenged. Liverpool’s history is built on that kind of competition – from Rush and Dalglish to Mane and Salah. Now it may be Ngumoha’s turn to knock.

​https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/lewis-steele-young-star-makes-104000100.html 

Brazil step up efforts to implement nationwide “Vinicius Law” after racism incident in Benfica vs Real Madrid

The controversy involving Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. and Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestiani continues to create waves far beyond European football. 

What began as an on-field incident during the Champions League clash between Real Madrid and Benfica has now sparked a political movement in Brazil.

According to reports from AS, Brazilian lawmakers are accelerating efforts to implement what is being referred to as the ‘Vinicius Law’, which is a national proposal aimed at tackling racist abuse in football stadiums across the country.

The proposed legislation had already been presented in Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies by Congressman Chico Alencar. 

However, following the recent events involving Vinicius and Prestianni, the Socialism and Freedom Party has demanded that the approval process be fast-tracked.

The core objective of the Vinicius Law is zero tolerance for racism inside stadiums.

What would be the conclusion?

One of the central measures would allow referees to immediately suspend matches if any form of racist abuse is reported. 

This would mark a strong shift in responsibility, placing direct power in the hands of officials to halt games rather than relying solely on post-match investigations.

The Vinicius episode has had a great effect beyond Europe. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

In addition to match suspensions, the proposal includes mandatory training courses for professionals involved in organising sporting events. 

Educational campaigns aimed at fans would also be introduced, alongside the creation of a unified and effective protocol to identify and punish offenders.

It is worth noting that similar measures already exist in certain Brazilian states. The outlet mentions that regions such as Rio de Janeiro and Rio Grande do Sul have introduced local protocols designed to combat racist behaviour at sporting events. 

Furthermore, the Brazilian Football Confederation has already approved internal rules that can penalise clubs involved in acts of racism with points deductions.

However, lawmakers believe a unified national law would send a stronger message.

The heated Champions League encounter between Real Madrid and Benfica, particularly the confrontation involving Vinicius and Prestianni, has acted as the catalyst for renewed urgency. 

Brazilian politicians now see an opportunity to transform a controversial episode into a structural reform.

​https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/brazil-step-efforts-implement-nationwide-104000060.html 

Transfer: Mamadou Lamine Camara finally signs with Al Ahli Tripoli

It’s official now. A happy ending has been reached.

Transfer: Mamadou Lamine Camara finally signs with Al Ahli Tripoli

Al Ahli announced on Sunday the signing of Mamadou Lamine Camara.The Senegal international departs Berkane and Morocco, heading to Libya.

The long-awaited transfer saga has finally come to an end! After several failed attempts, Mamadou Lamine Camara leaves Renaissance Berkane. The Senegalese star, an African champion, joins Al Ahli.

The Libyan giants paid the release clause, estimated at $2.4 million. The 23-year-old midfielder has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract.

Mamadou Lamine Camara is set for a new challenge in the Libyan Premier League after five successful seasons with Berkane, where he won the CAF Confederation Cup twice (2022 and 2025) and the Moroccan league in 2025.

​https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/transfer-mamadou-lamine-camara-finally-104000706.html 

Real Madrid criticised over handling of forward player – “They are killing him”

Real Madrid lost 2-1 to Osasuna, and despite needing a goal in the closing stages, they did not turn to Franco Mastantuono. The 18-year-old, who signed last summer for a fee of €45m, has not played a single minutes in Los Blancos’ last three matches, which has confused supporters and pundits alike.

Mastantuono recently spoke highly of Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa, but in the last couple of weeks, he has not been trusted. In particular, those in Argentina are concerned about the situation, with former footballer Norberto Alonso taking aim at the Bernabeu club during a recent interview (via Marca).

“They are killing him. Do you know why? I think that boy is going to end up in a team at the bottom. Then, maybe he will return to Real Madrid, but first he has to be given the chance to show that he can play for Real Madrid.”

Image via Denis Doyle/Getty Images

Argentine national team concerned about Mastantuono

As per the report, officials of the Argentine national team have been monitoring Mastantuono’s situation in recent weeks, and his lack of action is causing problems. They are not happy about him barely playing, as it will not leave him in good stead ahead of La Finalissima in March, as well as this summer’s World Cup in North America.

Arbeloa’s decision to switch to a midfield four has been to the detriment of Mastantuono, and it is persists, he could continue to be frozen out – especially when Rodrygo Goes returns from injury in the next couple of weeks.

In hindsight, a loan exit in January could have been the ideal solution for the teenager, who did receive an approach from reigning Serie A champions Napoli. He turned that down, but he may now been regretting that, given his current lack of prominence.

​https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/real-madrid-criticised-over-handling-104000569.html 

Ligue 1: Arsène Kouassi injured, but his coach reassures the fans

The fear was greater than the harm for the Burkinabé left winger.

Ligue 1: Arsène Kouassi injured, but his coach reassures the fans

Lorient clinched a 3-3 draw against Nice on Sunday in matchday 23 of the French Ligue 1.The match saw Lorient’s left-back, Arsène Kouassi, suffer an injury that forced him off the pitch.

The incident occurred in the 18th minute after a challenge with Nice’s Morgan Sanson. Arsène Kouassi immediately clutched his right thigh and stayed down on the pitch for several minutes. He attempted to continue but was substituted at halftime.

After the final whistle, Lorient head coach Olivier Pantaloni was quick to reassure everyone, explaining that the Burkinabé international wanted to keep playing, but caution took precedence.According to the coach, the injury was not muscular, but simply a minor knock.

It’s just a bruise. He thought he could carry on, but as time went by he felt some tightness in his thigh. We preferred to wait until halftime to avoid an early substitution. It’s nothing more than a bruise and I think he’ll be back to normal soon.

Kouassi is scheduled to undergo medical tests on Monday to learn more about the extent of this sudden injury.

​https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/ligue-1-ars-ne-kouassi-104000764.html 

Follow live coverage as Team GB arrive home from the Winter OlympicsApproximately 30 Team GB athletes are set to arrive at Gatwick airport at 11:30 GMT It follows their best gold medal performance at a Games after Team GB won five medals, including three golds, to finish 15th in the tableBritain had never previously won more than one gold at a Games beforeMatt Weston won two golds in skeleton – the men’s event and the team competition with Tabby Stoeker while Charlotte Bankes won gold in the team snowboard cross with Huw Nightingale

Team GB arrive home from Italy after their most successful Winter Games ever

​https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/team-gb-arrive-home-italy-103802218.html 

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella believes Ferrari and Mercedes are “a step ahead” of the field heading into the first F1 race of the season.

Pre-season testing for the new campaign concluded last Friday in Bahrain, with Ferrari impressing with their rapid race starts and unique rear-wing design.

Mercedes, whose engines McLaren will once again use this season, have long been heralded as the early frontrunners this year and testing validated that assertion, with both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli showing strong pace throughout.

McLaren look right in contention but, despite having won the last two constructors’ championships and last year’s drivers’ title with Lando Norris, Stella insists they are not frontrunners heading into Australia on 8 March.

Asked about the pecking order, Stella replied: “There is a race simulation that I was, I think, was on Thursday [between] Oscar [Piastri] and [Max] Verstappen. It happened at a similar time of the day, and it was a similar pace.

“Often, the race simulation is actually where you can more accurately see what the genuine performance of cars is. The reason why I think we have to be careful is that depending on the time of the day, then the race simulation may be quite a lot faster.

“Like now [on the last day] Lando, he was performing pretty strongly in a race simulation, but at the same time, probably the end of day three was the fastest time the track has been across the six days. So, difficult [to say]. I think McLaren and Red Bull are probably very similar. Ferrari and Mercedes are a step ahead.”

Despite this, the street circuit at Albert Park in Melbourne has a host of different characteristics to the Bahrain International Circuit, where the last six days of testing took place.

Andrea Stella says Ferrari and Mercedes are ‘a step ahead’ (Getty)

Stella added: “I think in 2026 we will have to look at the characteristics of the circuits, including this feature related to how easy it is as a circuit for the power unit requirement.

“So Barcelona was actually relatively demanding in terms of balance between deployment and harvesting. In Bahrain, it was relatively easier because you spend enough time in braking that basically you do all the harvesting braking. You don’t need to do anything special in terms of lifting off, for instance, in order to add the time at which you harvest your power unit.

“Now we go to Australia. In Australia, we go back to one circuit in which it will be a bit more difficult. So in Australia it will be a little bit more difficult.

“I think we will see the drivers will be busier in terms of their driving style to make sure that the power unit is exploited in terms of harvesting energy and deployment of energy in a way that is efficient. And when we say efficient, it means efficient for a long time.”

Norris won last year’s season-opener in Australia and will race this year with the No 1 on his car after his inaugural title triumph.

​https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/mclaren-f1-boss-backs-ferrari-103643620.html