Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

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‘Cristiano Ronaldo: a marvel of the sporting age who turns 32 in two months’ time but remains an acme of preening, twelve-packed athletic perfection.’ Photograph: Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo, Leo Messi, Fresh Air, a Vacuum, Elevator Music, then the Rest

by Barney Ronay | Dec 26, 2016 | Sports

Yes: it’s Him again. For the last few weeks it’s been hard to turn around without bumping into Cristiano Ronaldo, burnished and gleaming, immaculately tuxedoed, proudly fondling his latest gong. Well, here’s another one. As 2016 draws to a close the fifth edition of...

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Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy, right, is shown the red card by Craig Pawson during last Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Stoke. Photograph: Mike Egerton/PA

Leicester’s Loss of Vardy Highlights Inflexibility of FA’s Appeals Procedure

by Paul Wilson | Dec 24, 2016 | Sports

Gary Lineker is right. There seems no point even appealing against a red card any more because unless you have evidence to prove mistaken identity or something similar the Football Association’s independent regulatory commission is simply going to back the referee’s...

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Ronald Koeman, left, congratulates Romelu Lukaku on scoring against Crystal PalacePaul Ellis/AFP/Getty Images

Ronald Koeman Pokes Hornets’ Nest at Everton with Uncomfortable Truths

by Paul Wilson | Nov 21, 2016 | Lifestyle & Culture

Welcome back to club football, the sort that does not have to apologise for forcing viewers to wait an extra day for I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here!. Events have been unfolding during the international break and it transpires that some Everton supporters think...

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Football Soccer Britain – Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur – EFL Cup Fourth Round – Anfield – 16/17 – 25/10/16
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp
Action Images via Reuters / Jason Cairnduff

European Absence Gives Liverpool Chance to End Long Wait for League Title

by Paul Wilson | Oct 29, 2016 | Sports

Arsène Wenger must be a genius if he can come up with a points total that will be necessary to win the title. Between 82 and 86 points, since you ask. Either that or he was having a little joke, which has been known to happen. “He must have more experience of the...

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Diambars academy taught us to have a lot of respect but it also gave you a joie de vivre for the game,’ says Everton’s £7.1m signing Idrissa Gueye. Photograph: Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images

Everton’s Idrissa Gueye: ‘I Am a Perfectionist. I Don’t Like Losing the Ball – Ever’

by Andy Hunter | Sep 28, 2016 | Sports

Perfect in every aspect of football.” Of all the tributes paid to Idrissa Gana Gueye for his impact at Everton – the new N’Golo Kanté, the signing of the season so far or an absolute steal at 6.3% of the cost of Paul Pogba, to repeat a few – none have been as...