NFL PLAYOFF PREVIEW: Gridiron's greatest show gets underway

This season's Chicago Bears have now produced one of the finest defensive runs in a generation (or since the last great Bears defense of 1985.) (AFP)
Updated 02 January 2019
Follow

NFL PLAYOFF PREVIEW: Gridiron's greatest show gets underway

LONDON: So, it has finally arrived — the business end of any NFL season. As exciting and intriguing as the regular season can be, the playoffs always pique the interest of fans. And they always throw up gridiron of the highest quality and games that live long in the memory. Now that we know the teams that are left gunning for Super Bowl glory, Arab News offers up some predictions for this weekend’s Wild card round.



Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts
We have seen this season that the Texans are perfectly set for the kind of games we see take place in the postseason. The one-score, tight affairs which always hang on a knife-edge until the very last second. The Texans have played in 11 such games during the regular season, so you fancy them to last the distance should this one go down to the wire. Their only worry will be the form of Deshaun Watson in the final few weeks.


As for the Colts, they will be thanking their “Lucky” stars that quarterback Andrew Luck has been back to his very best in 2018. Often a bridesmaid, he has come good this year and has been influential in turning around their 1-5 start. And all of the praise Luck has received has overshadowed the incredible work of the Colts' defense over the same period.

ARAB NEWS PREDICTS: Texans to edge it, based purely on home advantage


Dallas Cowboys vs. Seattle Seahawks

It was not the best end to the season for the Cowboys — they limped over the line in the end, only just pipping the Philadelphia Eagles to the NFC East title. But this Cowboys offense will be confident that they have enough to cause problems for the league’s very best, let alone an off-the-boil Seahawks. Running Back Ezekiel Elliott and rookie linebacker Leighton Vander Esch will be the aces in the pack for Dallas.


Seattle’s offense has been a shadow of its Super Bowl-winning self in recent years, but 2018 was a particular nadir. Not something that fills the Seahawk faithful with much hope of going deep in the playoffs. But one silver lining is that they entered Week 17 with a chance to tie the NFL record for the lowest total of turnovers (10) over a full season in league history. Russell Wilson and Co. will have to be on top form to win this one.

ARAB NEWS PREDICTS: Cowboys to seal a comfortable win and move onto the Divisional week
 

Baltimore Ravens vs. Los Angeles Chargers
It has been quite a remarkable second half of the season for the Ravens, who appear reinvigorated by one of the NFL’s best defenses this year. Second only to the impenetrable Chicago Bears in the league, it has been a masterclass of restricting and suffocating opposition offenses. Regular readers of this column will know we often advocate the value of defenses if teams want to win the Big Game — a strong defense and solid special teams are a vital and rare commodity in the playoffs.

This Chargers team have finally enmeshed their obvious talent with a mental resilience that was so often missing in recent years. Victories at Seattle, Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs attest to that. But they have so often started games far too slowly, and will need to be on fire from the first kick-off to the final whistle in the playoffs if Philip Rivers is to finally fulfil his potential as a QB and win the Super Bowl. 

ARAB NEWS PREDICTS: Rivers to have the game of his life and kick-start a glorious run to the Super Bowl


Chicago Bears vs. Philadelphia Eagles
What a difference a year makes. The Bears finished last season second-last in the NFC with a 5-11 record. They have now produced one of the finest defensive runs in a generation (or since the last great Bears defense of 1985) and now find themselves with a genuine chance of Super Bowl glory. This Bears defensive line should be able to keep playoff games low-scoring enough for their offensive line to finish the job.

As for the Eagles, their blistering, Super Bowl-winning offense of last year has petered out and it will be the upset of the season if Philadelphia go to and steal a win. Their only hope is the clear chemistry between coach Doug Pederson and on-off QB Nick Foles, and the latter’s telepathic connection with his offensive linemen.

ARAB NEWS PREDICTS: A valiant effort from the Eagles will not be enough to stop Chicago’s defensive juggernaut rolling on

 


Arsenal down Manchester United to take Premier League title race to the wire

Updated 12 May 2024
Follow

Arsenal down Manchester United to take Premier League title race to the wire

  • Manchester City still have the destiny of the title in their own hands as the defending champions have two matches left to Arsenal’s one

MANCHESTER: Arsenal kept their Premier League title dreams alive by ending an Old Trafford hoodoo to grind out a 1-0 win at Manchester United on Sunday, moving back top of the table and taking the championship battle down to the last weekend.
Leandro Trossard scored the only goal on 20 minutes as Arsenal won for just the second time in 17 games away at United to go a point clear at the summit.
Manchester City still have the destiny of the title in their own hands as the defending champions have two matches left to Arsenal’s one.
However, the Gunners kept the pressure on Pep Guardiola’s men ahead of their tricky trip to Tottenham on Tuesday.
“Our history wasn’t very optimistic (here) but we found a way to win it and that says a lot about how much the team wants it,” said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.
“We want to knock that door and open that box of dreams to have in front of our people the opportunity to win the Premier League.”
Arsenal host Everton on the final day next Sunday, while City entertain West Ham.
Defeat further dented United’s chances of competing in Europe next season.
Erik ten Hag’s men showed more spirit than in a dismal 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Monday, but have now won just one of their last eight Premier League games.
United remain eighth in the table, three points adrift of both Newcastle, who they face on Wednesday, and Chelsea.
Arsenal have been in scintillating form in 2024 to remain in the race for their first league title in 20 years.
Arteta’s men have won 15 and drawn one of their 17 league games since the turn of the year.
But Arsenal were far from their flowing best as the expected onslaught of an injury-ravaged United never materialized under unusually stifling heat in England’s north-west.
The manner of defeat at Palace had increased the scrutiny on United boss Ten Hag.
The Dutchman’s options were again hamstrung by a lengthy list of absentees with captain Bruno Fernandes among those sidelined and a bench littered with youngsters.
“It’s like trying to swim with your hands tied behind your back,” said Ten Hag of United’s injury crisis.
“You see the fans are behind us. They fought with us. Today we gave them (something) back but that should be the standard in every game.
“You see even when we miss seven starting players we are competitive with one of the best teams in the league.”
However, Ten Hag’s decision to retain Casemiro as a makeshift center-back after his woeful showing against Palace will become another stick with which to beat the beleaguered coach.
After United had managed to keep the free-scoring visitors at bay for the opening 20 minutes, Casemiro was culpable for the goal.
The 32-year-old was labored in pushing up from a United goal-kick to play Kai Havertz onside and Trossard then stole in on the blind side of Casemiro to tap in the German’s cross.
United’s new co-owner Jim Ratcliffe was in attendance at Old Trafford rather than at Wembley to see the club’s women pick up their first ever major trophy in the FA Cup final.
The work that lies ahead of Ratcliffe has been laid bare in recent weeks and he saw first hand the improvements that are also required at Old Trafford as rain poured through a leaking roof once the sun turned to a thunderstorm late on.
Alejandro Garnacho was United’s one live wire but Arsenal were rarely seriously troubled as they held out for a sixth clean sheet in their last seven away league games.
The Gunners victory also set a club record of 27 wins in a Premier League season.
Yet, even that may not be enough should City maintain their ruthless run.


Bengaluru win five in row to keep IPL play-off hopes alive, Chennai victorious again

Updated 12 May 2024
Follow

Bengaluru win five in row to keep IPL play-off hopes alive, Chennai victorious again

  • Bengaluru, who moved to fifth, have mounted a late charge to make the play-offs

BENGALURU: Rajat Patidar's attacking fifty and inspired bowling set up Royal Challengers Bengaluru's fifth straight win to improve their IPL play-off hopes with a 47-run thrashing of Delhi Capitals on Sunday.
Bengaluru posted 187-9 after Cameron Green hit an unbeaten 24-ball 32 and bowlers then combined to bowl out Delhi for 140 in 19.1 overs at their home M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Bengaluru, who moved to fifth, have mounted a late charge to make the play-offs but will need to win their last league match and other results to go in their favour to be in the top four.
Delhi slipped to sixth and go into their final match with 12 points. Bengaluru have also 12 points from 13 matches, but boast a better run-rate.
"Brilliant, we put in some good performances and I'm really pleased. It's just confidence," Bengaluru skipper Faf du Plessis said.
"First half of the season, things didn't quite come together and from that batting perspective and bowling perspective we have been able to put it together now."
In the first match of the day, skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad led holders Chennai Super Kings to a five-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals and boost their play-off hopes.
Chennai moved to 14 points and third place with seven wins in 13 matches.
Rajasthan remain second in the 10-team table led by Kolkata Knight Riders, who are the only team to have already qualified for the next stage.
The top four teams will make the play-offs with the final on May 26 in Chennai.
In match two, star batsman Virat Kohli took charge after he smashed 27 off 13 balls to lay the foundation of Bengaluru's total in a match where Delhi missed skipper Rishabh Pant, who was suspended after a slow over-rate offence.
Kohli remains the leading batsman this season with 661 runs including one century and five half-tons.
Patidar, who hit 52, soon took control in a 88-run stand with England batsman Will Jacks, who smashed 41, before a late charge by Green.
Delhi faltered in their chase after they lost David Warner for one off left-arm spinner Swapnil Singh.
Left-arm quick Yash Dayal took down Abishek Porel and then ran out Jake Fraser-McGurk in successive balls and soon Delhi slipped to 30-4.
Stand-in-skipper Axar Patel put up a fight with his 57 off 39 balls but fell to Dayal in the 16th over and the wheels came off the chase.
Australia's Green took a wicket and ran out Tristan Stubbs to add to his batting cameo and was named player of the match for the first time this season.
"When your main players are run out and you lose four in powerplay, you're chasing the game," said Patel. "Anything can happen (in the race to the play-offs), but we haven't thought that far ahead."
In the earlier match, five-time champions Chennai restricted Rajasthan to 141-5, a total they overhauled with 10 balls to spare in their last home game at MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Gaikwad anchored Chennai's tricky chase as they lost wickets at regular intervals including when Ravindra Jadeja was called out for "obstructing the field".
Jadeja was sent back by Gaikwad while attempting a second run and he changed direction on the pitch when the throw from wicketkeeper Sanju Samson hit his hand and the third umpire ruled him out after an appeal from the opposition.
Gaikwad kept his cool and put on an unbeaten 24-run stand with impact substitute Sameer Rizvi, who hit the winning boundary.


Home heroics for South Korean Hyo-Joo Kim in Aramco Team Series

Updated 12 May 2024
Follow

Home heroics for South Korean Hyo-Joo Kim in Aramco Team Series

  • 10-under-par total steers Hyo-Joo Kim clear of England’s Charley Hull at inaugural Aramco Team Series presented by PIF – Korea
  • Danielle Kang’s team claim Team trophy in early-morning session

SEOUL: Hyo-Joo Kim took advantage of an early-morning start to claim the maiden Aramco Team Series presented by PIF – Korea title on Sunday at New Korea Country Club in Seoul.

The South Korean LPGA star joined the Ladies European Tour event to tee up in Seoul in front of her devoted fans, and they were rewarded with a performance to remember.

Resuming the rest of her second round after rain stopped play, Kim was able to move to 6-under-par, setting up a blockbuster final grouping with Mariajo Uribe (-4) and Charley Hull (-3).

Despite a strong start from Hull, Kim was able to remain focused on the task in hand — stepping up a gear on the back nine, with birdies on 14, 16 and 17 putting her in the driving seat.

However, for large parts it was close, with just one stroke in it on the 10th hole — with LPGA stars Hull and Kim showing their class before Kim’s final-round 4-under meant she finished three strokes clear of her rival.

“Playing alongside Charley certainly brought out my competitive edge,” said the South Korean.

“When there are so many birdies in a group, it elevates everyone’s competitive spirit, and I think it worked pretty well for me. Thanks to Charley, I was able to focus even more.

“I’m really happy to have won. It was my first victory at an LET tournament, and it feels special to now have a winning record on each tour.

“I’m now going to have a two-day party here in Korea before I get back to practice.”

It was not to be on the day for Hull who, despite her final round of 4-under-par, came up just short.

But for Hull, who recorded a string of five birdies in seven holes on the front nine, there were plenty of positives to take as she bids for her first win since 2022.

She said: “It’s a tricky course, and the greens are tough, and there’s not many positions you can put the pins in — they slope so you have to hit it in the right sides.

“But I played really well today and I’m really happy with the round. Hyo-Joo kind of ran away with it in the end, and she holed some great putts for birdie. I’m happy with the week overall, but it’s hard when you don’t win and you’re second again.”

The early-morning session also saw the exciting conclusion of the team event, as Team Uribe were unable to catch Team Kang, who took the title with a score of 23-under-par.

Danielle Kang later heaped praise on the team format, with the win ensuring her visit to Korea was a memorable one.

She said: “Golf is often seen as an individual sport, so playing as a team was refreshing.

“The support from teammates makes a big difference, especially mentally. Personally, I prefer the team format as it motivates me to perform better for the team rather than just myself. It feels more fulfilling than winning alone.”

The Aramco Team Series presented by PIF will next head to London on July 3-5, with a strong field set to be announced soon.


Jorge Jesus hails ‘spectacular season’ as Al-Hilal secure 19th league title

Updated 12 May 2024
Follow

Jorge Jesus hails ‘spectacular season’ as Al-Hilal secure 19th league title

  • Roshn Saudi League set to ‘grow better and better,’ Portuguese coach says
  • Side will contest King’s Cup final against Riyadh rivals Al-Nassr at end of season

RIYADH: Al-Hilal manager Jorge Jesus declared 2023/24 “a spectacular season” after the club claimed their 19th Saudi Pro League championship with a 4-1 victory over Al-Hazem on Saturday night.

Twelve points ahead of Riyadh rivals and nearest Roshn Saudi League challengers Al-Nassr, the title was won with three games to spare. Unbeaten domestically this season, with 29 wins from 31 league matches, Al-Hilal also created world football history earlier in the campaign by winning 34 matches in succession across all competitions.

“The Al-Hilal team this season has made a spectacular season. What we have achieved is an example for all the others because if we see all the details then we are the best in goalscoring, best in fewest goals conceded, no losses in the league and obviously the most points,” Jesus said in a statement released by the club.

“We are the Super Cup winners, in the semifinal (sic) of the King’s Cup and have won the league. We only failed in the Asian Champions League, in the semifinal, but if we speak about the Saudi level then winning the King’s Cup will mean we have won everything available this season in Saudi.

“That’s my habit wherever I’ve been — with Flamengo in Brazil I did this, with Benfica in Portugal I did this and now at Al-Hilal this can be achieved. We prepared to do this from the beginning of the season — but we have had to do this missing key players — Neymar for most of the time, Mitrovic for some of the time. But I have the notion that the Saudi league will grow better and better every time.”

All of the goals in Al-Hilal win over Al-Hazem at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium came in the first half.

Mitrovic gave his side the lead from the penalty spot in the 15th minute, striking low into the bottom corner. Faiz Selemani equalized through a well-taken curling shot only for Aljuwayd to then loft into his own net from the edge of the box trying to pass back to the goalkeeper after being put under pressure by Milinkovic-Savic.

Al-Hilal’s Serbian duo completed the scoring in injury time. Firstly, Mitrovic tucked home his compatriot’s cut back and then Milinkovic-Savic curled into the bottom corner for 4-1.

Al-Hazem coach Saleh Al-Mohammadi, whose side remain bottom of the 18-team league, said: “Al-Hilal are a very strong team. Because of individual mistakes we lost the game. If you don’t play well against the champions of the league then that will happen.”

Ahead of Al-Hilal’s next game, Portuguese coach Jesus warned compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo’s team Al-Nassr not to expect a weakened side at Al-Awwal Park on Friday in the second Riyadh derby of the season. Al-Hilal won the first clash 3-0 in December.

The two teams will also contest the King’s Cup final at the end of the season and Jesus said his side were preparing hard for the clash.

“Preparing is not by giving rest,” he said. “We still have more titles and work for the players. Every match is important for us.”


Neymar hails title-winning Al-Hilal team-mates, says he is ‘impatient’ to return to action

Updated 12 May 2024
Follow

Neymar hails title-winning Al-Hilal team-mates, says he is ‘impatient’ to return to action

  • Al-Hilal clinched the Roshn Saudi League title after a 4-1 win over Al-Hazem, but Brazilian superstar has missed most of the season through injury

RIYADH: Neymar has praised his Al-Hilal team-mates for winning the Roshn Saudi League title in his absence, and revealed he is eagerly awaiting a return to action next season.

The Brazilian superstar attacker joined Al-Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain last summer but has missed most of the season after suffering a cruciate ligament injury in October on international duty.

Neymar made three Roshn Saudi League appearances before his injury, recording three assists as Al-Hilal won two and drew one of the matches in which he featured.

His final league club appearance of the season, a 2-0 win over Al-Shabab at the end of September, marked the first in a world record run that saw Al-Hilal win an incredible 34 matches in succession.

Speaking at the title celebrations on Saturday following Al-Hilal’s 4-1 victory over Al-Hazem that clinched the Riyadh club’s 19th Saudi Arabian league crown, Neymar said: “I am very happy obviously. Winning titles is always good. The best thing would have been being on the pitch, but I am so happy for my team-mates.

 

“I am fine. I am feeling good. I am impatient to be back on the pitch. The fans are unbelievable. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to give them the happiness they deserve but you can be sure that next season we are going to have a lot of fun.”

Unbeaten domestically this season, Al-Hilal clinched the Roshn Saudi League title with three matches to spare, winning 29 of their 31 games thus far. Nearest challengers Al-Nassr are 12 points behind. Al-Hilal’s next match sees them travel to Al-Nassr for the Riyadh derby, which takes place at Al-Awwal Park on Friday May 17.

Al-Hilal’s top flight world football record run earlier this season saw them overtake Welsh club The News Saints’ winning streak of 27 games in 2016-17. Prior to that, the record stood for 44 years following Dutch giants Ajax’s 26-game winning run between 1971 and 1972.