Football

Birmingham, United Kingdom: Emiliano Buendia shattered Arsenal's 18-match unbeaten run with the last-gasp strike that sealed Aston Villa's dramatic 2-1 win over the Premier League leaders on Saturday. Mikel Arteta's side fell behind to Matty Cash's first half goal at Villa Park before Leandro Trossard came off the bench to equalise for Arsenal after the interval. A pulsating clash featured squandered chances for both teams before Argentine winger Buendia capitalised on sloppy Arsenal defending to bag the winner with virtually the last kick of the game. It was Arsenal's first loss in all competitions since they were beaten for the only other time this season in a 1-0 loss at Liverpool on August 31. Villa have been a thorn in Arsenal's side several times in recent seasons, taking points from them at crucial moments in the title race. This was another frustrating encounter with Villa's former Arsenal manager Unai Emery, whose team have emerged as unexpected title contenders following a flurry of seven successive victories in all competitions. Arsenal are just three points above second-placed Villa, with third-placed Manchester City able to close the gap on the leaders to two points if they beat Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium later on Saturday. Emery had dismissed any talk of his side being in the title race this week, calling Arsenal the strongest team in Europe. But this was a significant statement of intent from Villa, who went toe to toe with Arsenal and delivered a painful blow to their title charge. It was an ideal time to play the north Londoners, who are dealing with a crisis at centre-back with William Saliba, Gabriel and Cristhian Mosquera all sidelined. Jurrien Timber moved from right-back to centre-back to fill the void alongside Piero Hincapie, but Arsenal never looked completely comfortable. Arteta has said that Arsenal are "prepared" to do business in the January transfer window if there is an option to "improve" the squad. Defensive reinforcements and additional attacking options may be needed if Arteta is to lead injury-prone Arsenal to their first English title since 2004.

Qatar Sport

Tickets are available at www.roadtoqatar.qa, with prices starting from QAR 20 Doha, Qatar: The stage is set for FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2025, following CR Flamengo claiming the CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores title. The Brazilian side will face Mexico’s Cruz Azul in the FIFA Derby of the Americas Qatar 2025 on 10 December in Qatar. This marks the first of the final three matches of the prestigious club competition that Qatar will be hosting during the rest days of the ongoing FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, showcasing the country’s exceptional organisational capabilities and the international football community's trust in its ability to deliver world-class football tournaments. Tickets for FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2025 are available at www.roadtoqatar.qa, with prices starting from QAR 20. A maximum of 6 tickets per person can be purchased per match. The following matches will be played in Qatar: FIFA Derby of the Americas Qatar 2025 Wednesday, 10 December 2025 | 8pm, Doha time Cruz Azul (Mexico) v CR Flamengo (Brazil) Ahmad bin Ali Stadium FIFA Challenger Cup Qatar 2025 Saturday, 13 December 2024 | 8pm, Doha time FIFA Derby of the Americas Qatar 2025™ winner v Pyramids FC (Egypt) Ahmad bin Ali Stadium FIFA Intercontinental Cup Final Qatar 2025 Wednesday, 17 December 2025 | 8pm, Doha time Paris Saint-German (France) v FIFA Challenger Cup Qatar 2025™ winner Ahmad bin Ali Stadium All tickets will be digital and will include accessible seating options for disabled fans. Disabled fans wishing to request accessible seats can do so by sending an e-mail to [email protected]. Prices for accessibility tickets start from QAR 20.

Football

Doha, Qatar: President of the Qatar Football Association, Jassim bin Rashid Al Buainain, emphasized the strength and competitiveness of every group following the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw in Washington, D.C. The Maroons learned their fate at the ceremony held at the Kennedy Center, finding themselves in Group B with Canada, Switzerland, and the side emerging from the European play-off path 1. Read Also Qatar cements its position as a key diplomatic power in global mediation:Al-Khulaifi Kanno brace fires Saudi Arabia into FIFA Arab Cup last eight with a game to spare Qatar to open FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against Switzerland He highlighted that Qatar's presence at the World Cup fulfills a major strategic goal, calling the tournament the pinnacle of world football. The President voiced strong confidence in the players' capabilities for the upcoming stage, confirming the team is undergoing ideal preparations for the 2026 showcase. Furthermore, he revealed a complete plan is ready to galvanize public support for Qatar's campaign, with details to be disclosed after all matters are concluded. "Supporting the national team is a shared responsibility," he said in closing. "We urge Qatari companies to seize their role in this prestigious global forum."