Sports
Arsenal 5-1 West Ham (Sep 12, 2025) Game Analysis – ESPN
Alessia Russo scored twice as Arsenal came from behind to make it two wins from two Women’s Super League matches with a thumping 5-1 victory at West Ham.
The Champions League winners trailed to a comical own goal from goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar.
But goals from Frida Maanum, Stina Blackstenius, Caitlin Foord and Russo’s late double ensured Arsenal backed up last week’s 4-1 win over London City Lionesses with another statement three points.
Arsenal were missing England hero Chloe Kelly due to a slight knock, so fellow Lioness Beth Mead made her first start of the season.
But it was West Ham — beaten 1-0 at Tottenham in their opener last weekend — who took a shock lead after just five minutes in bizarre fashion with what was a horrible moment for Van Domselaar.
The Dutch keeper went to make a straightforward catch from a deep Shekiera Martinez cross, only to let it slip through her fingers.
The ball hit the far post, bounced back off Van Domselaar and dropped into the net.
The driving rain in east London may well have played a part but it was still a dreadful error from the 25-year-old.
However, Arsenal hit back in the 21st minute with Russo spearheading their first meaningful attack down the right.
Russo played in England teammate Mead, whose clever pass teed up Maanum to turn and slot home past Megan Walsh from 10 yards out.
Russo almost created a second with a neat spin in the penalty area but Mariona Caldentey’s drive was a long way off target.
Moments before half-time Foord’s low cross found Russo eight yards out but she was unable to get her shot away.
After the break Caldentey’s cross towards the near post was met by Russo, who planted her header narrowly wide.
But seven minutes into the second half Blackstenius, on at half-time for Maanum, burst into the box, collected Russo’s backheel and bent the ball past Walsh.
West Ham were still in the match until just after the hour mark when Foord got in front of her marker to nod home Caldentey’s cross.
Arsenal were so comfortable boss Renee Slegers could even afford to leave £1 million ($1.36m) winger Olivia Smith on the bench until the closing stages.
But when the Canadian did come on she set up Russo for a spectacular fourth from 20 yards, and then won the penalty which the Euro 2025 final goalscorer tucked in for number five in stoppage time.
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The New England Patriots organization said it was “heartbroken” over the shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, that left at least two people dead and nine others wounded.
Police said a person of interest was in custody early Sunday following the incident. The person was apprehended at a hotel in Coventry but wasn’t immediately identified. Providence police Chief Col. Oscar Perez said the detained person was in their 30s.
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Law enforcement officials carry rifles while walking on a street in a neighborhood near Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 during the investigation of a shooting. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
“The New England Patriots are heartbroken by the horrific events at Brown University,” the team said.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to those affected and their families, and we remain grateful to the first responders and law enforcement who acted swiftly to protect the students, faculty, staff and the community.
“We stand with Brown University and our neighbors in Rhode Island during this difficult time.”
The Patriots will take on the Buffalo Bills on Sunday afternoon. Gillette Stadium is located about 25 miles from Brown University.
The Bills were staying in a hotel near the Ivy League school. The staff and the players were safe, The Athletic reported.
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38) stiff-arms New York Giants cornerback Cor’Dale Flott, right, during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
BILLS QUARTERBACK JOSH ALLEN AND WIFE HAILEE STEINFELD ANNOUNCE THEY ARE EXPECTING THEIR FIRST CHILD
Brown University has fielded over 50 NFL players. Bills defensive tackle Michael Hoecht is the lone player from Brown who is still in the league. He’s on the injured reserve.
University officials on Sunday canceled all classes, exams and papers for the rest of the fall semester. The school said students were free to leave to go back home. Those who stayed will have access to services and support, Provost Francis Doyle said in a statement.
A police vehicle rests at an intersection near crime scene tape at Brown University, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Providence, Rhode Island, following a Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 shooting at the university. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
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“At this time, it is essential that we focus our efforts on providing care and support to the members of our community as we grapple with the sorrow, fear and anxiety that is impacting all of us right now,” Doyle added.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Sydney Sixers’ in-form batter Babar Azam has expressed confidence ahead of the Big Bash League opener, saying the team is “good to go and ready” in an interview with Australian cricket commentators.
The opening T20 match of the Big Bash League is being played today (Sunday) at Optus Stadium in Perth, featuring Babar Azam’s Sydney Sixers against the Perth Scorchers.
The league features a total of 27 matches.
The second-placed Sydney Sixers have unveiled the “Babaristan” Fan Zone in honour of Pakistan’s cricket star Babar Azam.
The franchise announced on its official social media platforms, captioning, “Introducing Babaristan–A Fan Zone Like No Other,” which quickly sparked excitement among cricket fans in both Australia and Pakistan.
In its statement, the Sixers said, “We’re celebrating cricket culture like never before with Babaristan – a fan zone dedicated to Pakistan’s star batter, Babar Azam.”
In the latest clash between India and Pakistan in the Under-19 Asia Cup, India once again showed a lack of sportsmanship by refusing to shake hands with Pakistan’s captain at the toss. Despite repeated requests from the International Cricket Council (ICC) to keep politics out of junior-level cricket, India ignored the appeal and continued with its politically charged approach.
This refusal to shake hands follows a similar act in the senior Asia Cup, further highlighting how political prejudice is being ingrained in the youth. The incident left the ICC seemingly powerless against the influence of the Indian Cricket Board, which has refused to acknowledge the importance of maintaining decorum in international sport.
Despite facing criticism and humiliation for its actions, India repeated the gesture, casting a shadow over its commitment to fair play and sportsmanship. India’s downward spiral continues: it has slipped behind Pakistan in the Test rankings, suffered a humiliating defeat in the Test series, and sees more international cricketers turning to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) over the IPL.
INDIAN BATTING LINE STUMBLES
Meanwhile, after Pakistan opted to bowl first in the opening Pakistan vs India clash of the U-19 Asia Cup, India has lost four wickets for 113 runs so far.
Patriots ‘heartbroken’ as deadly shooting occurs at Brown University
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