Tottenham’s Carabao Cup Journey Ends with Dismal Loss to Nottingham Forest

Tottenham’s Carabao Cup Journey Ends with Dismal Loss to Nottingham Forest

Spurs fail to rally as Renan Lodi and Jesse Lingard seal a 2-0 victory for Forest

Tottenham Hotspur’s Carabao Cup campaign came to a disappointing end in the third round, with a lacklustre performance resulting in a 2-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest. Despite making several changes to his lineup, Antonio Conte could not prevent Spurs from once again falling short after a sluggish start.

Although Conte had opted for a relatively strong starting XI, with only debutant Fraser Forster missing from the regular Premier League squad, Spurs’ performance at the City Ground was underwhelming. Aside from a shot from Matt Doherty that forced a save from Wayne Hennessey and a near miss from Harry Kane, Tottenham struggled to make an impact in the first half. Forest, on the other hand, came close through Taiwo Awoniyi’s shot that hit the post, as well as blocked efforts from Ryan Yates and Jesse Lingard.

Given the team’s recent tendency to recover in the second half, there was hope among Spurs fans that the game would improve. However, Forest started the second half brightly, with Renan Lodi opening the scoring in spectacular fashion. Lodi cut inside from the left wing and curled a beautiful shot into the top corner from around 18 yards out, giving Tottenham little chance to respond.

Things worsened for Spurs less than ten minutes later when Lingard doubled Forest’s lead. A fast break saw Sam Surridge flick the ball into Lingard’s path, allowing him to head past Forster while Eric Dier was left stranded in defence.

Though Orel Mangala’s red card late on threatened to make the final minutes tense, Tottenham’s inability to create any real threat meant the game was comfortably seen out by Forest. This early exit from the Carabao Cup is a blow for Conte, who had hoped to turn the competition into a route for success.

The performance serves as a reminder of the struggles Tottenham have faced under Conte’s tenure, with tonight’s defeat making their recent progress feel like an exception rather than the norm.

Lewis Hall Shines Despite Chelsea’s Defeat to Manchester City in Carabao Cup

Lewis Hall Shines Despite Chelsea’s Defeat to Manchester City in Carabao Cup

The young talent stands out for Chelsea while the Blues suffer another loss to City

Lewis Hall showcased his potential in what was otherwise a disappointing night for Chelsea, as they were beaten 2-0 by Manchester City in the Carabao Cup. The 18-year-old made a compelling case for more regular appearances in Graham Potter’s squad, proving to be one of the few bright spots for the Blues.

Despite Chelsea’s struggles throughout the match, Hall was the standout player, and he could have easily scored had it not been for some excellent saves from City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega. In the first half, Hall’s shot, after a quick counter-attack involving Christian Pulisic, was thwarted by Ortega’s fine save. He later had another opportunity when Hakim Ziyech set him up after a dazzling pirouette, but once again, Ortega was up to the task.

Though he didn’t find the back of the net, Hall impressed with his dribbling and ability to win free-kicks, particularly against Manchester City’s 18-year-old Rico Lewis. His technical ability was evident as he caused problems for City’s defence, although there was a lapse in concentration that nearly led to a goal from Ilkay Gundogan.

Despite his individual performance, the rest of Chelsea’s team struggled, and City’s quality ultimately told. Chelsea’s defence faltered on both goals, with Kalidou Koulibaly failing to react to a Riyad Mahrez free-kick in the 53rd minute, and the Blues’ lack of urgency led to Julian Alvarez doubling City’s lead soon after. Chelsea made attacking substitutions in an attempt to fight back, but it was too little too late as City comfortably sealed the win.

The defeat was another blow for Chelsea, who have now lost three of their last four matches, as they look forward to the World Cup break. However, Hall’s performance was a rare positive, demonstrating that the young talent is ready to stake his claim in the first team.

Klopp Pledges Commitment to Liverpool Amid Ownership Uncertainty as Reds Triumph in Carabao Cup

Klopp Pledges Commitment to Liverpool Amid Ownership Uncertainty as Reds Triumph in Carabao Cup

Liverpool manager supports FSG’s investment plans, focusing on his dedication to the club despite speculation

Jurgen Klopp has reaffirmed his commitment to Liverpool, amid ongoing speculation surrounding the club’s ownership. The manager expressed his full backing for Fenway Sports Group’s (FSG) intentions to bring in additional investment, insisting that the current uncertainty regarding the ownership does not affect his position at Anfield.

Following a hard-fought victory over Derby County in the Carabao Cup, secured through penalties, Klopp was asked about his future at the club. He responded: “From what I’ve read, they’re looking for investment – that’s a good idea, I like it. But for me, it doesn’t matter what happens. If changes occur, I am still committed to Liverpool.”

The match, which ended 3-2 in Liverpool’s favour after a penalty shootout, was not without its challenges. Harvey Elliott, who came on as a 65th-minute substitute alongside Roberto Firmino and Darwin Núñez, converted the decisive penalty.

Liverpool made 11 changes to the side that beat Tottenham 2-1 on Sunday, and have now not won a Carabao Cup match in normal time at Anfield since 2016. The game saw the debuts of several young players, including summer signing Calvin Ramsay, 17-year-old Bobby Clark, and 18-year-olds Stefan Bajcetic and Melkamu Frauendorf.

Despite being 46 places below Liverpool in the football pyramid, Derby put up a resilient performance, deploying a defensive strategy that saw them sit deep and look to exploit any counter-attacking opportunities. Liverpool struggled to break down the defensive set-up with their inexperienced team, but ultimately secured the win.

Rihanna Reveals Why She and A$AP Rocky Haven’t Shared Their Son’s Name Yet

Rihanna Reveals Why She and A$AP Rocky Haven’t Shared Their Son’s Name Yet

Despite being parents for nearly six months, the couple has kept their baby’s identity private

Rihanna has opened up about why she and A$AP Rocky have kept their son’s name and photographs private, nearly six months after welcoming their first child together. In a recent interview with the Associated Press, the 34-year-old beauty mogul explained that their hectic schedules have contributed to the delay in sharing details about their baby boy.

“We just haven’t gotten around to it yet,” Rihanna said, reflecting on their quiet approach to parenthood. “We’ve just been living our lives.” She also acknowledged the freedom that comes with keeping certain aspects of her life private.

However, the “Diamonds” singer did mention that her return to the public eye with her headlining Super Bowl halftime show performance comes with its own conditions. “If I’m going to leave my baby, I’m going to leave him for something really special,” Rihanna shared.

Rihanna and the 34-year-old rapper welcomed their baby in May. The couple first revealed their pregnancy during a photoshoot in Harlem, New York, in January, where Rihanna showed off her baby bump in a pink puffer jacket.

Despite the secrecy surrounding their son’s name, the couple’s choice to remain private is a personal one. Rihanna reflected on how the public often tries to guess the baby’s name, noting that some have taken a guess, like “Wolf”, but that wasn’t the name they chose.

In an earlier interview, Kylie Jenner shared that she and her partner were considering a name change for their son, but refrained from offering any hints about the new name.

Camilla Unveils New Personal Cypher Designed with Former Monk’s Expertise

Camilla Unveils New Personal Cypher Designed with Former Monk’s Expertise

The Queen Consort’s monogram, crafted in collaboration with Ewan Clayton, is set to debut this week

The Queen Consort, Camilla, has revealed her new cypher, a personal design created in collaboration with Ewan Clayton, a former Benedictine monk and current professor of design at the University of Sunderland. The cypher, which will appear on her personal correspondence, gifts, and cards, stands in contrast to the King’s official cypher, which is used on state documents, government buildings, and new post boxes.

The intricate design, which incorporates the initials “CR” below a crown symbol, features the intertwined letters “C” for Camilla and “R” for Regina, Latin for Queen. This more ornate monogram will make its public debut on Thursday when it is used on the cross that Camilla will lay at Westminster Abbey’s Field of Remembrance.

The design was selected from a series of concepts, with Clayton working closely with Tim Noad, a heraldic artist and calligrapher at the College of Arms in London, who had previously crafted the King’s monogram.

Clayton, who trained as a calligrapher, lived at Worth Abbey in Sussex during the mid-1980s, where he was a Benedictine monk. He later became a consultant at Xerox’s Palo Alto Research Laboratory, contributing to the development of both Ethernet and the laser printer.

In addition to his work as a designer, Clayton is a core member of the Royal Drawing School, an institution established with support from King Charles, and holds visiting lecturing positions in calligraphy at various academic institutions.

Feces Left Outside Conservative MP’s Office Sparks Outrage

Feces Left Outside Conservative MP’s Office Sparks Outrage

Siobhan Baillie condemns the “vile” act and highlights increasing hostility towards public figures

A box containing faeces has been discovered outside the constituency office of Conservative MP Siobhan Baillie in Stroud, Gloucestershire, leading to a police investigation. The MP, who has represented Stroud since 2019, condemned the incident, describing it as “nastiness” and stressing that such acts of aggression have no place in political discourse.

In a statement on Monday, Baillie expressed her dismay, stating: “There are countless ways to express political views without resorting to disgusting acts like putting excrement in a box. The growing hostility we face is making it harder for decent people to consider running for public office.”

Alongside the faeces, it was reported that the box contained a derogatory message, adding to the offence. Gloucestershire Constabulary confirmed that an investigation into the harassment claim was underway. A spokesperson from the force noted: “We are looking into an allegation of harassment after an offensive item was left outside Ms Baillie’s constituency office.”

This is not the first time Baillie has faced hostility. During her maternity leave in 2020, she was subjected to vitriolic messages from constituents angry over the Dominic Cummings lockdown scandal. One letter, written during the height of the controversy involving Cummings, demanded a response from the MP despite her being on maternity leave, stating: “I don’t care that she has just given birth.” Another constituent described her absence as a “dereliction of duty.”

At the time, Baillie’s senior assistant, Harriet Butcher, defended the MP’s right to maternity leave, pointing out that much of the hostility came from men who seemed to disregard the legal protections afforded by the Equality Act 2010. “Siobhan has an absolute legal right to take maternity leave, and her intention is to take a minimum of four weeks, which is already less than she is entitled to,” Butcher explained.

Baillie and Gloucestershire Constabulary have yet to provide further comments on the incident.

FCA Urges Firms to Improve Support for Customers Facing Financial Hardship

FCA Urges Firms to Improve Support for Customers Facing Financial Hardship

Regulator highlights the importance of applying lessons from the pandemic to aid borrowers amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has called on businesses to apply the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic to better support borrowers who are struggling with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. In its recent report, the regulator emphasised that while some firms have demonstrated good practices, there is room for improvement in how they assist customers experiencing financial difficulties.

The FCA outlined key areas where firms should focus their efforts, including encouraging customers to seek help sooner, providing tailored solutions, informing them of free debt advice options, and ensuring that any fees charged are fair and reflective of actual costs. During the pandemic, temporary measures such as payment holidays were introduced to assist individuals facing unexpected financial challenges. These measures resulted in more than five million payment deferrals for mortgage and credit customers.

However, despite these efforts, the FCA found that only 30% of firms properly assessed their customers’ specific situations, which led to repayment plans that were often unmanageable. In response, the FCA has instructed 32 firms to make improvements in how they treat customers, and some have already agreed to compensate nearly 60,000 customers, amounting to £12 million.

The regulator also highlighted that many firms still struggle with providing adequate support. In some cases, excessive bureaucracy and repeated transfers between departments led to poor outcomes for customers, who were often left frustrated and disengaged. The FCA also pointed out that staff training plans were not always properly implemented, and there was a lack of forbearance options, such as reducing interest rates, that could alleviate borrowers’ financial strain.

“While many firms supported customers well during the pandemic, others failed to meet the necessary standards,” said Sheldon Mills, executive director of consumers and competition at the FCA. “Given the current financial pressures, it is crucial that businesses continue to improve and meet our requirements to treat customers in financial difficulty fairly.” The FCA warned that firms who do not meet these standards could face restrictions or bans on lending.

In light of the rising cost of living and higher interest rates, Peter Tutton from StepChange Debt Charity stressed the importance of effective communication and training to ensure that borrowers are not deterred from seeking help. “The language and tone used by firms can make a significant difference,” Tutton explained. “By improving customer service and making debt advice more accessible, businesses can help borrowers find better solutions to their financial difficulties.”

For individuals struggling with repayments, the FCA encourages them to contact their lenders directly and seek assistance from the Government’s MoneyHelper service, which provides free financial advice.

Treasury Minister Promises ‘Clear Strategy’ to Tackle UK Debt and Ensure Stability

Treasury Minister Promises ‘Clear Strategy’ to Tackle UK Debt and Ensure Stability

Chancellor’s upcoming fiscal plan to address financial instability amidst soaring interest rates and global economic pressures

The Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, is set to unveil a detailed fiscal strategy on November 17 aimed at reducing the UK’s national debt, a key move to maintain economic stability, according to a Treasury minister. In the wake of financial uncertainty, including significant interest rate hikes, the government plans to take “difficult decisions” but assures that protections for the most vulnerable will remain a priority.

Baroness Penn, a Conservative peer, made the remarks following a turbulent period in the UK’s economy, including a sharp interest rate increase by the Bank of England to 3%, marking the steepest rise since 1989. This increase is expected to add approximately £3,000 annually to the mortgage bills of households due to renew their loans. The Bank of England also cautioned that the UK may face its longest recession on record.

Jeremy Hunt’s upcoming fiscal announcements are expected to include up to £50 billion in spending cuts and tax hikes, as the government grapples with a significant fiscal shortfall. The Chancellor had previously abandoned large-scale, debt-funded tax cuts introduced in the ill-fated September mini-budget, which led to financial market turmoil and the swift end of Liz Truss’s tenure as Prime Minister.

Lady Penn addressed these developments in a debate on financial stability in the House of Lords, acknowledging the unintended consequences of the previous growth plan, which triggered economic instability. “Mistakes were made, and we have taken steps to fix them,” she remarked. Most of the tax policies from the growth plan have been reversed, contributing to a reduction in market volatility.

However, the Treasury minister emphasised that the UK continues to face significant economic challenges, exacerbated by global inflationary pressures, rising energy prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and labour shortages. Central banks in major economies have raised interest rates in response to these challenges.

“The Chancellor has made it clear that we will take the necessary actions to restore confidence in the UK’s public finances and to navigate the global economic shocks,” Lady Penn stated. “This will involve difficult decisions, but we are committed to protecting the most vulnerable in society.”

She added that the government’s primary focus will be on ensuring economic stability, with the Chancellor planning a comprehensive strategy to reduce debt over the medium term. The government is also committed to fostering growth and job creation to strengthen the UK’s economy and resilience.

Earlier, Lord Bilimoria, former president of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), spoke on the widely criticised mini-budget. He agreed that the growth intentions and tax cuts were sound but criticised the timing, which coincided with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. “The intentions for growth and tax cuts were good,” he said. “But timing is everything.” He referenced the “irrational exuberance” of former Prime Minister Liz Truss and ex-Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng, highlighting the importance of how policies are implemented.

Survivors of Manchester Arena Attack Claim Emergency Services Failed Them

Survivors of Manchester Arena Attack Claim Emergency Services Failed Them

More than 150 survivors prepare civil claims, recounting harrowing experiences of being abandoned after the 2017 bombing

Survivors of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing have spoken out, alleging that emergency services left them to die in the aftermath of the attack. Law firm Hudgell Solicitors is preparing civil claims on behalf of over 150 individuals who were caught in the blast. These survivors, many of whom were closest to the bomber Salman Abedi when he detonated his device, say they felt abandoned by the authorities during their most desperate moments.

Among the claimants are sisters Janet Senior, 64, and Josie Howarth, 66, from Knottingley, West Yorkshire. The pair were in the City Room foyer, waiting for their nieces after the Ariana Grande concert, when the bomb went off. Although they survived, Ms Howarth was left with two metal nuts lodged in her leg, and Ms Senior had a large nut embedded in her neck after her clavicle was shattered.

Ms Senior recounted the hour-long wait for help, a time she describes as haunting. “We were left with no assistance,” she said. “Josie was slipping in and out of consciousness, and I feared she was going to die. We were terrified and alone.” She vividly remembers the cries for help around her, the fading voices of those who had stopped asking for assistance as time passed. “We were left to die,” she said.

Both sisters criticised the lack of action from emergency services, claiming that while ordinary people acted as heroes to help, the response from authorities was disorganised and insufficient. “There were too many chiefs and not enough doers,” Ms Senior remarked, stating that she understood the hesitation to put rescuers in danger, but firmly believed the services had a duty to try to save lives.

Andrea Bradbury, a retired police officer with counter-terrorism experience, also spoke of the failures she witnessed. Having suffered only minor injuries herself, she saw first-hand the chaotic response to the attack. She believes the bombing was preventable and claims that a lack of preparedness from the police and emergency services led to further suffering. “The response was appalling,” she said. “It was a perfect storm of failures.” Bradbury, who was already on the phone to counter-terrorism within minutes of the blast, noted that the emergency services were unprepared, and even when teams arrived, they were hindered by delays.

Ruth Murrell, 52, and her daughter Emily, 18, also recounted the traumatic moments following the explosion. Ruth witnessed the death of a friend while she and Emily awaited help. Both mother and daughter have struggled with severe psychological scars from the event, as have their extended families. Ruth’s daughter Jessica, who had given up her concert ticket to let Emily attend, suffers from survivor’s guilt and required counselling.

The aftermath of the attack has left Ruth with long-lasting physical and emotional damage. After undergoing several surgeries and extensive therapy, she had to leave her job at a GP surgery, while Emily has had to relearn to walk after losing significant movement in her foot. “We were left in the foyer with no assistance, and people were dying around us,” Ruth said.

The survivors are now seeking compensation for their physical and psychological injuries, as well as loss of earnings and ongoing care. Their lawyer, representing over 150 clients, hopes the civil claims will bring attention to the many failures in the emergency response, which they argue could have been prevented with better planning and organisation.

“What happened at Manchester Arena was a shambles,” Ruth Murrell stated. “We know many mistakes were made. While we can’t change the past, we must ensure the right lessons are learned and the necessary improvements are made in future emergency responses.”

Two Metropolitan Police Officers Jailed for Sharing Offensive WhatsApp Messages

Two Metropolitan Police Officers Jailed for Sharing Offensive WhatsApp Messages

Jonathon Cobban and Joel Borders sentenced for sending misogynistic and racist messages, linked to Sarah Everard’s killer

Two former Metropolitan Police officers have been sentenced to 12 weeks in prison for sharing disturbing and offensive messages in a WhatsApp group with Wayne Couzens, the officer responsible for the murder of Sarah Everard. PC Jonathon Cobban, aged 35, and ex-PC Joel Borders, aged 45, were convicted after sending misogynistic, racist, and violent messages, including slurs aimed at Muslims and black people. These messages were exchanged in a group called “Bottle and Stoppers,” which included the killer cop, Couzens.

The messages first came to light after Couzens’ arrest for his heinous crimes, which led to further investigations into the WhatsApp group. Cobban and Borders both denied that their messages were “grossly offensive,” but were found guilty following a trial. District Judge Sarah Turnock, sentencing them at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, remarked that their actions had caused significant harm to the reputation of police forces across the UK.

Despite the offensive content being shared privately, the judge highlighted the immense distress it caused to the individuals and groups targeted by the officers’ slurs. She stated that the messages mocked people they were sworn to protect, encompassing a range of prejudicial views, including racism, misogyny, and homophobia. The judge also noted that such behaviour risked normalising harmful attitudes within the police force. Both officers were sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, although they were granted bail pending an appeal.

Their attempts to express remorse were met with scepticism. The judge pointed out that they had shown little recognition of the harm they caused, with Borders suggesting that the messages were blown out of proportion and Cobban dismissing them as sarcastic. Cobban, who was still serving as a police officer when convicted, and Borders, who resigned after the investigation began, will now face the consequences of their actions, which have further damaged the trust in law enforcement.

In court, it was revealed that many of the offensive messages were sent while Cobban and Borders were still in training, although some were sent while Cobban was on active duty. One message by Cobban included a derogatory comment about a female colleague, while others referred to violence and inappropriate fantasies. The defence lawyer attempted to argue that the officers had suffered from “cancel culture” and media attention, but this claim was rejected.

Following the sentencing, Commander Jon Savell of the Met Police expressed his dismay at the officers’ behaviour, affirming that the force would continue to investigate and prosecute those who break the law. “We demand the highest standards of conduct from our officers,” he stated, reinforcing that those who exhibit such unacceptable attitudes would be dealt with severely.