Roberton Martinez enjoyed a dream start to his Wigan reign as his side caused a shock at Villa Park, thanks in part to an early contender for goal of the season from Hugo Rodallega. Wigan were more assured with Martin O'Neill's side perhaps feeling the pressure of being tipped to challenge for a top four spot.
Colombian striker Rodallega had already hit a post and seen an effort cleared off the line when he finally broke the deadlock after half an hour, his dipping effort from the right edge of the penalty a spectacular way to open his account. French winger Charles N'Zogbia set up the second on 56 minutes.
He picked up the ball in his own half and drove forward before finding Jason Koumas in space on the left of the area, who controlled the ball before slotting through Brad Friedel's legs. Jordi Gomez, a summer signing from Martinez's old club Swansea, almost had a third late on with a 25-yard effort that was tipped round a post by Friedel.
Man of the match: Hugo Rodallega (Wigan)
Goals from Mark Noble and Matthew Upson condemned Wolves to defeat on their return to the Premier League after a six-year absence. Noble silenced the home fans by making the breakthrough in the 22nd minute.
The West Ham midfielder clipped a shot over Wayne Hennessey after being set up by England's Carlton Cole. Noble was given too much time and space before setting up his strike, and the home side were looking vulnerable at the back.
Serbian international Nenad Milijas, a summer signing from Spartak Moscow, had a lively debut for Wolves and was their best attacking threat. Robert Green did well to turn away his shot in the 47th minute after seeing it late.
Milijas then set up Sylvain Ebanks-Blake, only for the alert Green to block his effort. But Wolves were guilty of ball-watching in the 69th minute when West Ham went 2-0 ahead. Upson was allowed space at the back post and headed beyond Wayne Hennessey following a corner from Noble to seal victory.
Man of the match: Mark Noble (West Ham)
Stephen Jordan scored an own goal and Ryan Shawcross also struck as Burnley were given a tough entry to the Premier League - 33 years since their last appearance in the English top flight.
Shawcross headed Stoke ahead after 18 minutes at the Britannia Stadium before Jordan turned a Rory Delap throw into his own net. Stoke could have had a third before the interval but Ricardo Fuller had a header cleared off the line.
Burnley were thankful to see Stoke's James Beattie volley wide, as they showed good spirit to try to get back into the game. Robbie Blake and Steven Fletcher both brought saves out of Stoke keeper Thomas Sorensen.
Burnley also appealed for a penalty after Andy Wilkinson appeared to handle in conceding a corner but referee Steve Bennett was not interested.
Man of the match: Rory Delap (Stoke City)
Darren Bent took just five minutes to start repaying Sunderland the £10million (Dh60.1m) they paid Tottenham for his services.
He connected with Steed Malbranque's left-wing cross to nod past Jussi Jaaskelainen at the far post early into this clash at the Reebok Stadium. Steve Bruce's men went on to control much of the game and carved out several clear-cut opportunities without making their dominance pay. Bent and Kenwyne Jones showed signs of forming a partnership that could keep Sunderland well away from relegation. Bolton did create some better chances in the second-half, but Martin Taylor side-footed wide and Johan Elmander blasted an effort well over. Bent fired on to the roof of the net late on before Sunderland keeper Marton Fulop brilliantly repelled Sean Davis's 14-yard shot.
Man of the match: Darren Bent (Sunderland)
A fortuitous goal from Bobby Zamora gave Fulham a winning start to the new season at Portsmouth. The striker didn't know much about his first goal of the campaign as his teammate Clint Dempsey's shot from 25 yards in the 13th minute hit him on the back and the deflection wrongfooted David James in the home goal.
Despite their luck Roy Hodgson's side were well worth the three points and should have won by more as Andy Johnson, Dempsey and Zamora missed good chances either side of the interval to extend their advantage. Younes Kaboul spurned Portsmouth's best opportunity in the second half.
He fired over after Hayden Mullins and Frederic Piquionne, had combined. After the match Fulham announced they have agreed a fee to sign the Newcastle winger Damien Duff.
Man of the match: Clint Dempsey (Fulham)
sports@thenational.ae
What is Bitcoin?
Bitcoin is the most popular virtual currency in the world. It was created in 2009 as a new way of paying for things that would not be subject to central banks that are capable of devaluing currency. A Bitcoin itself is essentially a line of computer code. It's signed digitally when it goes from one owner to another. There are sustainability concerns around the cryptocurrency, which stem from the process of "mining" that is central to its existence.
The "miners" use computers to make complex calculations that verify transactions in Bitcoin. This uses a tremendous amount of energy via computers and server farms all over the world, which has given rise to concerns about the amount of fossil fuel-dependent electricity used to power the computers.
Indoor cricket in a nutshell
Indoor Cricket World Cup - Sep 16-20, Insportz, Dubai
16 Indoor cricket matches are 16 overs per side
8 There are eight players per team
9 There have been nine Indoor Cricket World Cups for men. Australia have won every one.
5 Five runs are deducted from the score when a wickets falls
4 Batsmen bat in pairs, facing four overs per partnership
Scoring In indoor cricket, runs are scored by way of both physical and bonus runs. Physical runs are scored by both batsmen completing a run from one crease to the other. Bonus runs are scored when the ball hits a net in different zones, but only when at least one physical run is score.
Zones
A Front net, behind the striker and wicketkeeper: 0 runs
B Side nets, between the striker and halfway down the pitch: 1 run
C Side nets between halfway and the bowlers end: 2 runs
D Back net: 4 runs on the bounce, 6 runs on the full
Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
POSSIBLE ENGLAND EURO 2020 SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope, Dean Henderson.
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kieran Trippier, Joe Gomez, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings, Ben Chilwell, Fabian Delph.
Midfielders: Declan Rice, Harry Winks, Jordan Henderson, Ross Barkley, Mason Mount, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Forwards: Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Tammy Abraham, Callum Hudson-Odoi.
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RESULTS
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,600m
Winner: Omania, Saif Al Balushi (jockey), Ibrahim Al Hadhrami (trainer)
5.30pm: Conditions (PA) Dh85,000 1,600m
Winner: Brehaan, Richard Mullen, Ana Mendez
6pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 1,600m
Winner: Craving, Connor Beasley, Simon Crisford
6.30pm: The President’s Cup Prep (PA) Dh100,000 2,200m
Winner: Rmmas, Tadhg O’Shea, Jean de Roualle
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup (PA) Dh70,000 1,200m
Winner: Dahess D’Arabie, Connor Beasley, Helal Al Alawi
7.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m
Winner: Fertile De Croate, Sam Hitchcott, Ibrahim Aseel
Ashes 2019 schedule
August 1-5: First Test, Edgbaston
August 14-18: Second Test, Lord's
August 22-26: Third Test, Headingley
September 4-8: Fourth Test, Old Trafford
September 12-16: Fifth Test, Oval
DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin
Director: Shawn Levy
Rating: 3/5
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THE POPE'S ITINERARY
Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12.20pm: visit Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Presidential Palace
5pm: private meeting with Muslim Council of Elders at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6.10pm: Inter-religious in the Founder's Memorial
Tuesday, February 5 - Abu Dhabi to Rome
9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
12.40pm: farewell at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm: departure by plane to Rome
5pm: arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport