Greg Lea
The most endearing thing about football is its relative simplicity. There are very few barriers to entry, the only requirements being a roughly spherical object and a bit of open space, while its formal organisation is rather straightforward too in league competition.
Three points are awarded for a win regardless of the margin of victory or stature of opposition.
Read more: Thomas Woods has Arsenal pegged for a draw – Premier League predictions
That is something that Arsene Wenger and Arsenal should keep in mind ahead of their trip to Vicarage Road to face Watford on Saturday.
Before the international break, Wenger’s side produced a fine display against Manchester United, defeating the then-league leaders 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium.
While such successes are always likely to give a team a psychological boost, Arsenal must remember that the same reward is on offer at Watford this weekend as the three points they gained last time out. Indeed, failing to win at Vicarage Road would undo much of their good work from the encounter with United before the international break.
In the last five seasons, only Chelsea in 2014/15 and Manchester City in 2011/12 have won the Premier League title and also gained more points than each of their top four rivals in head-to-head fixtures between the quartet.
Beating your closest challengers is important, but such victories must come as part of a consistent winning run rather than as memorable standalone triumphs.
Alexis Sanchez, Theo Walcott and Mesut Ozil were particularly excellent against United, with Wenger also rightly receiving plenty of credit for his tactical plan, which saw Arsenal overwhelm their opponents with skill and intensity early on before shutting up shop after half-time.
The Frenchman must ensure his charges build on that result in Saturday’s clash with Watford, where exactly the same prize is on offer as two weeks ago.
sports@thenational.ae
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UK
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Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
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MATCH INFO
Karnataka Tuskers 110-5 (10 ovs)
Tharanga 48, Shafiq 34, Rampaul 2-16
Delhi Bulls 91-8 (10 ovs)
Mathews 31, Rimmington 3-28
Karnataka Tuskers win by 19 runs
Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
Not Dark Yet
Shelby Lynne and Allison Moorer
Four stars
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
What is Genes in Space?
Genes in Space is an annual competition first launched by the UAE Space Agency, The National and Boeing in 2015.
It challenges school pupils to design experiments to be conducted in space and it aims to encourage future talent for the UAE’s fledgling space industry. It is the first of its kind in the UAE and, as well as encouraging talent, it also aims to raise interest and awareness among the general population about space exploration.
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
The Greatest Royal Rumble card as it stands
50-man Royal Rumble
Universal Championship Brock Lesnar (champion) v Roman Reigns in a steel cage match
Intercontinental Championship Seth Rollins (champion) v The Miz v Finn Balor v Samoa Joe
SmackDown Tag Team Championship The Bludgeon Brothers (champions) v The Usos
Casket match The Undertaker v Chris Jericho
John Cena v Triple H
Matches to be announced
WWE World Heavyweight Championship, Raw Tag Team Championship, United States Championship and the Cruiserweight Championship are all due to be defended
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