• HIGH: Wolves and Manchester City produced a five-goal thriller at Molineux on December 27 with a red card and penalty miss chucked in for good measure. Nuno Espirito Santo watched his side fight back from two down to clinch a 3-2 victory and a memorable double over the champions thanks to Matt Doherty's 89th-minute goal. Getty
    HIGH: Wolves and Manchester City produced a five-goal thriller at Molineux on December 27 with a red card and penalty miss chucked in for good measure. Nuno Espirito Santo watched his side fight back from two down to clinch a 3-2 victory and a memorable double over the champions thanks to Matt Doherty's 89th-minute goal. Getty
  • LOW: VAR cut short West Ham's celebrations at Sheffield United on January 10 after Declan Rice was adjudged to have handled the ball in the build-up to Robert Snodgrass' effort. The late strike was eventually ruled out and saw both David Moyes and Chris Wilder lambast the technology after another high-profile intervention. AFP
    LOW: VAR cut short West Ham's celebrations at Sheffield United on January 10 after Declan Rice was adjudged to have handled the ball in the build-up to Robert Snodgrass' effort. The late strike was eventually ruled out and saw both David Moyes and Chris Wilder lambast the technology after another high-profile intervention. AFP
  • HIGH: Watford moved out of the bottom three for the first time this season with a 3-0 win at Bournemouth on January 12. It was another step in the right direction under Nigel Pearson – the club's third manager of the campaign – as their great escape gathered more momentum. PA
    HIGH: Watford moved out of the bottom three for the first time this season with a 3-0 win at Bournemouth on January 12. It was another step in the right direction under Nigel Pearson – the club's third manager of the campaign – as their great escape gathered more momentum. PA
  • HIGH Liverpool continued to break records, with the 4-0 win over Southampton at Anfield on February 1 moving them 22 points clear of Man City – the biggest ever lead at the end of a day in English top-flight history. It was also their 20th successive league win at home. Getty
    HIGH Liverpool continued to break records, with the 4-0 win over Southampton at Anfield on February 1 moving them 22 points clear of Man City – the biggest ever lead at the end of a day in English top-flight history. It was also their 20th successive league win at home. Getty
  • LOW: Two relegation-threatened sides produced a thrilling encounter at the London Stadium, but VAR overshadowed the 3-3 draw between West Ham and Brighton. Glenn Murray equalised with 11 minutes left and, despite appearing to handle the ball to bring it down, the goal was allowed to stand. Another example of the lack of consistency which has contributed to frustrations with video assistant technology. PA
    LOW: Two relegation-threatened sides produced a thrilling encounter at the London Stadium, but VAR overshadowed the 3-3 draw between West Ham and Brighton. Glenn Murray equalised with 11 minutes left and, despite appearing to handle the ball to bring it down, the goal was allowed to stand. Another example of the lack of consistency which has contributed to frustrations with video assistant technology. PA
  • HIGH: A cat and mouse battle between Aston Villa and Tottenham on February 16 went the way of visiting Spurs after Son grabbed a stoppage-time winner at Villa Park. The 3-2 victory appeared to put Jose Mourinho's men in a strong position to push on, but an injury to the match-winner would go on to hurt their hopes of a top-four finish. England striker Harry Kane was already out after undergoing surgery on his hamstring. Reuters
    HIGH: A cat and mouse battle between Aston Villa and Tottenham on February 16 went the way of visiting Spurs after Son grabbed a stoppage-time winner at Villa Park. The 3-2 victory appeared to put Jose Mourinho's men in a strong position to push on, but an injury to the match-winner would go on to hurt their hopes of a top-four finish. England striker Harry Kane was already out after undergoing surgery on his hamstring. Reuters
  • LOW Not long after VAR had decided Giovani Lo Celso's horror challenge on Cesar Azpilicueta did not warrant a red card, the technology left Bournemouth cursing at Turf Moor when it ruled out Harry Wilson's equaliser against Burnley and awarded the hosts a penalty in the same instance because of Adam Smith's handball in his own penalty area. It was a first for VAR and another controversial day for video assistant referee.
    LOW Not long after VAR had decided Giovani Lo Celso's horror challenge on Cesar Azpilicueta did not warrant a red card, the technology left Bournemouth cursing at Turf Moor when it ruled out Harry Wilson's equaliser against Burnley and awarded the hosts a penalty in the same instance because of Adam Smith's handball in his own penalty area. It was a first for VAR and another controversial day for video assistant referee.
  • HIGH: Bruno Fernandes' fine start to life at Manchester United continued in the 1-1 draw at Everton, with the January summer signing firing home from 20 yards, although the effort again put the microscope on goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. The England and Toffees No 1 let Fernandes' bouncing shot bounce under his outstretched arms, while United's David de Gea had earlier gifted Everton the lead on a bad day for goalkeepers. Getty
    HIGH: Bruno Fernandes' fine start to life at Manchester United continued in the 1-1 draw at Everton, with the January summer signing firing home from 20 yards, although the effort again put the microscope on goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. The England and Toffees No 1 let Fernandes' bouncing shot bounce under his outstretched arms, while United's David de Gea had earlier gifted Everton the lead on a bad day for goalkeepers. Getty
  • LOW: Arsenal's revolution under Mikel Arteta gathered pace with a 1-0 win over West Ham, but VAR took far too long than it needed to award Alexandre Lacazette's winner 12 minutes from time. It was the latest example of teething problems for video technology. EPA
    LOW: Arsenal's revolution under Mikel Arteta gathered pace with a 1-0 win over West Ham, but VAR took far too long than it needed to award Alexandre Lacazette's winner 12 minutes from time. It was the latest example of teething problems for video technology. EPA
  • HIGH: Chelsea's 18-year-old Billy Gilmour enjoyed a full league debut to remember, pulling the strings at Stamford Bridge to help the Blues secure a comfortable 4-0 win over Everton on March 8. He would go on to claim the man of the match award, his second in the space of a matter of days. Getty
    HIGH: Chelsea's 18-year-old Billy Gilmour enjoyed a full league debut to remember, pulling the strings at Stamford Bridge to help the Blues secure a comfortable 4-0 win over Everton on March 8. He would go on to claim the man of the match award, his second in the space of a matter of days. Getty
  • LOW: Manchester City's match with Arsenal on March 11 was postponed due to fears over the coronavirus outbreak and in the days to follow Gunners manager Arteta tested positive for Covid-19 along with Chelsea's Callum Hudson-Odoi. It forced the Premier League to suspend the division. Reuters
    LOW: Manchester City's match with Arsenal on March 11 was postponed due to fears over the coronavirus outbreak and in the days to follow Gunners manager Arteta tested positive for Covid-19 along with Chelsea's Callum Hudson-Odoi. It forced the Premier League to suspend the division. Reuters

Football

Bruno Fernandes makes flying start, Billy Gilmour emerges at Chelsea and more VAR issues: Premier League highs and lows so far - in pictures

We take a look back at the peaks and troughs of the campaign so far

Press Association

June 16, 2020

  • English
  • Arabic

The Premier League's suspension was extended to April 30 this week but with the coronavirus pandemic showing no signs of easing any time soon, that looks an optimistic target.

With the majority of clubs having only nine fixtures left to play, there have been plenty of highs and lows this season and here, in the second of two parts, we a look at some of them.

Heading into 2020, Liverpool continued their relentless march towards a first title in 30 years, frustraions with VAR show no signs of ending and Tottenham Hotspur are hit by two major attacking blows.

To move on to the next slide, click on the arrows or if using a mobile device, simply swipe.

SERIE A FIXTURES

Friday Sassuolo v Benevento (Kick-off 11.45pm)

Saturday Crotone v Spezia (6pm), Torino v Udinese (9pm), Lazio v Verona (11.45pm)

Sunday Cagliari v Inter Milan (3.30pm), Atalanta v Fiorentina (6pm), Napoli v Sampdoria (6pm), Bologna v Roma (6pm), Genoa v Juventus (9pm), AC Milan v Parma (11.45pm)

Know before you go
  • Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
  • If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
  • By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
  • Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
  • Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.

 

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week
DUBAI SEVENS 2018 DRAW

Gulf Men’s League
Pool A – Dubai Exiles, Dubai Hurricanes, Bahrain, Dubai Sports City Eagles
Pool B – Jebel Ali Dragons, Abu Dhabi Saracens, Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Al Ain Amblers

Gulf Men’s Open
Pool A – Bahrain Firbolgs, Arabian Knights, Yalla Rugby, Muscat
Pool B – Amman Citadel, APB Dubai Sharks, Jebel Ali Dragons 2, Saudi Rugby
Pool C – Abu Dhabi Harlequins 2, Roberts Construction, Dubai Exiles 2
Pool D – Dubai Tigers, UAE Shaheen, Sharjah Wanderers, Amman Citadel 2

Gulf U19 Boys
Pool A – Deira International School, Dubai Hurricanes, British School Al Khubairat, Jumeirah English Speaking School B
Pool B – Dubai English Speaking College 2, Jumeirah College, Dubai College A, Abu Dhabi Harlequins 2
Pool C – Bahrain Colts, Al Yasmina School, DESC, DC B
Pool D – Al Ain Amblers, Repton Royals, Dubai Exiles, Gems World Academy Dubai
Pool E – JESS A, Abu Dhabi Sharks, Abu Dhabi Harlequins 1, EC

Gulf Women
Pool A – Kuwait Scorpions, Black Ruggers, Dubai Sports City Eagles, Dubai Hurricanes 2
Pool B – Emirates Firebirds, Sharjah Wanderers, RAK Rides, Beirut Aconites
Pool C – Dubai Hurricanes, Emirates Firebirds 2, Abu Dhabi Saracens, Transforma Panthers
Pool D – AUC Wolves, Dubai Hawks, Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Al Ain Amblers

Gulf U19 Girls
Pool A – Dubai Exiles, BSAK, DESC, Al Maha
Pool B – Arabian Knights, Dubai Hurricanes, Al Ain Amblers, Abu Dhabi Harlequins

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills