SPORTS

London, United Kingdom | AFP | Newcastle survived an FA Cup scare at Blackburn as they blew a two-goal lead before hitting back to win 4-2 after extra time in Tuesday’s third-round replay. Rafael Benitez sent out an under-strength line-up featuring eight changes from Newcastle’s 2-1 defeat at Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday. …

Manchester, United Kingdom | AFP | Gabriel Jesus says his confidence has soared after his recent goal glut, vowing that Manchester City will not let up in their pursuit of Premier League leaders Liverpool. The Brazil striker scored another two, taking his tally to seven in three appearances, as City beat Wolves 3-0 on Monday …

London, United Kingdom | AFP | Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to be sidelined for up to a month with knee damage, leaving the Premier League leaders short of defensive options. The England international sustained a problem in the warm-up before Saturday’s 1-0 win at Brighton but played the full 90 minutes. However, he now …

London, United Kingdom | AFP | French midfielder Paul Pogba says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s arrival as interim manager at Manchester United has not only sparked his return to form but also put a smile back on his face. The 25-year-old — an integral figure in France’s World Cup triumph last year — has shown the …

London, United Kingdom | AFP | Tottenham captain Hugo Lloris admits his side are now looking over their shoulders at the teams chasing them in the race for the Premier League top four. Spurs have been considered title challengers after a superb run but two defeats in three games — the latest to Manchester United …

Manchester, United Kingdom | AFP | Gabriel Jesus extended his productive start to the new year, scoring twice as Manchester City comfortably dealt with 10-man Wolves 3-0 to cut Liverpool’s Premier League lead to four points. The Brazilian scored twice in the first half, either side of a straight red card for Wolves’ French defender …

Doha, Qatar | AFP | Uruguay’s Edinson Cavani admitted Monday that Qatar’s inclusion among teams in this year’s Copa America was a “surprise” but backed the Gulf state’s first ever tournament appearance. The 31-year-old, who plays for Qatari-owned French champions Paris Saint-Germain, said allowing the World Cup 2022 host in to South America’s biggest international …

Melbourne, Australia | AFP | Gutsy Andy Murray fought to the end before losing an epic Australian Open farewell match 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-7 (4/7) at the hands of Roberto Bautista Agut Monday. The Scot, who said he will retire this season because of chronic hip pain, seemed finished at two sets and a break …

Algiers, Algeria | AFP | More than 300 people were injured in football-related violence during the first four months of Algeria’s football season, with hundreds arrested, police said on Sunday. Algeria has for years seen nearly weekly violence at football stadiums between supporters, while police and players have also been …

Cairo, Egypt | AFP | Egypt’s sports ministry and Football Federation on Sunday outlined their bid to be ready for the Africa Cup of Nations which starts on June 15. Egypt took over as hosts for the 2019 tournament last week after Cameroon was stripped of the event due to …