High-flying Aston Villa and Unai Emery present latest challenge to Arsenal's title credentials

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Aston Villa is the form team in the Premier League and on Saturday presents the latest test toArsenal's title credentials.

An added element of intrigue is another reunion between Unai Emery and Arsenal, whichfired the Spanish coachin 2019 after he'd overseen its worst run of results in 27 years.

"For what they've been doing, the way they've been playing and winning matches, certainly it's a team that is in great form and we know that," Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said. "We know obviously the manager and the incredible job he's done there as well, so we know the task tomorrow."

Emery has long since restored his reputation after leaving Arsenal, winning the Europa League for a third time in his career, with Villarreal. His return to England has underlined his status as one of the elite coaches in Europe, transforming Villa from a relegation-fighting team to a serial contender for Champions League qualification.

Villa is punching above its weight again this term and is up to third in the standings after eight wins from its last nine league games.

A win against first-place Arsenal at Villa Park would cut its gap to the leader to three points.

"I think when you look at Unai, his career, his motivation level, everywhere he's been an impact that he's done, it's all been remarkable," Arteta said.

Such heady heights hardly looked possible after Emery's team started the season without a win in its first five games after a frustrating transfer window that relied on deadline-day loan deals for Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliott to bolster the squad.

Villa, a Champions League quarterfinalist last season, lost two of its first three league games and was also knocked out of the League Cup.

It seemed the remarkable rise under Emery, who was hired in 2022 with the club one place above the relegation zone, was at risk of hitting the wall. But the coach has confounded expectations again and has been shortlisted for Premier League manager of the month for November.

Arsenal is five points clear at the top, ahead of second-place Manchester City. It is unbeaten in 18 games in all competitions, dating back to September, but has drawn its last two away games at Sunderland and Chelsea.

Key matchups

City, meanwhile, is at home to a Sunderland team that held Liverpool to a 1-1 draw at Anfield midweek.

Liverpool's latest test after just two wins in nine league games comes at Leeds, which stunned Chelsea last time out by winning 3-1 at Elland Road.

Chelsea is at Bournemouth on Saturday after failing to win its last two games in the league.

Players to watch

Will Mohamed Salah start after being dropped for Liverpool's last two games? He came off the bench against Sunderland, but still couldn't inspire his team to a much-needed win.

Matheus Cunha returns to Wolverhampton with new club Manchester United on Monday. The Brazil international returned from injury for the 1-1 draw with West Ham on Thursday and this would be his first game against Wolves since leaving the club in the summer.

Out of action

Arsenal is waiting to see if Declan Rice will be available after he limped off during the win against Brentford midweek. Cristhian Mosquera is a doubt with an ankle problem and William Saliba has been out for two games with an unspecified injury.

Sandro Tonali faces a late test to see if he will be available for Newcastle after taking a knock in the 2-2 draw against Tottenham.

Off the field

Thomas Frank faces former club Brentford, with his Tottenham team in desperate need of turning its home form around.

Spurs have gone six league games without a win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with its only victory coming against Burnley on the opening day of the season.

Frank's position as manager is coming under scrutiny, with his team's home form particularly concerning.

James Robson is athttps://x.com/jamesalanrobson

AP soccer:https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

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December 05, 2025

High-flying Aston Villa and Unai Emery present latest challenge to Arsenal's title credentials

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Aston Villa is the form team in the Premier League and on Saturday presents the latest test to...

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Meet the official mascots for 2026 World Cup in North America

For many soccer fans, the World Cup is the pinnacle of the sport. It offers spirited competition, nationalism, and an authentic sporting environment with fans from across the globe journeying to the host county to watch their team play on the largest stage.

That experience is furthered by the presence of country mascots. It has become tradition for the host country to deliver a tournament-wide mascot ever since World Cup Willie, a humanoid lion, became the face of the 1966 tournament in England.

Sixty years later, though, that tradition is taking its next step. With three countries hosting games for the upcoming tournament, just one mascot won't cut it. Here's a look at every country introducing a costumed representative for the 2026 World Cup in North America.

Who are the 2026 World Cup mascots?

With the United States, Canada and Mexico all hosting games for the 2026 World Cup,three mascotswill take the field.

Maple the Moose (Canada)

According to FIFA's website, Maple is an artist and goalkeeper with a "heart full of strength and leadership." He also routinely journeys "across all of Canada's provinces and territories while connecting with people and embracing the country's rich culture."

Zayu the Jaguar (Mexico)

Zayu reigns from the jungles to the south of Mexico. He plays striker on the soccer field and displays fantastic agility to defeat defenders. Zayu also "embraces Mexican culture through, dance, food and tradition, uniting people across borders with passion and pride."

Clutch the Bald Eagle (United States)

Clutch, a midfielder, is a leader, according to his FIFA bio. He "leads with action – rallying teammates, lifting spirits and turning every challenge into an opportunity to rise higher." Clutch's most notable characteristics are his "unquenchable thirst for adventure," "boundless curiosity," and "fearlessness."

Which cities are hosting the 2026 World Cup?

Canada

• Vancouver

• Toronto

Mexico

• Monterrey

• Guadalajara

• Mexico City

United States

• Los Angeles

• San Francisco

• Seattle

• Dallas

• Houston

• Kansas City

• Atlanta

• Miami

• Boston

• New York

• Philadelphia

When does the the 2026 World Cup take place?

The 2026 World Cup will start on June 11, 2026. The tournament moves to the knockout stages on June 28, with the final set for July 19.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:World Cup 2026 brings three mascots to the spotlight

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December 05, 2025

Meet the official mascots for 2026 World Cup in North America

For many soccer fans, the World Cup is the pinnacle of the sport. It offers spirited competition, nationalism, and an aut...

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Is Luka Doncic playing today? Latest news on Lakers star

Luka Doncic is expected to remain unavailablefor theLos Angeles Lakers' game Friday against the Boston Celtics. It's the second consecutive game that Doncic is expected to miss.

On Wednesday, Doncic was ruled out forThursday's game against the Toronto Raptorsdue to personal reasons. The Lakers started a three-game road trip Thursday.

The Slovenian last played on Monday in the Lakers' 125-108 loss to thePhoenix Suns, which snapped a seven-game winning streak. Doncic led the team in points (38), rebounds (11) and assists (five) against the Suns.

The guard leads the league in scoring with 35.3 points per game this season. He's also averaging 8.9 assists (fourth highest in the league) and 8.9 rebounds (19th in the league).

More:Luka Doncic remains out for personal reasons as Lakers begin road trip

Oct. 26: The Brooklyn Nets' Michael Porter Jr. dunks in front of the San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama at Frost Bank Center.

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Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents

Is there a timetable for Luka Doncic's return?

During Thursday's pregame media availability, Lakers coach JJ Redick provided the latest update on his superstar guard and his status.

"Obviously, he's away from the team for personal reasons," Redick told reporters Thursday. "Hope to have him back soon, but don't have a pinpointed day yet."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Will Luka Doncic return for Lakers vs. Celtics? Status update

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December 05, 2025

Is Luka Doncic playing today? Latest news on Lakers star

Luka Doncic is expected to remain unavailablefor theLos Angeles Lakers' game Friday against the Boston Celtics. It...

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German president to visit WWII bombing site as Europe seeks to bolster united front against Russia

LONDON (AP) — Germany's president is set to lay a wreath Friday at Coventry Cathedral in central England, symbolically atoning for the atrocities of World War II as his country and the United Kingdom seek to bolster an alliance to combat the new war raging in Europe.

Frank-Walter Steinmeier'spilgrimage commemorates the Nazi bombing of Coventry on the night of Nov. 14, 1940, which destroyed the 14th-century Gothic cathedral, leaving behind a roofless ruin that stands as a reminder of the ravages of war. At least 568 people were killed and more than half of Coventry's homes were damaged or destroyed in what was the single most concentrated attack on a British city during the war.

Britain will be represented at the event by the Duke of Kent, who has long fostered British-German reconciliation. He served as the royal patron of the Dresden Trust, which seeks to build bonds between the people of Britain and Dresden following the Allied bombing that destroyed the German city's historic center and killed an estimated 25,000 people in February 1945.

Steinmeier's appearance wraps up a three-day state visit to Britain, the first by a German head of state in 27 years.

During a lavish banquet on Wednesday night at Windsor Castle, Steinmeier andKing Charles IIIput on a show of Anglo-Saxon unity, exchanging toasts that celebrated the cultural and historic ties between their nations and highlighted efforts to build a common front against Russian aggression in Ukraine.

In his toast, Steinmeier described Coventry as a symbol of the bonds that grew out of the war that ended 80 years ago.

"Flourishing cities grew out of the ashes. Enemies became friends," he said. "That is our common history — and it shows what is possible when people have the courage to pursue reconciliation."

The state visit comes as European nations bond together to support Ukraine and confront Russian efforts to destabilize western democracies through so-called hybrid attacks such as election interference, disinformation and sabotage. Shaken by what they see as U.S. President Donald Trump's lack of reliability, European nations are increasing military spending and boosting military cooperation.

Earlier this year, Britain and Germany signed a treaty pledging to deepen cooperation on a range of issues, including defense, migration and the fight against climate change.

Martin Farr, an expert in modern British history at Newcastle University, said Steinmeier's visit highlights the fact that European nations are working together much more that at any time since 1815. That was the year that the continent's major powers set up the Concert of Europe, a set of practices and principles designed to keep the peace after the Napoleonic Wars.

"War's been mentioned in this visit,'' Farr said. "War, in some part, has occasioned the visit and its importance. And so the historical echoes are really very profound, I think."

The pomp and ceremony of Steinmeier's visit to Britain is part of that.

While state visitsare hosted by the king, they are scheduled at the request of the elected government to reward friends — and sometimes nudge reluctant partners — with the red carpet treatment only the British royal family can provide.

On Wednesday, Charles welcomed Steinmeier and his wife, Elke Büdenbender, with a warm handshake before bundling them into a horse-drawn carriage for the ride to Windsor Castle, where a military band played the national anthems of both countries and Steinmeier inspected the assembled troops.

For the banquet, Queen Camilla and the Princess of Wales donned glittering tiaras and flowing evening gowns as they escorted their guests into St. George's Hall for a sumptuous meal served on 200-year-old silver. The hall was decorated with a 6-meter tall (nearly 20 feet) Christmas tree adorned with thousands of lights.

Steinmeier also held talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, laid a wreath at the tomb of the late Queen Elizabeth II and addressed Parliament.

During his speech to lawmakers, Steinmeier described Russia's invasion of Ukraine as an attack on the rules-based order that was built in Europe following World War II.

"We are seeing the resurgence of imperial ambitions, the attempt by destabilizing forces to divide us and pit us against one another," he said. "And that is precisely why we must stand united. We need to stand up as one for what defines us.''

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December 05, 2025

German president to visit WWII bombing site as Europe seeks to bolster united front against Russia

LONDON (AP) — Germany's president is set to lay a wreath Friday at Coventry Cathedral in central England, symbolicall...

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Prosecutors seek death penalty for 2 men accused of murdering Arizona woman

Two men accused of kidnapping and murdering an Arizona womanwho was left inside a burning carwhile she was still alive in 2023 could be executed if convicted.

Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced on Dec. 3 that her office filed notices of intent to seek the death penalty againstCudjoe Young, 29, and Sencere Hayes, 23, in connection with the brutal killing of Mercedes Vega, 22, of Tempe.

"I believe the death penalty is an appropriate sentencing consideration for the jury for these two defendants," Mitchell said in a statement. "We will continue to pursue justice for Mercedes Vega and her family."

Erika Pillsbury, Vega's mother, has said she wants her daughter's killers put to death.

"I walk into the courtroom," Pillsbury previously told The Arizona Republic. "I see them — their chests moving up and down, and I see them breathing. And I'm like, 'That is so unfair.' That's my thought. My thought is, 'My daughter isn't breathing — why are you breathing?'"

Young and Hayes face multiple felony charges that include first-degree murder, kidnapping and arson of an occupied structure.

Jared Gray, 26, has also been charged with Vega's murder but remains in Georgia where he awaits extradition. Erin Pellett, a spokesperson for the County Attorney's Office, declined to comment on whether Mitchell would seek the death penalty against Gray as well.

Family's loss:Was Mercedes Vega killed to keep a man's dream of playing pro football alive?

Investigators: Vega killed in plot to silence testimony

Vega was kidnapped in the parking garage of her Tempe apartment complex before being tortured, beaten, shot and left to die in a Chevrolet Malibu set ablaze in Tonopah on April 17, 2023.

Her death was the result of a brutal combination of blunt-force trauma, gunshot wounds, severe burns and smoke inhalation, meaning she was still alive as the Malibu burned, according to an autopsy report.

Investigators said they ultimately connected the motive behind her murder to Young, whom Vega had previously identified as the suspect who robbed her at gunpoint after following her home from Le Girls Gentlemen's Club where she worked as an exotic dancer in 2020. Detectives believe Young, who was once an NFL prospect, plotted to have Vega killed to prevent her from testifying in his armed robbery case, according to court documents.

Detectives with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office struggled to make an arrest in connection to Vega's killing until November 2024 when deputiesarrested Hayesin Tennessee after discovering his fingerprint ona bloody grocery bagthat had been left in Vega's car, according to court filings.

He has since been extradited to Arizona.

Gray was taken into custody in Georgia months later after Sheriff's Office detectives discovered his fingerprint on the bottom of a plastic cup inside the Malibu where Vega died, court documents said. It was not immediately clear when he would be extradited.

The trial is scheduled to begin on May 28, 2026, in Maricopa County Superior Court, though capital cases can be delayed for years due to their complexity.

Young is scheduled to go to trial on Feb. 2, 2026, on charges that he robbed Vega at gunpoint.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic:Prosecutors seek death against 2 men accused of killing Mercedes Vega

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December 05, 2025

Prosecutors seek death penalty for 2 men accused of murdering Arizona woman

Two men accused of kidnapping and murdering an Arizona womanwho was left inside a burning carwhile she was still alive in...

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EU regulators hit Elon Musk's X with 120 million euro fine for breaching bloc's social media law

LONDON (AP) — European Union regulators on Friday fined Elon Musk's social media platform X 120 million euros ($140 million) for failing to comply with the bloc's digital regulations.

The European Commission issued its decision following an investigation it openedtwo years agointo X under the 27-nation bloc's Digital Services Act. Also known as the DSA, its a sweeping rulebook that requires platforms to take more responsibility for protecting European users and cleaning up harmful or illegal content and products on their sites, under threat of hefty fines.

The Commission said it was punishing X, previously known as Twitter, because of three different breaches of the DSA's transparency requirements. The decision could rile President Donald Trump, whose administration haslashed out at digital regulationsfrom Brussels and vowed to retaliate if American tech companies are penalized.

Regulators said X's blue checkmarksbroke the rulesbecause of their "deceptive design" that could expose users to scams and manipulation.

X also fell short of the requirements for its ad database and giving access to researchers access to public data.

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December 05, 2025

EU regulators hit Elon Musk's X with 120 million euro fine for breaching bloc's social media law

LONDON (AP) — European Union regulators on Friday fined Elon Musk's social media platform X 120 million euros ($140 m...

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After streak-ending victory, LeBron James, Lakers head to Boston

One night after his NBA-record streak of double-digit scoring games ended in dramatic and unselfish fashion, LeBron James will aim to keep the Los Angeles Lakers rolling when they visit the Boston Celtics on Friday.

Los Angeles earned a 123-120 road win over the Toronto Raptors on Thursday when James assisted on Rui Hachimura's 3-pointer at the buzzer.

James scored eight points in the game, the first time since 2007 that he didn't score at least 10, ending a streak of 1,297 games in which he reached double figures. He shot 4 of 17 from the field and missed each of his five 3-point attempts.

James expressed no regrets about deciding to pass at the end rather than shoot in an attempt to win the game and extend the streak. In the end, Hachimura was the hero even over teammate Austin Reaves, who logged 44 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.

"Just playing the game the right way," James said. "You always make the right play. That's just been my M.O. That's how I was taught the game. I've done that my whole career. ...

"Once they doubled (Reaves) and the ball got swung to me, I knew it was a numbers game. We had a 4-on-3 advantage, and I was just trying to put the ball on time on target."

Lakers coach JJ Redick said of James' final play, "The basketball gods, if you do it the right way, they tend to reward you."

Reaves and Hachimura might be asked for more heroics on Friday if Lakers star Luka Doncic misses a second game in a row, as is expected. The team officially listed his Thursday absence as being for personal reasons, with no details provided, but multiple media outlets reported that he was in his native Slovenia awaiting the birth of a child.

"We hope to get him back soon," said Redick, whose team has won eight of its past nine games. "... Don't have a pinpointed day, though."

The Lakers also prevailed in Toronto without veteran guard Marcus Smart, who spent the first nine years of his NBA career with the Celtics. Smart sat out his fourth consecutive game because of lower back injury management and is considered day-to-day.

Like the Lakers, the Celtics were missing their top scorer when they earned a win on Thursday.

Jaylen Brown sat out due to an illness, but Boston demolished the host Washington Wizards 146-101.

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla was coy when he was asked if Brown would play against the Lakers.

"I'm not a doctor," he said. "Sorry, I have no idea."

Jordan Walsh made each of his eight field-goal attempts and tossed in a career-high 22 points for Boston. Walsh, who also collected seven rebounds in the win, has made each of his past 13 shots from the floor.

"Honestly, I (keep) forgetting what happens on offense," Walsh said. "When I score, I lowkey forget what happened (because) I'm so focused on getting back on defense. It leaves my mind, but whenever I get a steal and a dunk, or like a steal and a rebound, that stays with me. ... Defense always sticks with me for some reason."

Boston is 8-2 since Walsh was moved into the starting lineup.

"I thought Jordan set the tone on both ends of the floor," Mazzulla said. "He was unscreenable and did a great job making plays defensively."

The Celtics and Lakers split their two-game regular-season series in seven of the past eight campaigns, the lone exception being a Boston sweep in 2022-23.

--Field Level Media

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December 05, 2025

After streak-ending victory, LeBron James, Lakers head to Boston

One night after his NBA-record streak of double-digit scoring games ended in dramatic and unselfish fashion, LeBron Ja...

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