June 25, 2025
World
World
THE HAGUE, June 25 — U.S. President Donald Trump claimed today that missile strikes over the weekend caused severe damage to Iranian nuclear sites, although he admitted that the intelligence available was inconclusive.
MANCHESTER, April 13 — Kevin De Bruyne led a sensational Manchester City comeback as they overturned a two-goal deficit to defeat Crystal Palace 5-2, while Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Brentford handed Liverpool a boost in the Premier League title race.
Making his first Etihad Stadium appearance since confirming his departure at the end of the season, De Bruyne delivered a vintage performance to rescue Pep Guardiola’s side.
Crystal Palace stunned the hosts early, racing to a 2-0 lead within 20 minutes through goals from Eberechi Eze—who finished Ismaila Sarr’s pass—and Chris Richards, who capitalised on poor defending to head in from a corner. Eze nearly added a third, but his effort was ruled offside.
De Bruyne sparked City’s response, curling a free-kick in off the post before setting up Omar Marmoush for the equaliser just three minutes later.
City took control in the second half as De Bruyne assisted Mateo Kovacic’s goal to complete the turnaround. Goalkeeper Ederson then added his fourth assist of the season, setting up James McAtee for City’s fourth, before Nico O’Reilly capped off the scoring with a well-taken strike.
“Kevin’s performance was fantastic, as it has been countless times,” said Guardiola. “He broke the bad momentum we had.”
The win lifts City back into the Premier League’s top four, with England securing five Champions League spots this season due to strong continental performances.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s title hopes took a hit as they dropped points again, this time resting key players ahead of their Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid.
Manager Mikel Arteta started without Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Mikel Merino. Despite taking the lead through Thomas Partey after a swift counter-attack, Arsenal conceded a late equaliser as Yoane Wissa flicked in Nathan Collins’ header from a set-piece.
“We control games, but today we gave away a poor goal,” said Arteta. “It’s not about fatigue — we’re used to playing every three days.”
The result leaves Arsenal 10 points behind leaders Liverpool, who could clinch a record-equalling 20th English title as early as next weekend if results go their way.
Forest stumble, Villa close gap
Nottingham Forest’s Champions League push faltered with a 1-0 home loss to Everton, sealed by Abdoulaye Doucoure’s stoppage-time winner. Forest remain third but are now under pressure from a resurgent chasing pack.
Aston Villa capitalised with a 3-0 win over already-relegated Southampton, narrowing the gap to Forest to three points. Despite Marco Asensio missing two penalties, late goals from Ollie Watkins, Donyell Malen, and John McGinn sealed the win for Unai Emery’s side.
Leicester, meanwhile, ended their scoring drought but were held to a 2-2 draw at Brighton, leaving their Premier League survival hopes hanging by a thread. — AFP
