LYFE LYFE THURSDAY | DEC 7, 2023 24 SOUNDTRACK #2 hits the right chord THE much-anticipated instalment in the Soundtrack series, Soundtrack #2, is poised to entertain audiences with its emotional depth and captivating narrative. theSun had the exclusive opportunity to delve into the heart of this musical tale, connecting with the director and talented cast who brought this story to life. A symphony of lost love Soundtrack #2 is a poignant exploration of lost love, serendipity and the prospect of second chances. At its core, the series follows the intertwined destinies of Do Hyeonseo, a piano prodigy and Ji Suho, a dreamer enchanted by online videos. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of their college romance, a dream to hike Europe’s Camino de Santiago and an abrupt breakup that shattered their shared Soundtrack #2 will premiere on Dec 6 only on Disney Plus. – INSTAGRAM oSecond instalment depictsharmonies of heartbreak and healing █ BY THASHINE SELVAKUMARAN Marvel unlikely to resurrect Tony Stark MARVEL Studios president Kevin Feige has quashed rumours that the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) will bring back the original Avengers and their respective actors. “We are going to keep that moment and not touch that moment again,” Feige said in relation to Robert Downey Jr’s role as Tony Stark in the emotional climax of Avengers: Endgame. “We all worked very hard for many years to get to that, and we would never want to magically undo it in any way,” he said in an interview with Vanity Fair. He added while it was hard to imagine the MCU without Downey, at one point in time, the studio was hesitant about casting the actor. “It purely came down to the Downey’s final moments as Tony Stark in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame. – DISNEY Official still of Soundtrack #2 starring Sae-rok and Sang-hyun. – TWITTER Marvel board being nervous about putting all of their chips in their future films on somebody who famously had those legal troubles in the past,” Feige said of Downey’s arrests. Following his Iron Man casting, the Oppenheimer actor went on to be a team player with his fellow superheroes and fought for them at various points. Ahead of the first Avengers, he even used his contract negotiations to get higher pay for his co-stars. “We used to joke and say that Robert was the head of the acting department because everybody there looked up to him,” Feige said. “He took them all under his wing, but not in a subservient sense. He just became their cheerleader.” - BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR aspirations. Years later, Suho has transformed into a successful CEO, driven by heartbreak and a passion for creativity. The series takes an unexpected turn as Suho, grappling with the consequences of his success, collapses in his office. The diagnosis reveals stress and exhaustion, prompting a journey of healing and self-discovery. Simultaneously, Hyeonseo’s life takes on a different trajectory. Faced with the harsh realities of adulthood, she takes on odd jobs to make ends meet. The series weaves a compelling narrative as fate reunites Hyeonseo and Suho, forcing them to confront the unresolved emotions of their past. The director’s vision In an exclusive interview, the director shares insights into the creation of Soundtrack #2. Collaborating with respected colleague Choi Jungkyu, the director aimed to craft a story that seamlessly blended romance, comedy and exceptional music. Drawing comparisons to the first instalment, the director expresses confidence that fans of Soundtrack #1 will find equal delight in the new series. Reflecting on the casting process, the director applauds the nuanced performance of Keum Sae-rok in The Interest of Love and the memorable presence of Noh Sang-hyun in Pachinko. Sohn Jeong-hyuck, in his debut acting role, impressed the director with his creativity. The cast’s passion and camaraderie on set proved to be an inspiration for the entire production crew. In the spotlight - the cast’s perspective Sae-rok, portraying Hyeonseo, unveils the layers of her character. Hyeonseo, a pianist who had to relinquish her dream of becoming a concert pianist, embodies resilience in the face of adversity. Sae-rok delves into the challenges of preparing for the role, including the daunting task of learning to play the piano from scratch. She candidly shares the emotional connection she found in Hyeonseo’s journey, particularly in scenes that resonated with her own experiences. Sang-hyun, stepping into his first romantic series, sheds light on the enjoyable experience of working on Soundtrack #2. The script’s engaging blend of realism and humour appealed to him, providing a stark contrast to his previous projects. He emphasises the joyous atmosphere on set, marked by laughter and camaraderie. Jeong-hyuck, playing the character “K”, brings a fresh perspective to the series as an enthusiastic and optimistic college student. In his first-ever acting role, the actor shares the challenges of learning to play the guitar for the character, a task made more demanding by his previous unfamiliarity with the instrument. He discusses the transformative experience of infusing his musical talents into the series, particularly in the creation of the song Da Capo. Jeong-hyuck’s involvement in creating music for the series adds a unique layer to Soundtrack #2. The song Da Capo, originally conceived as The Next One, became a symbolic reflection of the characters’ journey back to the beginning. Jeong-hyuck shares the evolution of the song, intertwining it with the characters’ emotional arcs and the overarching narrative of returning to one’s roots. Anticipating the symphony As the series approaches its release, Sae-rok expresses her excitement for Soundtrack #2. Drawing parallels with the resonant impact of Soundtrack #1, she anticipates a more realistic exploration of complex emotions in the new season. The inclusion of original music by Jeonghyuck further adds to the anticipation, promising a visual and auditory feast for fans. Soundtrack #2 emerges as a harmonious blend of heartbreak, healing and the redemptive power of music. The director’s vision, coupled with the stellar performances of the cast, promises an immersive experience for viewers. As audiences eagerly await the series premiere, the harmonies of Soundtrack #2 resonate as a testament to the enduring allure of love and the healing balm of music in the face of life’s tumultuous journey.
LYFE LYFE THURSDAY | DEC 7, 2023 25 Cage eyes retirement KNOWN for his wild performances, theatrical outbursts and lengthy filmography, Nicolas Cage claims he only has a few more movies left in his tank before retiring. Starring in six films this year, Cage reveals in a recent interview with Variety that he is weighing his options and may stop acting in films. “It’s starting to solidify — I’m starting to cement my plan,” Cage told the outlet, saying that he has three or four more films “left in him”. “I do feel I’ve said what I’ve had to say with cinema. I think I took the film performance as far as I could.” The Face/Off star also cites taking into consideration how much time he has left on earth, which he claims plays a factor in how he wants to spend his remaining time. “I thought, okay, my dad died at 75, I’m going to be turning 60. If I’m lucky, I may have a good 15 years and hopefully more. What do I want to do with those 15 years, using my father as the model?” He then says that it becomes very clear that he wants to spend time with his family. As for how he will navigate his remaining tenure in acting, Cage is also considering “the immersive streaming experience” of acting in a television show. - BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR In his 42 years of acting, Cage has starred in over 130 films. – UNIVERSAL PICTURES WARNER Bros Pictures has recently unveiled the official trailer for the highly anticipated MonsterVerse film titled Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. Following their epic clash in 2021’s Godzilla vs. Kong, the two iconic creatures are set to become unlikely allies yet again as they confront a formidable new adversary, far more powerful than any of them individually. The newly released trailer provides a glimpse of the intense action that awaits audiences, showcasing the colossal monsters in the movie. However, it is not all about destruction. The trailer also offers a sneak peek of Baby Kong, an unexpected arrival that appears to greatly surprise King Kong himself. The trailer also revealed the existence of a colossal ape alongside Kong. A formidable red ape appears to challenge Kong for his title, raising concerns among Monarch personnel about Kong’s ability to confront this new threat. Kong and Godzilla appear to have resolved their dispute from the previous film, as the trailer indicates. The concluding scenes portray them running side by side, presumably gearing up to confront the new adversary together. Before the trailer’s debut, the studio also provided a potential name for the red ape in an Instagram post, “Skar King.” Returning to the director’s chair is Adam Wingard, who previously directed the previous film. Wingard is making MonsterVerse history by becoming the only filmmaker to helm more than one project in the Godzilla franchise. Having successfully navigated one monster movie, Wingard expresses readiness and openness to the possibility of taking on more in the future. “As soon as the last movie came out and the audiences started to see it, I was like, You just can’t separate these two guys again,‘” said Wingard, according to IGN. “It’s too exciting to have them in one movie. And now, the next one has to be about the continuation of that relationship, which is going to be the team-up.” Wingard collaborated on the story with screenwriters Terry Rossio and Simon Barrett, with additional contributions to the script from Jeremy Slater. The cast of the film includes Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Dan Stevens, Kaylee Hottle, Alex Ferns and Fala Chen. Godzilla vs. Kong: The New Empire will be released in theatres on April 12, 2024. Godzilla x Kong rises oTrailer offers sneak peak of Baby Kong █ BY HAZIQUE ZAIRILL Monster team-up teased in trailer. – WARNER BROS. Surprising Star Wars story AFTER a four-year absence from any Star Wars-related media, Daisy Ridley is set to return as Rey in an upcoming Star Wars film. When the currently untitled film was announced back in April, Ridley disclosed in an interview with Collider that she was nervous as the film would be the first Star Wars film since Disney put a stop to the franchise’s films after 2019’s Star Wars: Episode IX. “I was anxious before I went on stage because no one knew I was going to be at April’s Star Wars celebration event except Kathleen Kennedy and there were a couple of people,” Ridley said. As there are currently no details on the film except that it will be directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, written by Steven Knight and starring Ridley, the actress teased Collider by revealing that she knows about the film’s story. “The story is really cool. I’m waiting to read a script because, obviously, I don’t have any other updates. It’s not what I expected, but I’m very excited.” She also revealed that she did not know if the film would be a one-off or the start of a new trilogy. “I know the storyline for one film. That’s not to say that that’s all it is, but that’s what I was told about,” she said. “But yes, so far, I know the story of one film and I think people will be very excited. - BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR There will be a production gap of seven years between the release of Episode IX and the next film.– DISNEY
LYFE LYFE THURSDAY | DEC 7, 2023 26 MALAYSIA’S streaming service, sooka, has unveiled an allnew package with attractive promotional rates as low as RM12.90. The package includes upgraded features and an expanded content library. The announcement of this exciting news came from Astro group chief executive officer, Euan Smith, during the official launch at Pavilion Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur last Saturday. English professional football manager and former player Steve Bruce was also present at the event and his appearance was highly anticipated during the meetand-greet session. “As the demand for flexible online streaming continues its upward trajectory, sooka aims to deliver highly tailored content, combining live and ondemand shows that will resonate with consumers across all target markets,” Smith said. “sooka’s active monthly users (MAU) have risen 80% so far this year and our VIP base grew 55% quarter-on-quarter, driven by a much-increased content library and enhanced targeted marketing. “To date, there are 1.5 million registered users on sooka, 60% of whom access sooka on mobile. We are confident that sooka’s new packs and pricing will set this great service on a higher growth trajectory in 2024,” he added. “Even if you already have a smartphone, whether or not you have a 5G or 4G connection or even broadband and you don’t own a TV at home, you can still watch this exceptional content because it’s being delivered directly to your device. That’s the essence of our approach.” Apart from that, the recently introduced packages are designed to offer customers the flexibility to choose the entertainment option that aligns with their lifestyle and viewing preferences. Now, sports, entertainment and children-related content are readily accessible on sooka, enabling users to enjoy these extensive offerings simultaneously on three screens, providing a higher resolution for a more premium viewing experience. Other features now include free adsupported streaming television channels comprising culinary programmes, travel shows, dramas, as well as previews of live sports and entertainment events — all available completely free on the platform. sooka stands out as the sole streaming app in Malaysia, providing an extensive lineup of live sports content. This includes the Premiere League, Liga Malaysia, Formula One, NBA, BWF Tournaments, ATP Tours, MotoGP, UFC and a variety of other offerings. Subscribers can also anticipate exciting events such as the highly anticipated conclusion of All Stars Gegar Vaganza (GV10) on Dec 10 and the talent search for Malaysia’s Hero Dewi Remaja 2023. For the promotional rate of RM49.90 per month, customers can indulge in an ad-free viewing experience on the big screen with the Premium package. Meanwhile, for sports enthusiasts, the All Sports + Entertainment option provides access to all live sports for RM34.90/month, while the Liga Malaysia + Entertainment package costs RM28.90/month. Other than that, the Entertainment Pack, offering local and Asian dramas, variety shows and reality shows, is priced at RM14.90/month. For those who enjoy binge-watching, the all-new 24-Hour Pass allows access to all sports, entertainment and children’s content for a single day, priced at only RM12.90/day. For mobile users, download the app from the Apple Store or Google Play Store, while for smart TV users, from Samsung, LG, Xiao Mi and Google/Android app stores for version eight and above. For further details on sooka and its new packages, visit sooka.my. Special appearance of English professional football manager and former player Bruce. Smith and Bruce sharing their love for football during the launch. Elevate your streaming experience Smith introducing the all-new sooka to a packed crowd at Pavilion Bukit Jalil on Dec 2. █ BY HAZIQUE ZAIRILL osooka’s latest packages and features Bruce signing an autograph on a fan’s jersey. Smith speaking to the press about the all-new sooka after the launch.
SPORTS SPORTS THURSDAY | DEC 7, 2023 28 READ OUR HERE /thesun Malaysian Paper DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI PULAU PINANG DALAM NEGERI PULAU PINANG, MALAYSIA DALAM KEBANKRAPAN NO. PA – 29NCC –373– 08/2023 Per: PHEH PENG BONG (NO. K/P: 620626-07-5459/6782610) …Penghutang Penghakiman Ex-Parte: RHB BANK BERHAD (No. Syarikat: 196501000373 (6171-M) …Pemiutang Penghakiman NOTIS (Dalam perkara Notis Kebankrapan bertarikh 28-08-2023) Kepada:- PHEH PENG BONG No.5, Lorong Hijauan Valdor 38 Hijauan Valdor 14200 Sungai Jawi, Pulau Pinang. AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa satu Notis Kebankrapan telah dikeluarkan terhadap kamu dalam Mahkamah ini oleh RHB Bank Berhad [No. Syarikat. 196501000373 (6171- M)] yang beralamat di Level 8, No.75, Jalan Tun HS Lee, 50000 Kuala Lumpur dan Mahkamah telah memerintahkan supaya Notis Kebankrapan ini diserahkan kepada kamu secara penyampaian ganti dengan menampalkan sesalinan Notis Kebankrapan dengan sesalinan meterai Perintah Penyampaian Ganti pada Papan Notis Mahkamah Tinggi Pulau Pinang, dipremis terakhir Penghutang Penghakiman di alamat No.5, Lorong Hijauan Valdor 38, Hijauan Valdor, 14200 Sungai Jawi, Pulau Pinang dan pengiklanan Notis ini dalam suratkhabar tempatan berbahasa Inggeris bernama “The Sun” dan bahawa penampalan dan pengiklanan ini adalah merupakan penyampaian yang cukup dan memadai akan Notis Kebankrapan tersebut kepada Penghutang Penghakiman yang dinamakan di atas dalam tempoh tujuh (7) hari selepas tarikh akhir penampalan atau pengiklanan tersebut dilaksanakan. Jika kamu berniat untuk membela terhadap Notis Kebankrapan tersebut, kamu mesti dalam masa tujuh (7) hari selepas tarikh penampalan dan pengiklanan memohon kepada Mahkamah untuk mengenepikan Notis Kebankrapan tersebut dengan memfailkan di Pejabat Pendaftaran afidavit untuk menyokong permohonan kamu. Atas kegagalan memfailkan afidavit tersebut, suatu Petisyen Kebankrapan boleh difailkan terhadap kamu. Notis Kebankrapan itu boleh diperiksa oleh kamu atas permohonan kepada Mahkamah. Bertarikh pada 7 November 2023 ………………………… Notis ini difailkan bagi pihak Pemiutang Penghakiman oleh Tetuan Toh Theam Hock & Co., Peguambela & Peguamcara yang beralamat di No. 155, Tingkat 1, Medan Kikik Satu, Taman Inderawasih, 13600 Prai. (Ruj: TTH/RHB/19/2020/OSY/NA) DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI PULAU PINANG DALAM NEGERI PULAU PINANG, MALAYSIA DALAM KEBANKRAPAN NO. PA – 29NCC –372– 08/2023 Per: PHEH WEI CHEN (NO. K/P: 940628-07-5578) …Penghutang Penghakiman Ex-Parte: RHB BANK BERHAD (No. Syarikat: 196501000373 (6171-M) …Pemiutang Penghakiman NOTIS (Dalam perkara Notis Kebankrapan bertarikh 28-08-2023) Kepada:- PHEH WEI CHEN No.5, Lorong Hijauan Valdor 38 Hijauan Valdor 14200 Sungai Jawi, Pulau Pinang. AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa satu Notis Kebankrapan telah dikeluarkan terhadap kamu dalam Mahkamah ini oleh RHB Bank Berhad [No. Syarikat. 196501000373 (6171-M)] yang beralamat di Level 8, No.75, Jalan Tun HS Lee, 50000 Kuala Lumpur dan Mahkamah telah memerintahkan supaya Notis Kebankrapan ini diserahkan kepada kamu secara penyampaian ganti dengan menampalkan sesalinan Notis Kebankrapan dengan sesalinan meterai Perintah Penyampaian Ganti pada Papan Notis Mahkamah Tinggi Pulau Pinang, dipremis terakhir Penghutang Penghakiman di alamat No.5, Lorong Hijauan Valdor 38, Hijauan Valdor, 14200 Sungai Jawi, Pulau Pinang dan pengiklanan Notis ini dalam suratkhabar tempatan dan bahawa penampalan dan pengiklanan ini adalah merupakan penyampaian yang cukup dan memadai akan Notis Kebankrapan tersebut kepada Penghutang Penghakiman yang dinamakan di atas dalam tempoh tujuh (7) hari selepas tarikh akhir penampalan atau pengiklanan tersebut dilaksanakan. Jika kamu berniat untuk membela terhadap Notis Kebankrapan tersebut, kamu mesti dalam masa TUJUH (7) hari selepas tarikh penampalan dan pengiklanan memohon kepada Mahkamah untuk mengenepikan Notis Kebankrapan tersebut dengan memfailkan di Pejabat Pendaftaran afidavit untuk menyokong permohonan kamu. Atas kegagalan memfailkan afidavit tersebut, suatu Petisyen Kebankrapan boleh difailkan terhadap kamu. Notis Kebankrapan itu boleh diperiksa oleh kamu atas permohonan kepada Mahkamah. Bertarikh pada 7 November 2023 ………………………… Notis ini difailkan bagi pihak Pemiutang Penghakiman oleh Tetuan Toh Theam Hock & Co., Peguambela & Peguamcara yang beralamat di No. 155, Tingkat 1, Medan Kikik Satu, Taman Inderawasih, 13600 Prai. (Ruj: TTH/RHB/19/2020/OSY/NA) 322 Notices 322 Notices DALAM MAHKAMAH SESYEN DI GEORGETOWN DALAM NEGERI PULAU PINANG, MALAYSIA GUAMAN SIVIL NO. PA-A52M – 151 - 07/2023 Antara PUBLIC ISLAMIC BANK BERHAD (No. Syarikat: 14328-V) …PLAINTIF Dan 1.SITI HANIM BINTI GHARZALI (NO. K/P: 860726-35-5506) 2.SHAHRUL SUHAIMI BIN ABU BAKAR (NO. K/P: 700318-07-5211) …DEFENDAN-DEFENDAN NOTIS IKLAN Kepada: - SHAHRUL SUHAIMI BIN ABU BAKAR 282-R JALAN PEKELILING BUKIT GELUGOR 11700 GELUGOR, PULAU PINANG AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa satu Writ Saman dan Pernyataan Tuntutan telah dikeluarkan terhadap kamu dalam Mahkamah ini oleh PUBLIC ISLAMIC BANK BERHAD (No. Syarikat: 14328-V) yang beralamat di Regional Credit Centre-Penang, Tingkat 2, No. 48, Bishop Street, 10200 Penang dan Mahkamah telah memerintahkan supaya Writ Saman dan Pernyataan Tuntutan ini diserahkan kepada kamu secara penyampaian ganti dengan menampalkan sesalinan Writ Saman dan Pernyataan Tuntutan dengan sesalinan meterai Perintah Penyampaian Ganti pada Papan Notis Mahkamah Sesyen di Georgetown, di premis terakhir Defendan Kedua yang diketahui di 282-R, Jalan Pekeliling, Bukit Gelugor, 11700 Gelugor, Pulau Pinang dan pengiklanan Notis ini dalam surat khabar tempatan dan bahawa penampalan dan pengiklanan ini adalah merupakan penyampaian yang cukup dan memadai akan Writ Saman dan Pernyataan Tuntutan tersebut kepada Defendan Kedua yang dinamakan di atas selepas tujuh (7) hari dari perbuatan akhir penampalan atau pengiklanan sedemikian. Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela dalam tindakan tersebut kamu mestilah dalam masa tujuh (7) hari dari tarikh tersiarnya iklan ini, termasuk hari penyampaian itu, memasukkan kehadiran di Mahkamah Sesyen Georgetown. Jika ingkar apa-apa kehadiran yang demikian maka penghakiman boleh dibuat terhadap kamu. Writ Saman itu boleh diperiksa oleh kamu atas permohonan kepada Mahkamah. Bertarikh pada 1 November 2023 ............................................. Notis Iklan ini difailkan oleh Toh Theam Hock & Co., Peguamcara bagi Pemiutang Penghakiman yang beralamat di No. 155, Tingkat 1, Medan Kikik Satu, Taman Inderawasih, 13600 Perai. [Ruj: TTH/PBB/IF-43/2023/OSY/DURA] Rahm close to LIV deal Masters champion heavily linked with lucrative move to rebel tour TWO-TIME major champion Jon Rahm is set to be the latest big name to switch to LIV Golf – with the Spaniard closing in on a record £450 million (RM2.6b) deal with the Saudibacked breakaway tour. Rahm will apparently join LIV Golf for the 2024 season, with a deal close to being struck after protracted negotiations with the Public Investment Fund. Rahm, who has spoken out against LIV Golf in the past, is expected to sign imminently and will take control of his own team. While nothing is finalised yet, the former World No. 1 – and current World No. 3 – would represent the biggest coup for LIV Golf yet. PIF – the Saudi sovereign wealth fund which owns Newcastle United – took control of negotiations as officials decided Rahm was a key target. According to Telegraph Sport, Rahm will be joined by Jason Day and Adrian Meronk as they make the move to LIV Golf. Yesterday, speculation over Rahm’s future swirled when his name was absent from entries to the Amex PGA Tour event in January. As defending champion, Tour custom dictates that Rahm will take part at Torrey Pines – unless he has made a decision over his future. Meanwhile, Rahm’s camp continue to avoid queries, which inevitably only reinvigorates rumours regarding a potential move to LIV Golf. The timing of the rumours surrounding Rahm’s future is curious, with PGA Tour chief executive Jay Monahan scheduled to meet with PIF governor – and Newcastle U n i t e d chairman – Yasir Rumayyan next week. Since the f r a m e w o r k agreement between the two parties that stunned the golf world was announced back in June, US investors have moved to partner with the Tour. There are reports they are looking to keep the flush Saudis out, robbing them of crucial lucrative deals. However, the signing of Rahm ahead of the crunch meeting could be PIF’s ace up the sleeve. For Rahm, a switch to LIV Golf would come as a shock given his previous opposition as well as his strong allegiance to the Ryder Cup. Rahm, the 2023 Masters champion, was a cornerstone of Team Europe as they regained the iconic trophy in Rome this year, but joining LIV would place his future participation in doubt. After joining LIV Golf, the likes of Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter have become ineligible for selection by Luke Donald. Rahm would be giving up a lot, although such a lucrative offer may prove too good to turn down. – Express Newspapers Mercedes snap back at FIA over Wolff MERCEDES have issued a scathing response to the FIA after the governing body placed Toto Wolff and his wife Susie under investigation for an alleged conflict of interest. It was reported on Tuesday that some rival figures have complained to the FIA over the family conflict they believe exists between Wolff as a team principal and Susie as an employee of Formula One Group. According to BusinessF1, the figures in question are said to be concerned that Wolff may have access to confidential information, via his wife, that is not available to other team principals. In response, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem was said to have asked the organisation’s compliance department to investigate the claims. An FIA statement released on Tuesday read: “The FIA is aware of media speculation centred on the allegation of information of a confidential nature being passed to an F1 team principal from a member of FOM personnel. The FIA compliance department is looking into the matter.” Mercedes later hit back with a damning statement of their own. The statement read: “We note the generic statement from the FIA which responds to unsubstantiated allegations from a single media outlet, and the off-record briefing which has linked it to the team principal of Mercedes-AMG F1. “The team has received no communication from the FIA Compliance Department on this topic and it was highly surprising to learn of the investigation through a media statement. “We wholly reject the allegation in the statement and associated media coverage, which wrongly impinges on the integrity and compliance of our team principal. “As a matter of course, we invite full, prompt, and transparent correspondence from the FIA Compliance Department regarding this investigation and its contents.” – Express Newspapers SPECULATION that Jon Rahm is weighing a lucrative offer to sign with LIV Golf received additional fuel yesterday when he was not among the notable names listed as committed to the American Express field next month. The Scottsdale, Arizona resident regularly plays the American Express in La Quinta, California, as part of his West Coast swing schedule. Rahm has won the event twice – including last year – and tied for 14th in 2022. However, he was not among the marquee names released by tournament organisers yesterday that includes Patrick Cantlay, Xander Schauffele, Tony Finau and Tom Kim. It is highly unusual for a defending champion to not enter an event, especially one Rahm has enjoyed significant success at. It is worth noting that the 2024 schedule features eight designated events, causing players who qualify for them to carefully evaluate their schedules in conjunction with the four majors and the Players Championship. The Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines – the site of Rahm’s first major triumph at the 2021 US Open – is the week after the American Express. That is followed by the first designated event at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. And that tournament is immediately followed by the WM Phoenix Open just a short drive from Rahm’s home and the Genesis Invitational, where he is also the defending champion. It’s very possible that the new schedule, along with the torrid start Rahm enjoyed last year, makes it too challenging to defend in La Quinta. But the fact the Spaniard has yet to commit to the event was another in a string of potential telltale signs that Rahm is indeed weighing an offer from LIV. Rahm was not in the Bahamas last week, where 20 marquee players teed it up in the Hero World Challenge hosted by Tiger Woods. That came a week after divisive golf writer Alan Shipnuck claimed that Phil Mickelson has been telling people that Rahm signing with the Saudi-backed league is a “done deal.” Mickelson sharply denied the report. However, Jordan Spieth acknowledged the Rahm-LIV rumors after his second round in the Bahamas. “I know there’s been some guys that have talked to him,” Spieth said on Friday. “I know he’s maybe weighing some decisions, maybe not. “Obviously, I could speak probably on behalf of 200-plus PGA Tour players in saying that we really hope that he’s continuing with us.” – Field Level Media Jon not among AmEx notables Jon Rahm.– REUTERSPIX
SPORTS SPORTS THURSDAY | DEC 7, 2023 29 MANCHESTER UNITED legend Mikael Silvestre believes that the January transfer window will present three distinct problems to the club’s new part-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Injuries have depleted Erik ten Hag’s squad in recent weeks, although the Red Devils boss has been advised to curtail his expectations in the transfer market. After an up-and-down start to the season which has left them seventh in the Premier League table, United are reported to be eyeing up moves for two midfielders, a right-footed centreback and a striker. However, Silvestre has warned the petrochemicals billionaire that the winter window presents three particular difficulties, namely the lack of opportunities to sign players mid-season, the absence of available stars capable of improving Ten Hag’s side, and the difficulty of getting good value. “The January transfer window is always tricky,” Silvestre, who made over 350 appearances for United, told Express Sport. “There won’t be many opportunities because it’s a window in which you react. “It’s difficult to get what you want at the price you want, and the quality you want. You have to assess and see if there is something that can be done. “Right now there are a lot of injuries and I think the transfer window in January is not the one you focus on. “You can do some bits and pieces but it’s really minimal. I don’t see who could come to United and make that team better. “Players good enough to improve that team are already playing in their current situations. “I believe the return of (Lisandro) Martinez and other long-term injuries will give the team a better chance to improve over the second part of the season.” The Red Devils spent big over the summer on the likes of Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount and Andre Onana, but hardly any of Ten Hag’s bigmoney signings have justified their price tags since landing at Old Trafford. – Express Newspapers ‘We are together’ United boss Ten Hag insist there is ‘no issues’ with players’ unhappiness UNDER-FIRE Erik ten Hag is convinced he retains the backing of Manchester United’s players after the club were angered by reports he had lost some of the dressing room. The Dutchman’s challenging second campaign in charge continued on Saturday night, when a lifeless display saw the Red Devils fall to a meek 1-0 defeat at Newcastle. A 10th defeat of the season led to some reports that Ten Hag had lost the confidence of up to half of his players, with concerns over his style, tactics and signings mentioned. Those reports led to the club banning four media outlets shortly before Tuesday’s press conference nominally set up to preview the overnight Premier League clash against Chelsea. United said the action was taken for not “contacting us first to give us the opportunity to comment, challenge or contextualise”, adding they believed it was “an important principle to defend”. Asked if he believed he still had the requisite buy-in from his players to be successful, Ten Hag said: “Oh yes, I’m sure. “But you can see, for instance, the comeback against Brentford, the Burnley game, the Fulham game, so every time the team is there, showed great character. “Great determination, resilient, so yeah, we are together. And you can see you can’t play such great football what we did lately if there is no unity.” Ten Hag downplayed Newcastle as “one bad performance” after the 3-0 League win at Everton and the 3-3 Champions League draw at Galatasaray, and addressed the bans handed out to journalists. “They should come to us first and not go around our back printing articles,” the United manager said. “That’s not the right thing. “I think we have another relationship, and then they should give that to us beforehand. We have a normal and professional discussion and debate about it.” Pushed on whether he was concerned there was truth behind reports of player unhappiness, the United manager said: “No. “Of course there are always in every team players who are less playing, who are less happy, but not different as normal. “You have to wait for their chance and that can come, but, no, there are no issues.” The United boss dismissed suggestions that the banning of reporters suggested disorder around the club. “But not in the dressing room,” Ten Hag said. “Of course, there are a lot of rumours about strategic review but it’s not that we get distracted from it. “We are on a journey, on the route. We know we are still in transition, but we are in the right direction, and you see it. “Like how we construct a team, how we develop the team, how the team is progressing, how young players coming in, you see the potential how they can contribute to a very successful Manchester United for the future.” – The Independent Ratcliffe sent transfer warning ahead of January window LIVERPOOL manager Jurgen Klopp is not prepared to reassign Trent Alexander-Arnold as a midfielder and stressed he will continue to use his vice-captain as best befits his side. The 25-year-old was hugely influential in Sunday’s dramatic late comeback to beat Fulham 4- 3, stepping into the number six position for the final 30 minutes and scoring the 88th-minute winner. A l e x a n d e r - A r n o l d ’s development from an attacking rightback criticised for his defensive shortcomings to a hybrid role continues on an upward curve since it was first implemented in April. But it has progressed this season with him deployed as a genuine holding m i d f i e l d e r a g a i n s t Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup, again for half-anhour in the second half. There is a growing debate about how the creative abilities of the England international, whom national boss Gareth Southgate now seems to consider a midfielder in his set-up, could be used more permanently in central midfield. Klopp, however, has no intention of listening to that. “I’m not stubborn and don’t want to play him midfield, not at all, but I am not part of the discussion,” he said. “You can discuss it as much as you want but it will not have any influence. “We still have to make decisions on what is best for the team and Trent sees it exactly the same way. “He wants to play and from my point of view he has to be influential and we have to make sure we help him with the positioning. “He became one of the most successful players in the history of Liverpool, in the recent history, playing as a rightback. “He became a Premier League player as a rightback. He can play more inside definitely. “He will play where it is best for us. What do we have available? Is Joey (Joe Gomez) there, is Conor (Bradley) there? If they both are there do we have to play one of them at left-back because Kostas (Tsimikas) cannot play all the games? “Yes, Trent can play midfield but we always knew that Trent can play the role we gave him now very well as well. “If you want to be good he has to be influential from all different areas because it just makes us better if he plays a good game.” – The Independent ‘Alexander-Arnold will play where it is best for Reds’ █ BY SIMON PEACH Difficult to understand new rules, says Poch MAURICIO POCHETTINO puts Chelsea’s ill-discipline down to the close-season change of rules with the Blues leading the Premier League for yellow cards this season. Chelsea have amassed 47 yellow and three red cards, following the dismissal of Malo Gusto against Aston Villa in September and both Reece James and Conor Gallagher being sent off in their last two games. “We were talking in the meeting and we showed the clips of the yellow cards. There are too many because they changed the rules this season. “We touch and we put the ball from here to there, and that is a tic that we need to change. “We were talking about Nicolas Jackson, the yellow card because of complaining to the referee. The opponent made a foul and didn’t receive a yellow card. “But you complain about ‘why is that not a yellow card?’ And it’s ‘Oh, yellow card for you’. We receive like this. “It’s difficult to understand this rule but now the referees want to apply it.” Pochettino called for his players to be cleverer if they are to avoid picking up similar suspensions. “We need to be clever and improve in this area. We cannot be silly to repeat, repeat, repeat the same mistakes.” …but is buoyed by desire and unity shown MAURICIO POCHETTINO believes his Chelsea players deserve more credit for their win over Brighton and feels the character and belief they showed with 10 men will stand them in good stead going forward. Chelsea bounced back from their 4- 1 mauling at Newcastle with a 3-2 home victory over Brighton on Sunday despite playing the whole second half with a man less following Conor Gallagher’s red card. “When I analyse the (Brighton) game I feel proud. The way we started the second half against a very good team like Brighton after our situation (red card) and changing our feelings after Newcastle, which was a really tough game for us. “The players deserve more credit because to play more than 60 minutes with one less against a team who is really good and not concede too much and also score with one player less, I think it is really great for our players and for the team to really believe. “The players deserve more credit because to play more than 60 minutes with one less against a team who is really good and not concede too much and also score with one player less, I think it is really great for our players and for the team to really believe. “Before you talk about tactics, you need desire. If we are able to do this we can develop in any way to play.” SHORTS Jurgen Klopp and Trent Alexander-Arnold. – REUTERSPIX
SPORTS SPORTS THURSDAY | DEC 7, 2023 30 5728/2023 06/12/2023 (WED) 7450 8971 1186 6448 3791 7845 9861 4093 0747 6223 5583 5526 5023 2986 3292 9944 7955 6507 8401 7222 3839 4967 2959 20,191,820.82 7450 7450 7450 1186 1186 8971 1186 1186 8971 8971 7450 8971 641,642.03 7450 8971 1186 DOG 10429 71363 1363 363 94512 6 3 1 8 485918 85918 5918 918 48591 4859 485 4 8 4,206,514.28 2,260,146.87 161 19 32 35 36 183,325.71 72 8 21 32 33 10 14 15 20 31 43 15,874,867.79 11 779 699 + GOAT 803 712 +ROOSTER 730 044 +ROOSTER Draw Date: 06/12/23 (Wed) Draw No: 5675/23 Venue: PERAK TURF CLUB 9699 3712 0044 8624 + 2531 2871 + 5073 2520 + 3614 6721 + 2380 8284 + 2110 9125 + 7500 0008 + 1630 6186 + 2645 6011 + 2475 2360 + 6218 RM12,136,421.70 9699 + 3712 3712 + 9699 9699 + 0044 0044 + 9699 3712 + 0044 0044 + 3712 RM358,936.80 RM2,330,327.50 RM2,066,817.00 RM184,861.00 288 624 812 531 622 871 095 073 902 520 253 614 586 721 392 380 688 284 412 110 609 125 007 500 770 008 111 630 546 186 012 645 166 011 492 475 962 360 136 218 699 712 044 RM608,564.60 699 + 712 + 044 712 + 044 + 699 699 + 044 + 712 044 + 699 + 712 712 + 699 + 044 044 + 712 + 699 HSSB DMC JP2 RM115,423 and 3DJ RM833,664 won on 3/12/23 Touchy Pep Guardiola calls out Neville, Carragher in City title rant PEP GUARDIOLA is confident Manchester City will retain the Premier League title if they maintain their current level of performance. The treble winners have been held to draws in their last three games at the hands of Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham. Yet in a strong message to rivals and any doubters, Guardiola has insisted his players are not lacking any hunger as they chase a fourth successive League crown. Guardiola name-checked a number of prominent football pundits, including former Manchester United defender Gary Neville and former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, as he insisted there was no complacency within his squad. “I have a feeling that if we maintain that level, we’ll win the Premier League. We will win it again,” the City manager said. “If we (could) maintain the level of Liverpool and Tottenham, I’ll sign for it right now. We didn’t win 5-0 – we drew – but I’d sign right now (for) my team (to) behave the way we’ve played the last two games. “I don’t know if we can sustain that all season and that is the challenge. “I don’t have anything to say about the pundits. Maybe I’m wrong but I don’t think it’s about complacency. I know the players, I know how they run. How we behave is extraordinary. “He knows how difficult it is otherwise Gary Neville would’ve won four Premier Leagues in the best period of Manchester United. But he didn’t do it. “I see my team, how they fight, how they press, how they continue until the end and how upset they are after we concede. “Maybe, maybe I’m wrong and they are seeing everything that I’m not able to see, but I don’t have that feeling. “Jamie Carragher didn’t win one (League title). Micah Richards didn’t win four Premier Leagues in a row. Never, ever.” Guardiola has also defended the conduct of his team after the stormy end to Sunday’s 3-3 draw with Spurs. A number of players surrounded referee Simon Hooper in protest when Erling Haaland was denied the chance to p l a y advantage after being fouled. Haaland had quickly got up from a bad tackle to play a through-ball for Jack G r e a l i s h w h i c h c o u l d have led to a stoppage-time City winner. City have been charged with failing to control their players over the incident by the Football Association. “I would like to know how the reaction should be when that last action happened,” Guardiola said. “We didn’t lose because of that action, maybe Jack wouldn’t have scored. “But I would like to know from the Premier League or whoever, how should we react in that situation? We want to be there, we want to compete against the top sides. It’s a human instinct. “Right now the players would not react in that way, but in that moment someone tell me. They want to fine (us), we’ll be fined. It’s fine, but I promise you, if you are a footballer and it happened, you would react in that way. “It happened 20 years ago, 40 years ago. It will happen in 40 years. Of course you have to respect the referees. Tell me one player or manager who doesn’t respect the referees, but it is emotions. It is feelings.” – The Independent Blades owner explains Heckingbottom, Wilder moves PAUL HECKINGBOTTOM has become the first Premier League manager to be sacked this season as Sheffield United pulled the trigger following a dismal start that has seen them win just once in 14 League games. Former manager Chris Wilder will replace Heckingbottom, after being described by the club’s owner, Prince Abdullah, as “the best guy on planet earth to take over the club right now in these circumstances”. The 5-0 humiliation at the hands of relegation rivals Burnley over the weekend proved to be the final straw. That result, hot on the heels of a 3-1 home defeat to another potential struggler, Bournemouth, the previous week has left the Blades rooted to the foot of the Premier League table and already four points from safety. That the first top-flight managerial sacking of the campaign has not happened until Dec 4 is faintly remarkable. Last season, Scott Parker (Bournemouth), Thomas Tuchel (Chelsea), Bruno Lage (Wolves), Steven Gerrard (Aston Villa) and Ralph Hasenhuttl (Southampton) had all been sacked before the calendar flipped to December. But Heckingbottom’s two-year reign at Bramall Lane finally comes to an end, with former Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder the early favourite to retake the role, having been without a job since his shortterm contract with Watford expired back in May. Speaking to TalkSport, Prince Abdullah confirmed the news. “Chris is very optimistic he can save the season, he doesn’t think it’s easy, but he thinks it’s still possible,” he said. Heckingbottom became something of a victim of his own success, securing promotion ahead of schedule with a superb runners-up finish in the Championship last season but not being given backing in the transfer market over the summer. “I have mixed emotions about letting Paul go,” Prince Abdullah said. “I really have a lot of respect for Paul and everything he did for the club, he’s a very classy guy. “I’ve been at the club for five years and we changed one manager and that was Slav (Slavisa Jokanovic), so we believe in sticking with the manager and supporting him. “But I felt like after the last few games it was a necessary decision and the replacement has done great things for the clubs and knows the club, so I feel good about the decision in one way but I really have a tremendous respect for Paul.” – The Independent █ BY ANDY HAMPSON █ BY LUKE BAKER Guardiola
SPORTS SPORTS THURSDAY | DEC 7, 2023 31 Calm before the storm Turtles relaxed despite much anticipated Malaysia Cup final against JDT TERENGGANU FC (TFC) head coach Tomislav Steinbruckner is optimistic that his team will not be under severe pressure in facing Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in the Malaysia Cup final tomorrow. The Croatian said that the Turtles have consistently prepare and trained as usual to provide the best fight to vie for the most prestigious trophy in the country. However, Steinbruckner acknowledged that his players face a tough task against the Southern Tigers, who are the favourites with various advantages, especially in terms of player quality. “We know the quality of JDT individual players is better than ours. JDT also has a second team who are very good. If they put the second team in the first XI it’s not a problem for them. “But how many times in history that we have a favourite team and finally another team win a competition? Maybe we can make a surprise,” he said at the team’s training session at Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium (SSMZA) on Tuesday. Steinbruckner said that his team is also prepared if the match has to be extended to extra-time or decided by penalties. “Coming to extra time… it is good for us. We will do our best. I cannot promise anything, only to fight to the maximum level,” he said. He expressed concern about the condition of the pitch at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium(SNBJ), which will be the battleground for the prestigious cup, and hopes that any arising issues can be resolved to allow both teams to play in good conditions. “Everybody wants to play on a good pitch. But it will be the same for both teams. And who knows maybe this is a better situation for my team. We will see… we never know,” he said. According to a source from the Perbadanan Stadium Malaysia (PSM), the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil is 90% ready to hold the 2023 Malaysia Cup final tomorrow. It was confirmed that maintenance works, especially on the pitch, has been actively going on for the past two weeks in preparation for the final. According to the source, PSM with the Malaysia Football League and several other parties, conducted an inspection of the pitch surface to check the level of its readiness yesterday. “Today everything ready today, just touching up and drawing lines, tomorrow we will erect the goal posts. Latest pictures of work being done on the field also went viral. “We will ensure the surface is playable for a Malaysia Cup final and we will ensure the best condition of the pitch for the match,” he said. – Bernama ‘Hon Jian-Muhammad Haikal partnership can last long’ THE nation’s top men’s doubles player Soh Wooi Yik is optimistic that the partnership of Choong Hon Jian and Muhammad Haikal Nazri can a last time after clinching their first title at the 2023 Syed Modi International Badminton Championship in Lucknow, India, last Sunday. Wooi Yik described the achievement of the 69th-ranked pair in the tournament at the Babu Banarasi Das Indoor Stadium as a good start for them to stay together, as they had frequently changed partners before. “This is a chance for them to prove themselves and hopefully, they can break into the top 30 and learn more. Since they have already secured a title, I believe the coach will pay more attention to them. “As this is a new pair, it’s not easy to win a title; I feel they have the potential,” he said after a training session in Bukit Jalil yesterday. Hon Jian and Muhammad Haikal, who were unseeded, came from behind to upset the top seeds from Japan, Akira Koga-Taichi Saito, with scores of 18-21, 21-18, 21-16, to emerge as the Super 300 tournament champions. Meanwhile, Wooi Yik said he and his partner Aaron Chia would treat every match in the 2023 World Tour Finals in Hangzhou, China, from Dec 13 to 17, as a final. He also expressed hope that they could overcome the group stage and advance to the semifinals for the first time in their fourth appearance at the 2023 World Tour Finals. The world No. 3 were previously eliminated in the group stage in the 2019, 2020, and 2022 editions. – Bernama Pakistan stun Netherlands to draw 3-3 PAKISTAN made sensational comeback to snatch a point from the Netherlands with a 3- 3 draw in the Men’s Hockey Junior World Cup (JWC) at Bukit Jalil National Hockey Stadium yesterday. World No. 4 Netherlands, dominated the Group D match right from the start, but Pakistan managed to rebound quickly to share the spoils. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Pakistan’s coach Roelant Oltmans was delighted with his charges’ praiseworthy performance despite not having enough preparation before the tournament. “Not expecting this, to be honest we started the game with faults and I think everyone in the world was surprised we drew with them, I know the quality of my boys but I also know my team is not consistent in every tournament. “As you guys can see in today’s game the squad saw some high points and also committed so many fouls, if we keep consistent after this I think we can do better in next game,” the former Malaysian senior team head coach said. In another Group D fixture, Belgium beat New Zealand 4-0 to top the group. Belgium will play Netherlands, while Pakistan will meet New Zealand today. – Bernama ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: Luton 3 (Osho 25, Adebayo 49, Barkley 57) Arsenal 4 (Martinelli 20, Jesus 45, Havertz 60, Rice 90+7), Wolves 1 (Hwang 42) Burnley 0. P W D L F A Pts Arsenal 15 11 3 1 33 14 36 Liverpool 14 9 4 1 32 14 31 Man City 14 9 3 2 36 16 30 Aston Villa 14 9 2 3 33 20 29 Tottenham 14 8 3 3 28 20 27 Newcastle 14 8 2 4 32 14 26 Man Utd 14 8 0 6 16 17 24 Brighton 14 6 4 4 30 26 22 West Ham 14 6 3 5 24 24 21 Chelsea 14 5 4 5 25 22 19 Brentford 14 5 4 5 22 19 19 Wolves 15 5 3 7 20 25 18 Crystal Palace 14 4 4 6 14 19 16 Fulham 14 4 3 7 16 26 15 Nottm Forest 14 3 4 7 16 22 13 Bournemouth 14 3 4 7 16 30 13 Luton 15 2 3 10 16 30 9 Everton 14 5 2 7 15 20 7 Burnley 15 2 1 12 15 33 7 Sheff Utd 14 1 2 11 11 39 5 Note: Everton deducted10pts. COPA DEL REY (2nd round): Arosa 0 Valencia 1, Castellon 2 Real Oviedo 1, Espanyol 3 Real Valladolid 1, Atzeneta 1 Getafe 2. ITALIAN CUP (Round of 16): Lazio 1 Genoa 0. GERMAN CUP (Round of 1): Borussia Moenchengladbach 1 Wolfsburg 0, Homburg 1 St. Pauli 4, Kaiserslautern 2 Nuremberg 0, Magdeburg 1 Fortuna Duesseldorf 2. RESULTS & STANDINGS TFC in safe hands, says keeper Suhaimi TERENGGANU FC’S (TFC) first choice goalkeeper, Suhaimi Husin, is determined to deliver his best performance if given the task of guarding the Turtle squad’s goal in the Malaysia Cup final at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur this Friday. Even though facing the strongest team in the country, Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), the 29- year-old is not intimidated and is fully prepared to test his abilities. Moreover, Suhaimi wants to seize the opportunity to help the team bring the prestigious trophy back. Terengganu last won Malaysia Cup in 2001 under the guidance of coach Mat Zan Mat Aris. “If selected, this will be my first appearance in the Malaysia Cup final. When TFC qualified for the FA Cup final last year, I was only warming the bench. “I am aware that JDT have a strong attacking lineup, but with the help of teammates, InsyaAllah, TFC can defend,” he said when met at the Sultan Mahmud International Airport (LTASM) before departing to Kuala Lumpur yesterday. – Bernama Pakistan’s Shahid Hannan (right) in action against Netherlands yesterday. – BERNAMAPIX
theSun is published and printed by Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd (221220-K) of Lot 6, Jalan 51/217, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7783 7435 • Tel (Editorial): 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2624/5 Email: [email protected] • Tel (Advertising): 03-7784 8888 Fax: 03-7784 4424 Email: [email protected] or download app from the App Store or Google PlayTM . www.thesun.my Free access to iPaper PDF Download SCAN ME Malaysian Paper Read iPaper at Malaysian Paper Malaysian Paper Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka (left) collides with Luton Town’s Gabriel Osho as they fight for the ball during yesterday’s English Premier League match. – AFPPIX MIKEL ARTETA hailed a “special night” for Arsenal after Declan Rice’s headed goal seven minutes into stoppage time secured a sensational 4-3 win against Luton at Kenilworth Road. Rice climbed to nod home Martin Odegaard’s cross and seal a victory that sent his team five points clear at the top of the Premier League. That outcome had looked unlikely when Ross Barkley squeezed a shot through goalkeeper David Raya to put the hosts 3-2 up early in the second half and send home fans into delirium. But Arteta said: “I really enjoyed it, especially the end. It’s the incredible thing about football, emotions and the moments that you live together. It was a special night. “Credit to Luton for the incredible atmosphere that they created and the way they played. “They made life really difficult for us. But we found a way to win. The resilience and the the character and the quality showed. “Playing every three days, and we have to win every game, the demands are there. It’s the way (the players) go about it, how much they want it. “Today we conceded some goals we’ll be disappointed with. That’s part of it as well, it’s going to happen. It’s how we react to that.” Arsenal had opened the scoring when Gabriel Martinelli tapped home after being set up by a low cross from Bukayo Saka, though Luton hit back quickly when Gabriel Osho headed in from a corner to make it 1-1. Arteta’s side regained the lead before the break, Gabriel Jesus nodding beyond Thomas Kaminski at the far post but they were again pegged by Elijah Adebayo who out-jumped the goalkeeper to equalise. Barkley’s goal, an effort straight at Raya that passed through his hands and under his body, put Rob Edwards’ side in sight of a famous victory. That lead was wiped out within minutes when Kai Havertz scored his third goal in four games. Then late drama as Rice’s intervention with virtually the game’s final touch broke Luton hearts and extended Arsenal’s winning run to four league games. “We don’t want to draw, we want to win,” said Arteta. “That drive, that energy, that risk and that emotion we put in the pitch, you can sense it. “We should have scored before with the chances that we had. We didn’t, but we tried until the end and we got rewarded.” The manager would not be drawn on the performance of Raya, who was arguably at fault for two of Luton’s goals. He added: “It’s not about blaming, we’ve never done it and we’re not going to do it now. It’s about how the team reacts to that. I loved that response. I think we can defend much better there, for sure.” Luton boss Edwards reflected on a game from which his team can take confidence despite a disappointing conclusion. “I didn’t know what to say to the lads afterwards,” he said. “I’m proud. We mustn’t let that one moment affect us too much, we’ve got to look at the bigger picture. “They did exactly what we asked of them and gave everything. We’ve just come up short tonight. “We made it a really uncomfortable night for them, we tried to make it chaotic, be aggressive and brave. We can take some positivity from it, and we have to.” – The Independent SCAN ME THURSDAY | DEC 7, 2023 ‘Special night’ Arteta savours late Rice winner to deny Luton deserved point █ BY ROBERT O’CONNOR ‘We are together’ -Story on page 29 -Story on page 31 Calm before -Story on page 30 the storm Touchy Pep