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Man City’s Decline: A Year and a Half of Costly Mistakes

Man City’s Decline: A Year and a Half of Costly Mistakes

From a Dominant Force to Crisis: How Transfer Errors and Injuries Have Undermined Guardiola’s Squad

Manchester City’s recent struggles, including their catastrophic 3-3 draw against Feyenoord after a 3-0 lead, are not merely the result of a few bad games. The root causes of their downfall stretch back over the past 18 months, with recruitment blunders and key injuries gradually eroding the team’s dominance. As Richard Jolly analyses, the issues at City go far deeper than recent performances.

A key problem was the loss of Ilkay Gundogan, who had been a crucial part of their treble-winning side. While Gundogan’s departure wasn’t disastrous in itself, his absence left a noticeable gap, particularly in midfield. Even though City managed to hold off challenges for a while, their inability to replace him with a similar calibre of player became evident as the season progressed. This left City vulnerable, particularly after the departure of Rodri’s main back-up and Gundogan’s return to Barcelona.

Another critical factor was the club’s failure to recruit wisely in the last two summer windows. Despite a successful transfer of key players such as Josko Gvardiol, there were noticeable gaps. City’s failure to sign a true holding midfielder in the wake of Rodri’s injuries, and the continued reliance on an injury-prone squad, has left them exposed. Their defensive midfield was left to fill a vacuum with Mateo Kovacic, a talented but not defensively minded player, and a rookie centre-back, Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, who was thrust into action against Feyenoord.

Moreover, the continued absence of a reliable second striker, alongside a lack of attacking midfield creativity, further amplified the team’s vulnerability. The departures of key players like Cole Palmer, who could have been groomed as the long-term replacement for Kevin De Bruyne, have been felt, especially at a time when Erling Haaland is struggling to shoulder the entire attacking burden.

In terms of their attacking options, recent signings like Jeremy Doku and Savinho bring flair but lack the consistency and goal-scoring prowess of previous players like Riyad Mahrez, whose absence is keenly felt. City’s overreliance on one or two key players, especially in defensive positions, and the absence of a comprehensive squad depth plan, has started to expose them to serious vulnerabilities.

Even at the back, players like Kyle Walker, once a mainstay, now face uncertain futures. Guardiola’s loyalty to his veterans and preference for a small squad have perhaps contributed to a lack of competition for places, leading to a loss of form and increasing injury issues. The defensive frailties have only deepened as key players, including John Stones and Jack Grealish, have struggled with injuries.

Ultimately, Manchester City’s inability to replace their departed stars with sufficient quality, coupled with an aging and injury-prone squad, has left them vulnerable. With Guardiola’s tactical acumen still at the heart of the team’s efforts, City’s current predicament is a stark reminder of the importance of strategic long-term planning and depth in maintaining dominance at the top level.

The Rise of Solo Parenthood: Single Women Embrace IVF and Donor Insemination

The Rise of Solo Parenthood: Single Women Embrace IVF and Donor Insemination

A growing number of single women in the UK are choosing fertility treatments, finding empowerment in creating families on their own terms, despite lingering societal stigma.

In recent years, a growing number of single women in the UK have been opting for fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and donor insemination (DI), to become mothers without a partner. This shift in reproductive choices reflects changing societal attitudes, as more women see solo parenthood as a viable and empowering option. While challenges remain, the number of single women seeking fertility treatments has skyrocketed, tripling over the past decade.

Amy, 45, is one of these women. She decided to pursue IVF during the Covid-19 pandemic, realising that her chances of meeting a partner were dwindling. “I’d been thinking about it for a while, and with Covid, I realised I might never meet someone,” she says. “I didn’t want to be the woman who says, ‘We’ve had one date, let’s have a baby.’”

Her decision paid off. Amy’s first embryo transfer was a success, and today, she is the proud mother of a three-year-old. Reflecting on her experience, she feels that going through IVF without a partner was easier than she had imagined. “I think it was actually a bit simpler. I didn’t have to worry about someone else’s emotions or take my frustrations out on them. It was just me, taking care of myself,” she explains.

Amy also found a sense of liberation in her decision. “When people ask, ‘Did he leave you?’ or ‘Did you leave him?’ I feel empowered to say, ‘No, I did it on my own,'” she says. Despite initially worrying about the absence of a father figure in her daughter’s life, Amy now believes that not rushing into a relationship simply to provide a father has been the right choice for her family.

The number of women like Amy is growing. According to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, the number of single women undergoing fertility treatment has more than tripled in the last decade, from 1,400 in 2012 to 4,800 in 2022. This increase is part of a wider trend, with more women—especially those in same-sex relationships—using assisted reproduction to start families.

For Emma Brockes, a Guardian columnist based in New York, being gay made her decision to pursue IVF as a single woman more straightforward. At the time, she was in a “tenuous relationship” with her partner, who agreed that they shouldn’t have children together. Today, Brockes is the mother of nine-year-old twins and is “thrilled” that more women are choosing fertility treatments.

“I’m really glad it’s becoming more common,” she says. “The biggest barrier is the shame around it. Women often feel it’s second-best, but I think not doing something for that reason is almost always the wrong choice. If you want children, you should go for it.”

Brockes also notes that being a lesbian made the process feel more natural. “As a lesbian, we always need help to have children, so it never felt unnatural,” she explains. “However, going through it alone isn’t for everyone. For me, it was important to do it on my own, though I had plenty of support from friends who would have come to appointments with me if I’d asked.”

Jennifer, 45, is still contemplating her own path to motherhood. Having moved countries and put her career first, she finds dating in her mid-40s almost impossible. “I’ve left it a bit late,” she admits. “And after having breast cancer, I’ve been focusing more on what I really want.”

Jennifer is considering IVF, but she knows it comes with financial and emotional challenges. “I need to be able to afford not just the treatment but also raising a child on my own,” she says. “I’m grateful for the advances that make it possible for women to have children on their own, but I wouldn’t call it empowering. I’d much prefer to do this with the love of my life.”

For Helen, a 40-year-old civil servant in Scotland, the choice to pursue IVF as a single woman has been a difficult and painful one. After surviving domestic abuse, she made the decision to try to have a second child on her own. Unfortunately, after a year of treatments, she has been unable to afford further rounds of IVF, and the emotional strain of going through the process alone has taken its toll.

“I wish I’d understood earlier that my reproductive choices would have been better if I’d frozen my eggs,” she reflects. “More women should be aware that just because you can have IVF on your own, it doesn’t guarantee success.”

Helen’s experience underscores the emotional and financial challenges of fertility treatment, particularly for women who choose to go through the process alone. While many women find empowerment in the ability to have children on their own terms, the journey is not without its difficulties.

Despite these challenges, the rise in solo motherhood shows a significant shift in societal expectations. With more women choosing IVF and donor insemination to start families, the notion that parenthood requires a partner is being slowly dismantled. The increasing acceptance of single women becoming mothers by choice marks a new era in reproductive rights and family dynamics.

Singapore Establishes Task Force to Address CrowdStrike Incident and Enhance Digital Resilience

The initiative aims to evaluate the need for additional measures to strengthen the nation’s cybersecurity framework.

“In response to the recent IT outage caused by a software update from CrowdStrike, Singapore has formed a task force to assess the incident’s impact and explore potential measures to enhance the country’s digital resilience. Minister for Digital Development and Information, Josephine Teo, announced this initiative in Parliament on August 7.Teo acknowledged that while IT outages are not uncommon, the extent of disruption caused by what should have been a routine software update remains unclear. The task force, established by the Ministry of Digital Development and Information, will collaborate with relevant partners to gain insights into the incident and determine if additional measures are necessary to bolster Singapore’s resilience against future disruptions.Last month, a software update from CrowdStrike resulted in a global tech outage, severely affecting businesses utilizing Microsoft Windows-based systems. In Singapore, companies such as Singapore Airlines, Singtel, and Singapore Post reported disruptions in various services, with effects felt at Changi Airport and certain Housing and Development Board (HDB) car parks.Despite these challenges, Teo assured that government services and essential operations remained largely unaffected. For most businesses impacted, disruptions primarily affected internal staff, with customer service interruptions occurring only in a “minority of cases.” During the outage, business continuity plans were activated, allowing airlines to manually conduct ticketing and check-ins.Teo highlighted that the Singapore Cyber Emergency Response Team quickly issued an advisory to guide affected system administrators and users on how to recover their systems manually. She noted that most affected IT systems resumed normal operations within a day.The minister emphasized that not all disruptions can be entirely prevented, stating, “System owners should therefore have plans in place to help them recover quickly from unexpected disturbances.” The government takes a risk-based approach to ensure critical systems and essential services maintain resilience by implementing stringent requirements and robust business continuity, disaster recovery, and incident response plans.In response to queries from People’s Action Party MP Alex Yam and Workers’ Party MP Gerald Giam about potential mandatory requirements for businesses, Teo expressed caution about imposing compulsory measures. She stated that mandating specific actions might diminish the sense of ownership among IT systems’ owners.While acknowledging the importance of maintaining certain mandatory measures, she stressed that in most instances, it is crucial for system owners to take responsibility for their IT resilience. Teo further noted that public service systems must include redundancies for hardware and software components to ensure seamless operation during disruptions.Regarding concerns about supply chain risks in digital infrastructure, Teo reassured that the Cybersecurity Act addresses these issues through a comprehensive threat and risk assessment for critical information infrastructures. This includes a requirement for diversity in defenses against cyber threats, ensuring that software systems remain interoperable to enhance resilience.”

Families Demand Justice for Australians Lost to Methanol Poisoning in Laos

The grieving families of two Australian teenagers, victims of a suspected methanol poisoning incident in Laos, have expressed relief over news that eight individuals are now in custody as part of the ongoing police investigation.

Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, both aged 19, were among six international tourists who tragically lost their lives after allegedly consuming alcohol contaminated with methanol, a toxic substance often found in illicitly produced spirits.

On Tuesday evening, the remains of the two Australians were returned to Melbourne, accompanied by their mourning relatives.

“We are devastated by the loss of our daughters. Hearing about progress in Laos offers some solace, but this cannot continue to happen,” said Mark Jones, Bianca’s father, while speaking to reporters.

According to local media reports, those detained include staff members from the Nana Backpackers hostel, where all six victims had been staying. The establishment, which has since closed, had denied serving any unlicensed or unsafe alcohol.

Speaking at Melbourne Airport, Mr Jones urged Laotian authorities to persist in their investigation and emphasised the importance of raising awareness about the dangers of methanol poisoning.

The other victims have been identified as Simone White, a 28-year-old British lawyer; James Louis Hutson, a 57-year-old American; and two Danish tourists, Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman, 20, and Freja Vennervald Sorensen, 21.

Mr Hutson was discovered dead in his room at the hostel on 13 November, with empty glasses nearby. On the same morning, Ms Orkild Coyman and Ms Vennervald Sorensen were found unconscious in their rooms and rushed to a local hospital.

While investigations continue, it remains unclear how many others may have been affected by the suspected poisoning. Last week, police questioned several individuals, including the hostel’s manager, who had earlier claimed that only Ms Jones and Ms Bowles had fallen ill after consuming complimentary shots at the venue before heading out.

Methanol, a colourless chemical often used in industrial products such as paint thinners, is sometimes added to bootleg alcohol. Consuming as little as 25ml—half a shot—can be fatal, with symptoms such as abdominal pain and vomiting typically appearing within 24 hours.

Why is methanol poisoning so dangerous?
Methanol poisoning is a persistent issue across South East Asia, particularly in economically disadvantaged regions along the Mekong River. The broader area has the highest global prevalence of such incidents.

This recent tragedy has drawn attention to Vang Vieng, a popular party destination, and has prompted renewed international warnings about the risks of consuming spirits in Laos.

MPs to Discuss Hospice Funding and Cost of Living Challenges

Debate to address financial pressures impacting hospices and households.

On 2 March, MPs will gather in Westminster Hall to discuss fiscal support for the hospice sector and strategies to mitigate the rising cost of living. The debate, proposed by Patricia Gibson, will focus on the funding needs of hospices and the economic pressures affecting households nationwide.

Hospices, which provide essential end-of-life care, are grappling with increased operational costs, relying heavily on charitable contributions to sustain services. Simultaneously, families across the UK are facing mounting financial challenges as living costs continue to rise.

The debate is being organized by the Backbench Business Committee, which convenes weekly to consider requests for parliamentary discussions from backbench MPs. This committee is tasked with allocating limited parliamentary time to significant issues raised by its members.

The session will be broadcast live on Parliament TV, offering the public a chance to follow the proceedings. A detailed transcript of the debate will be accessible on Commons Hansard three hours after the discussion concludes.

This debate aims to highlight practical solutions for the hospice sector while addressing broader economic concerns. It underscores the importance of balancing care provision and supporting struggling households amid ongoing fiscal challenges.

Government Rejects MPs’ Call for Urgent Regulation of Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures

Government Rejects MPs’ Call for Urgent Regulation of Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures

Response to body image report highlights delays in regulating cosmetic procedures.

The Government has declined to meet the recommended timeframe for implementing a licensing regime to regulate non-surgical cosmetic procedures, as outlined in a report by the Committee on the Impact of Body Image on Mental and Physical Health. Despite concerns raised about the dangers these procedures pose to vulnerable individuals, particularly among younger groups, the Government stated that the scale of the necessary work prevented them from introducing regulations sooner.

The Committee’s report called for a faster rollout of the licensing regime after hearing evidence of significant risks associated with procedures such as Botox injections, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and non-surgical laser treatments. However, the Government expressed that it would not be able to meet the Committee’s proposed timeline, citing the complexity of the work involved.

In addition, Ministers rejected several other key recommendations, including the proposal to classify dermal fillers as prescription-only substances, similar to Botox. There were also calls for improved standards for premises offering non-surgical cosmetic services, with some reports highlighting the unsanitary conditions of certain facilities. The Government did not agree to these proposals, which had been urged to ensure better protection for consumers.

The delayed Government Response, published by the Department of Health and Social Care, also rejected other recommendations aimed at improving public health, particularly concerning obesity and eating disorders. Calls for a dedicated strategy to address eating disorders and annual health assessments for children were dismissed, with the Government instead referring to existing measures in place.

Moreover, the Government declined to introduce restrictions on multibuy deals for unhealthy foods and drinks, such as those offering buy-one-get-one-free promotions. Despite the MPs’ concerns about these deals encouraging the consumption of high-fat, high-salt, or high-sugar items, the Government did not commit to additional restrictions, citing other measures already implemented to address public health.

This response reflects ongoing challenges in balancing public health objectives with the complexity of regulatory frameworks in place, as well as the Government’s stance on managing cosmetic procedures and obesity-related concerns.

Trump Pledges to Fix McDonald’s Ice Cream Machines with Signature Flair

Trump Pledges to Fix McDonald’s Ice Cream Machines with Signature Flair

Former President’s Quip Plays on Meme Culture Amid McDonald’s-Themed Campaign Stunts

Donald Trump’s campaign rhetoric took a light-hearted turn as he vowed to “make McDonald’s ice cream machines work great again” in a viral post on Truth Social. Playing off a well-known meme about the chain’s notoriously malfunctioning dessert machines, Trump’s pledge struck a chord with supporters and critics alike.

“WHEN I’M PRESIDENT THE MCDONALD’S ICE CREAM MACHINES WILL WORK GREAT AGAIN!” Trump declared alongside an image of President Joe Biden donning a MAGA hat and holding an ice cream cone. Within an hour, the post amassed over 150,000 likes on X (formerly Twitter), drawing a mixed reaction — from enthusiastic endorsements to snarky critiques aimed at Vice President Kamala Harris.

This playful promise follows a series of fast-food-themed campaign appearances. In Pennsylvania, Trump donned an apron and pretended to work the fry station at a McDonald’s, a move he’s since highlighted at rallies as part of his efforts to contrast with Harris. Trump claims, without evidence, that Harris misrepresented her experience working at a McDonald’s during college — a claim rooted in her 1983 summer job in Alameda.

In a statement to staff, McDonald’s acknowledged both political figures’ connections with the brand, noting the shared experiences that bind many Americans to the Golden Arches. Despite Trump’s positive spin, some observers challenged the scale of his “monster” McDonald’s event and his reported interactions with tech leaders like Sundar Pichai.

Trump’s fondness for McDonald’s has become a trademark of his public persona, though his campaign event’s timing was overshadowed by a CDC warning linking the chain’s Quarter Pounders to an E. coli outbreak across ten states.

Verstappen Secures Front Row Start with Sainz Pole as Norris Falls Short

Verstappen Secures Front Row Start with Sainz Pole as Norris Falls Short

Ferrari and Red Bull Set to Battle for Victory in Mexico City GP

Max Verstappen secured a front-row start alongside pole-sitter Carlos Sainz for the Mexico Grand Prix, edging out rival Lando Norris. With five races remaining in the championship and a 57-point gap separating him from Verstappen, Norris faces a tough path as he aims to close in on the title.

McLaren’s appeal of Norris’s penalty from the Austin race was unsuccessful, leaving him behind Verstappen in the standings and describing the outcome as a “momentum killer.” In Mexico, Norris qualified third, over three-tenths of a second off Sainz’s pole time, despite leading the first two qualifying sessions. His title hopes took a further hit, though he remained optimistic, stating, “Carlos and Max did great laps. There are question marks over race pace, especially given Ferrari’s strength lately, but I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Verstappen, aiming for his fourth consecutive victory at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, overcame engine issues and grip struggles during practice to secure second place on the grid. Reflecting on his pressured qualifying session, he remarked, “Very happy to be on the front row. I didn’t expect it after the challenges we faced.”

Mercedes duo George Russell and Lewis Hamilton qualified fifth and sixth, respectively, while Norris’ teammate Oscar Piastri had a disappointing showing, being eliminated in Q1 despite topping final practice. Piastri’s 17th-place finish, alongside Sergio Perez’s 18th, further complicated McLaren’s and Red Bull’s constructors’ championship pursuits, with McLaren leading Red Bull by 40 points and Ferrari close behind.

As Verstappen and Sainz line up on the front row, the stage is set for a thrilling battle in Mexico City, with strategy, pace, and endurance likely to play pivotal roles in the outcome.

Reeves’ Planned Debt Measure Revision Sparks Debate on Fiscal Flexibility

Reeves’ Planned Debt Measure Revision Sparks Debate on Fiscal Flexibility

Chancellor’s Rule Change Could Enable Billions in Budget Investment

Chancellor Rachel Reeves plans to modify the measurement used for her debt targets, a move that could potentially free up around £50 billion for investments. By adjusting how debt is calculated, she aims to finance new projects without solely relying on cuts or tax increases ahead of the October 30 Budget. Here’s a closer look at her proposed fiscal rule changes and their implications.

What Exactly Are Fiscal Rules?
Since Gordon Brown introduced them in 1997, fiscal rules have served as a commitment by chancellors to responsibly manage government borrowing and reassure both markets and the public. According to Labour’s 2024 manifesto, Reeves’ fiscal rules include balancing the current budget—ensuring day-to-day expenses are covered by revenue—and reducing debt as a share of the economy within five years. Although her targets appear similar to those of her predecessor Jeremy Hunt, Reeves proposes redefining the term “debt” to allow greater investment flexibility.

Isn’t Debt Just Debt?
Not quite. Presently, the favoured definition is “public sector net debt excluding the Bank of England” (PSND ex BoE), which weighs government assets like foreign exchange reserves against state liabilities such as bonds. Reeves, however, is reportedly inclined to switch to “public sector net financial liabilities” (PSNFL), colloquially dubbed “persnuffle” by economists. Unlike PSND, PSNFL considers a wider range of assets and liabilities, including anticipated student loan repayments as assets and other less liquid assets like funded public sector pensions.

How Could This Impact the Budget?
The effect could be substantial. If PSNFL had been employed during the March 2024 Budget, the fiscal “headroom” Reeves would have had to meet debt targets could have increased by £53 billion. However, this does not translate into a spending spree; Reeves would still need to maintain a safety margin to preserve fiscal prudence, likely exceeding what Hunt allocated in his own pre-election budget.

Are There Risks?
Borrowing remains borrowing, despite how it is categorised, and places a burden on future taxpayers rather than the present. An increase in borrowing of this magnitude could heighten pressure on interest rates. Treasury analysis in 2023 estimated that increasing borrowing by 1% of GDP could drive rates up by 0.5 to 1.25 percentage points.

How Will the Change Be Received?
Reeves’ adjustment is likely to prompt accusations of financial manipulation. Critics, including former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, have cited Reeves’ own prior warnings against “fiddling the figures” as evidence of potential hypocrisy. This debate underscores the challenges and stakes involved in redefining fiscal measures while balancing investment ambitions and debt management.

Schoolgirl Who Killed Brianna Ghey Was Facing Expulsion From Second School

Schoolgirl Who Killed Brianna Ghey Was Facing Expulsion From Second School

Inquest Reveals Troubled Past and Educational Transfers of Scarlett Jenkinson

The schoolgirl responsible for Brianna Ghey’s murder was on the verge of being expelled from her second school when the crime took place, an inquest revealed. Scarlett Jenkinson, aged 15, had been transferred to Birchwood High following behavioural issues at Culcheth High School, but her placement was on the brink of collapse when she was detained for the killing, according to Warrington Coroner’s Court.

The inquest is examining Jenkinson’s transfer to Birchwood High, where she befriended 16-year-old Brianna Ghey, described as vulnerable. Together with Eddie Ratcliffe, a peer from Culcheth High, Jenkinson lured Brianna to Culcheth Linear Park on February 11 of last year. There, the pair brutally stabbed Brianna 28 times with a hunting knife. Both assailants, 15 at the time, were sentenced to life imprisonment. The judge, Mrs Justice Yip, described the act as “frenzied” and “sadistic,” citing a secondary motive tied to Brianna’s transgender identity.

The inquest heard that Culcheth High did not explicitly inform Birchwood about an earlier incident involving Jenkinson allegedly “spiking” a younger pupil with drugs. In a statement approved by both schools’ legal teams, it was noted that there was “no consistent recollection” regarding the communication of Jenkinson’s background. However, the statement also suggested that even with complete disclosure, Birchwood would likely have accepted Jenkinson.

At Birchwood High, Jenkinson faced another incident involving cannabis and was nearing permanent exclusion when the murder occurred. Headteacher Emma Mills testified that there was no indication Brianna’s safety was compromised by Jenkinson’s presence at the school. She recounted an incident days before the killing when Jenkinson, distressed and claiming to hear “unkind voices,” was found hiding in a nearby store.

The court also explored Jenkinson’s disturbing interest in dark web content depicting real killings and torture, alongside a fascination with serial killers. Ms Mills confirmed that neither school had knowledge of these tendencies. Suzy Saffrey, Culcheth High’s safeguarding lead, outlined Jenkinson’s disciplinary history, noting repeated behavioural infractions, including poor punctuality, drug-related issues, and a series of suspensions for assaults and other incidents.

In 2020, Jenkinson was reported to have smelled strongly of cannabis upon arrival at school, but denied drug use. Her parents attributed the smell to a cannabis-based treatment for their dog. Attempts to engage her parents often went unanswered. Jenkinson’s school record highlighted episodes such as a racist remark, sharing an inappropriate image via Snapchat, and encouraging a younger student to consume cannabis-laced sweets, leading to the latter’s illness.

The inquest continues to delve into the systemic and institutional responses surrounding Jenkinson’s behaviour and its tragic culmination.