us secretary of state antony blinken says the us has made direct contact with hayat tahrir al—sham, the group leading the rebel alliance in syria. dipolmatic moves are gathering pace to stabilise the country after the end of the assad regime. and the mystery is continuing to grow in the us after repeated sightings of unknown drones in several states on the east coast. the governor of newjersey has urged president biden to investigate. now, here on bbc news, it's sportsday. hello and welcome to sportsday this saturday night with me, chetan pathak. coming up on the programme: ten—man liverpool leave it late

to rescue a draw against fulham as arsenal drop points, too, on a day of missed opportunities at the top of the premier league. england's bowlers recover from a bad start to take nine wickets on the opening day of the final test in new zealand. northampton saints show their spirit in the champions cup — battling the altitude and heat to get a bonus—point win over bulls in south africa. also coming up on sportsday before 7pm: british tennis number one jack draper tells us about his grandmother's alzheimer's and the memory walk he hopes will raise awareness. and we hear from the black triathlete hoping to break stereotypes and encouraging everyone to take to the pool.

welcome along, thank you forjoining us. chelsea may well be the happiest team in the premier league title race tonight — and they don't play brentford until tomorrow. that's because the team above them and the one below them have both dropped points. the leaders liverpool held to a 2—2 draw at home to fulham — with andy robertson sent off early on after the visitors had taken the lead. but arne slot�*s side dug in and twice came from behind to rescue a point. cody gakpo with the equaliser early in the second half, but rodrigo muniz scored a quarter of an hour from the end to put fulham back in front, before the much—missed diogojota came off the bench to score four minutes from time to ensure the points were shared. liverpool are five points clear at the top, but that gap could be down to two if chelsea win tomorrow. i told the players, just put in an outstanding performance.

impressing, but also with the bulk of how well they play. so we were on their half i think every minute, maybe even when it was 11 versus 11, we had more problems than when we were down to ten, but in the end, if you can do this with ten players, what will happen with 11? we never know what happens ii? we never know what happens in the season, you get a red card, and it is a good that we have a team that is very difficult to beat. we have always something to prove — we have always something to prove and we came here to prove something — prove and we came here to prove something for ourselves, not for no — something for ourselves, not for no one _ something for ourselves, not for no one but for ourselves. the — for no one but for ourselves. the trust _ for no one but for ourselves. the trust in ourselves, the belief, _ the trust in ourselves, the belief, that you have an identity and we have to respect it, identity and we have to respect it. and — identity and we have to respect it. and we _ identity and we have to respect it, and we did it again. the weight— it, and we did it again. the weight we played against arsenal, against tottenham, against — arsenal, against tottenham, against brighton and liverpool, we have — against brighton and liverpool, we have to go in the same way against — we have to go in the same way against southampton next week. everton stopped arsenal taking advantage of liverpool's slip up, jordan pickford instrumental as mikel arteta's side were held to a 0—0 draw at the emirates. they've now dropped points in eight of the 16 games they've played this season. arsenal stay third,

a point behind chelsea and six behind liverpool. everton are three points clear of the relegation zone. better our very disappointing not to win the game, obviously. —— very disappointing. you don't see any shots on target, off target. you don't concede any set pieces. you arrive, you have chances. it's about scoring goals. we lack that today. they are a fine site, we know that, — they are a fine site, we know that, they _ they are a fine site, we know that, they often dominate the ball that, they often dominate the bait and — that, they often dominate the ball and dominic chances. we had a — ball and dominic chances. we had a couple of breakaway moments we do not make the most of. moments we do not make the most of we _ moments we do not make the most of. we know that has been a challenge as i got to the club, that killer touch, that killer pass — that killer touch, that killer pass or— that killer touch, that killer pass or killer finish, but i have _ pass or killer finish, but i have to _ pass or killer finish, but i have to say, the players have but a — have to say, the players have but a tiig _ have to say, the players have but a big shift in there and the — but a big shift in there and the commitment to doing the basics. — the commitment to doing the basics, pressing, recovering, pressing, _ basics, pressing, recovering, pressing, recovering and staying _ pressing, recovering and staying true to it for 90 in whatever minutes did plays. so

i whatever minutes did plays. so i was _ whatever minutes did plays. so i was really proud of the players _ i was really proud of the players again. before the match, both teams paid tribute to their former player kevin campbell, who died earlier this year. a banner with the words "one of our own" and campbell in an arsenal and everton kit was unfurled, with a tribute on the big screen at the emirates. arsenal and liverpool may have been unable to find a late winner, but towards the bottom of the premier league, ipswich town did, after late drama at molineux condemned wolves to their fourth straight defeat. what a moment forjack taylor — a 93rd—minute header which gave his side a 2—1 win. the wolves frustration on show at the end as rayan ait—nouri had to be dragged off by members of the coaching srtaff. the coaching staff. it's a defeat that heaps even more pressure on manager gary o'neil. wolves are second from bottom, three points behind ipswich and four points from safety. it's a big blow. the lads come

as you see, are at maximum. we got every last drop out of them to get ourselves in that position where we looked like and felt like we were going to win the game. to suffer a go that late, the nature of the two goals are crazy for the level, really, which we have said many times this year for stubs for two players not to be in the right place at home against ipswich with 30 seconds on the clock, do not stand in the right place shows that the emotion, they're not able to think clearly enough and make good decisions in those moments when they are under stress. but myjob is to help them get better at it and we'll get back to work and trying get ourselves ready for leicester. three points for us. we have missed — three points for us. we have missed out on point lady with that— missed out on point lady with that we — missed out on point lady with that we thick we could have had and should have had. so to pick up and should have had. so to pick up the — and should have had. so to pick up the three points today feels reatiy— up the three points today feels really good. what it means at the end — really good. what it means at the end of the season, who knows? _ the end of the season, who knows? we just go game by game. we have _ knows? we just go game by game. we have got a week now before newcastle and we will prepare

as well— newcastle and we will prepare as well as we can, trained well this week— as well as we can, trained well this week and we will take each one as — this week and we will take each one as it— this week and we will take each one as it comes, we will enjoy each _ one as it comes, we will enjoy each one _ one as it comes, we will enjoy each one and we will try and win each— each one and we will try and win each one. after four premier league games without a win for newcastle, eddie howe had something to smile about — a 4—0 win over leicester at st james' park. jacob murphy with two goals, one in each half. bruno guimaraes also on the scoresheet along with aleksander isak. for leicester, it's a first defeat for new manager ruud van nistlerooy, with his side just two points clear of the bottom three. we are disappointed that we have not been up to show that more this season. today's up there again with one of our best performances, but i do feel we are getting there, despite some inconsistencies around today's performance. we have disco to focus on the future and try and replicate these levels on a regular basis. it isa it is a great conflict back together, because we are only starting — together, because we are only starting working two weeks together, and of course it was the west— together, and of course it was

the west ham andy burton at home, — the west ham andy burton at home, four points against a very— home, four points against a very good sides, it was very positive _ very good sides, it was very positive. this one went the other— positive. this one went the other way. so, we are still reflecting and learning and building something together, and we — building something together, and we use this game for the good, — and we use this game for the good, for— and we use this game for the good, for the development of the team. here, then, are all of those results. one game still ongoing. that one there at the bottom. nottingham forest are hosting aston villa in the late game. early on in the second half, it is goalless. if someone can win it, they will have a place in the top four, for the next 2a hours, at least. as things stand, the champions manchester city are 9 points behind the leaders liverpool, 4 points behind chelsea and 3 behind arsenal. they have one win in their last ten games, having lost seven of them, and tomorrow

it's the manchester derby, with united coming to the etihad off the back of theirwin in europe in the week. on the football news show, former city midfielder michael brown was asked what defeat would mean for city tomorrow. i think it is a disaster if city lose it.— i think it is a disaster if city lose it.- | - i think it is a disaster if. city lose it.- i really i think it is a disaster if- city lose it.- i really do, city lose it. why? i really do, because of— city lose it. why? i really do, because of the _ city lose it. why? i really do, because of the negativity - because of the negativity already travelling around it. the manchester derby is one... i went on bbc five live yesterday after the reaction to the result againstjuventus. this is the biggest one for them because i think there still time to recover in the champions league, although getting tight, but in the premier league, that's almost like if you lose this game at home dear rivals, title is done, not only that, it is against manchester united, and that means it is a real real problem. the run continues. it is big for pep. iiii problem. the run continues. it is big for pep-— is big for pep. if they win, they've — is big for pep. if they win, they've got _ is big for pep. if they win, they've got four _ is big for pep. if they win, they've got four points - is big for pep. if they win, they've got four points in | is big for pep. if they win, i they've got four points in last two games. if they did manchester united, they are ttack— manchester united, they are back on— manchester united, they are back on track and maybe it is outside — back on track and maybe it is outside that for them to win the title _ outside that for them to win the title of the champions league _ the title of the champions league is ok, but there are league is 0k, but there are other— league is ok, but there are other teams around them. of

manchester united beat them on sunday. — manchester united beat them on sunday, well, those are the sides. — sunday, well, those are the sides, and we are talking about forest _ sides, and we are talking about forest and _ sides, and we are talking about forest and we are talking about brighton, probably the teams you would not expect to get there. — you would not expect to get there, villa, absolutely chipping away at them to get into that _ chipping away at them to get into that top four, top five that— into that top four, top five that it _ into that top four, top five that it is _ into that top four, top five that it is likely to be in an the — that it is likely to be in an the end. _ that it is likely to be in an the end, so suddenly, you're looking — the end, so suddenly, you're looking over your shoulder thinking, we really need to win, _ thinking, we really need to win, and _ thinking, we really need to win, and that brings its own pressure _ win, and that brings its own pressure. you played.- win, and that brings its own pressure. you played. they are lackinr pressure. you played. they are lacking in _ pressure. you played. they are lacking in confidence _ pressure. you played. they are lacking in confidence and - pressure. you played. they are lacking in confidence and other| lacking in confidence and other teams of other players are saying, this is what it feels like, you know? but they've earned the right, haven't they? they have earned the right. they have earned the right. they have earned the right. they have been incredible for a long time. they are under pressure. we seen a blip, with liverpool, to change the way you play, it seems they are in that transition. you can watch that episode in full, building up to the

manchester derby, a chance to bounce back? it is on the iplayer at the moment. celtic play rangers in the league cup final tomorrow at hampden. today, there were three games in the scottish premiership. motherwell are up to fourth, after beating dundee united 4—3 in a thriller. st mirren needed a 99th—minute penalty, which they missed but it was retaken because the goalkeeper was off his line. roland idowu scored to seal a 3—2 victory. hibernian are off the bottom of the table after beating ross county 3—1. after nine wins in a row, chelsea's100% start to the women's super league season is over after they were held to a 1—1 draw at leicester. chelsea are six points clear at the top, but it could be cut to three points if city win tomorrow. brighton, you can see, playing tottenham at the moment. that one is goalless. next to the championship. late drama at deepdale, where deep in stoppage time, leeds salvaged a point to frustrate preston north end. the home side took the lead mid—way through the first half

thanks to brad potts, a counter attack he started and finished, but they eventually succumbed to relentless pressure in the 93rd minute — danjames providing the cross for mateojoseph to tap home from close range via the unfortunate jack whatmough. sheffield united remain top after beating wayne rooney's plymouth i—o. sunderland are third, after coming from 2—0 down to beat swansea city 3—2. blackburn recorded a fifth straight win, beating luton town 2—0. more reaction to all of those results over on the bbc sport website. next tonight to cricket, where england have already won their test series in new zealand, but they are hoping to make it a 3—0 clean sweep. on the opening day of the final test in hamilton, their bowlers have been chipping away, leaving the hosts hanging on in theirfirst innings,

asjoe lynskey reports. at 2—0 up in a three—match series, england now can take things at their own pace. they put new zealand into bat, but it brought a quiet morning. on a flat pitch, the home side went past 100 without a wicket without a wicket by the lunch break, england tried to find the answers. commentator: it's gone! gus atkinson got the first, and then new zealand couldn't stop them. 0h! kane williamson was out despite a lunge towards the stumps. the mood of a test match had turned on the breakthrough. now, england looked to set up the clean sweep. just two away teams have won 3—0 in new zealand, and right now, it's the tourists who look most at home. this was harry brook navigating the boundary, a catch he set up to take inside the ropes. harry brook, you're outrageous! harry brook, you're outrageous! they may have won they may have won the series, but england the series, but england aren't slowing down. aren't slowing down. joe lynskey, bbc news. joe lynskey, bbc news.

day two gets under way day two gets under way in the next few hours. in the next few hours. let's get some reaction now let's get some reaction now from both sides after that from both sides after that first day, starting first day, starting with one of england's with one of england's wicket—ta kers, matthew potts. wicket—ta kers, matthew potts. there's periods where we do go there's periods where we do go through a phase of not taking through a phase of not taking any wickets, but if you look any wickets, but if you look at the fielding input at the fielding input and the energy that they give and the energy that they give to all the seamers to all the seamers that are toiling away, perhaps that are toiling away, perhaps not doing the nicejob, not doing the nicejob, kind of grafting away, test match against south africa kind of grafting away, as you would say, and not as you would say, and not being rewarded for it, being rewarded for it, it's backed up by the fielders. it's backed up by the fielders. and we know that if we do and we know that if we do stick to our guns stick to our guns and we are meticulous with it, and we are meticulous with it, that it will come our way that it will come our way eventually and, you know, eventually and, you know, kind of wrestle the day back kind of wrestle the day back a little bit for ourselves. a little bit for ourselves. we have to bowl we have to bowl extremely well tomorrow. extremely well tomorrow. i think the pitch usually i think the pitch usually flattens out a little bit here. flattens out a little bit here. so, you know, new ball so, you know, new ball could be key and then trying to build pressure, which is tough to do against the english with, i guess, the way they come about it. having won the t20 and one—day series, england women are preparing for a one—off

could be key and then

after his body was found in an area in northumberland flooded during storm darragh. voyce won the european champions cup twice during his career — and teams in the competition held a minute's silence in his memory ahead of their games. we start in south africa, where premiership champions northampton saints kept up their perfect start in continental rugby with a win over bulls. ben croucher was watching. the temperatures back home resemble single figures, it was over 30 degrees in pretoria, still took a while for bulls to intercept and to ease into this one. pointless? into george hendy. one. pointless? into george hend . ~ . one. pointless? into george hend. . _ hendy. what it impact by the replacement _ hendy. what it impact by the replacement ex _ hendy. what it impact by the replacement ex neck - hendy. what it impact by the replacement ex neck the - replacement ex neck the starters are useful too. the saints marched _ starters are useful too. the saints marched ahead at the break. the south african site had 20 of chances, but many hands... northington had a safe pair in the form of... hands... northington had a safe pair in the form of. . ._ pair in the form of... tommy freeman! — pair in the form of... tommy freeman! their— pair in the form of... tommy freeman! their lead - pair in the form of... tommy freeman! their lead up - pair in the form of... tommy freeman! their lead up to i

pair in the form of... tommy| freeman! their lead up to 15, but soon _ freeman! their lead up to 15, but soon down _ freeman! their lead up to 15, but soon down to _ freeman! their lead up to 15, but soon down to just - freeman! their lead up to 15, but soon down to just one - freeman! their lead up to 15, but soon down to just one as| but soon down to just one as cameron hanekom, not once but twice in the space of nine minutes, sliced the saints open. but the polls would face one final sting from the wing. freeman flew through to seal a 30-21 freeman flew through to seal a 30—21 win. two in two for the permissionjim javaw in europe, permission jim javaw in europe, marking permissionjim javaw in europe, marking a december in short form. —— premiership champions in europe. ben croucher, bbc news. ulster had a dreadful start to their campaign last week — hammered 61—21 by champions toulouse — and today they lost again, this time going down 40—19 at home to bordeaux, who've now won both their first two games. leicester tigers are at home to sharks. and in front, as you can see there. later harlequins host stormers while bristol are away to la rochelle and cardiff welcome cheetahs. in a season where he's reached the semifinals of the us open and made the world's top 20, this has been a breakthough yearforjack draper. but away from tennis, the british number one

is doing what he can to raise awareness about dementia. he organised a memory walk along the river thames to honour his grandmother brenda, who suffers from alzheimer's disease. our sports news correspondent laura scott went along with him. having enjoyed a breakthrough year, jack draper is eyeing yet more success. there is one woman, though, who he credits most of all with getting him into tennis — his grandmother brenda. but 11 years ago, she was diagnosed with alzheimer's, and it's been a devastating deterioration since. so many people that have come to support and it's obviously so, so nice and i'm very, very gratefulfor that. so, in a rare breakfrom his relentless schedule, this walk was for her and all those affected by dementia. she was a huge part of my development growing up in terms of my tennis, but alsojust being an amazing grandma. ifeel a bit guilty when i go away because i feel like something could happen or i'm not getting

to spend those days and those times with her. but it's also really hard to see her in that way. so my schedule is crazy these days, but whenever i get the chance, i'll obviously go and go and see her and check in. forjack�*s mum, nicky, the different phases of this cruel disease have been agonising to see first—hand. she hasn't known who any of us are for at least six years. if there's anything that could have been done to stop it escalating or, you know, keep her as she was, that's what every family would want. the toll this has taken on his family prompted jack to become an ambassador for the alzheimer's society last year. although brenda might not be aware of her grandson's meteoric rise, it's clear her advice from years ago is still playing its part. when i was younger, you know, she'd say, "get that ball toss up, jack," you know. and this is still something i'm

trying to do now, and i'm 22 years old and isin the world. so, you know, maybe i need to start listening to what she used to say back in the day, but... no, i mean, ialways know she's there with me in spirit. a hip injury has scuppered preseason plans to train with wimbledon champion carlos alcaraz, but he's been using hot yoga to try to acclimatise to the conditions he can expect at the australian open and stave off the sickness that blighted him during his us open semifinal. britain's andy murray... and what about his idol andy murray coaching novak djokovic? andy's obviously got a huge tennis brain. i thought that he'd, you know, sail off into the sunset and play golf, but obviously that's so unlike andy. you know, he loves this sport and it's no surprise to me that he wants to be back. and why not go out there and coach novak? and it'll be a very interesting dynamic to watch unfold. he will soon be the other side of the world. but as one of the brightest stars of british tennis tries to reach new heights — quite

literally, with his ball toss — it's clear one woman will never be far from his thoughts. laura scott, bbc news. time now for some of the day's other sport stories. and great britain's women ice hockey team are just one win away from the final qualifying phase for the 2026 winter olympics after they beat spain 3—0 in sheffield. if they beat the netherlands tomorrow, they will reach next year's qualifiers. anthony edwards scored 23 points as the minnesota timberwolves beat the los angeles lakers 97—87 in the nba. the lakers were without lebron james, who missed a second straight game with injury. wu yize beat xiao guodong by six frames to four in an all chinese first semifinal of the scottish open. he'll play the winner of tonight's other semi between mark allen of northern ireland and china's lei peifun. and finally tonight — britain's eva okaro has booked a place in tomorrow's final

of the women's 50m freestyle at the world short course swimming championships in budapest. earlier in the year, she became the first black woman to represent great britain in the pool at an olympic games. that comes at a time when people — particularly from minority communities — are swimming less and less. dan ogunshakin has been to meet a triathlon group trying to change that. great britain's fifth gold of these games goes... since franklin — these games goes... since franklin became _ these games goes. .. since franklin became ill- these games goes... since franklin became ill and - these games goes... since . franklin became ill and export into thousands of no country has won more gold medals than great britain —— triathlon became an olympic sport. according to british triathlon, just 2.3% of its members are from ethnically diverse backgrounds. founded in 2022, the black tri tribe is seeking to buck that trend. taste the black tri tribe is seeking to buck that trend.— the black tri tribe is seeking to buck that trend. we are an entry-level— to buck that trend. we are an entry-level dissipation - entry—level dissipation triathlon club entry—level d