my bet
Brazil’s Bolsonaro planned and participated in a 2022 coup plot, an unsealed police report alleges
ORONO, Maine (AP) — Michael McNair scored 16 points to lead Boston University and Malcolm Chimezie sealed the victory with a layup with 20 seconds left as the Terriers took down Maine 59-56 on Sunday. McNair also had six rebounds for the Terriers (6-7). Kyrone Alexander scored 13 points and added five rebounds. Chimezie shot 4 of 7 from the field and 0 for 3 from the line to finish with eight points. Kellen Tynes led the way for the Black Bears (8-7) with 17 points, four assists and three steals. Maine also got 12 points from Christopher Mantis. Quion Burns had eight points. McNair scored seven points in the first half and Boston University went into halftime trailing 27-19. Alexander scored a team-high 10 points for Boston University in the second half. Boston University outscored Maine by 11 points over the final half. Boston University's next game is Thursday against Lafayette on the road, and Maine visits Bryant on Saturday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Ram raid rampage as thieves wreak havoc in 30-minute spree
Blue Star Foods Announces Stock Buyback Program for Up to $1.5 Million4 easy, comforting bean dishes for fallBy Ashton De Santis, director – inventory partnerships, The Trade Desk Australia’s Upfronts season brought a wave of new energy to the advertising world. With advertisers facing mounting pressure to prove real business impact, this year’s sessions put measurement and accountability at the heart of the conversation. Publishers doubled down on the value of premium content from BVOD to live sports and challenged the dominance of less impactful channels such as social media. Nine’s new partnership with independent market mix modelling (MMM) solutions and Foxtel’s alliances with Kantar and Adgile signal an industry change away from vanity metrics towards more meaningful business outcomes. This renewed focus on measurement is setting the stage for an exciting year ahead. In particular, for brands that have moved away from upper-funnel strategies in favour of short-term performance campaigns due to tightening budgets, this shift is a game-changer. With consumer confidence poised to grow in early 2025 and inflation slowly easing, brands may look to unlock bigger budgets. But with these opportunities comes responsibility – marketers must show that every dollar delivers growth. More granular insights can help turn marketing into a measurable growth engine, reinforcing its vital role in driving long-term business success. Case in point: Kellogg’s proved the real business impact of BVOD by leveraging Unpacked by Flybuys retail data in their advertising strategy. By targeting Flybuys’ high-value audience segments – from low-sugar buyers to cereal enthusiasts and health food shoppers – they effectively reached new potential customers. The campaign demonstrated how BVOD ads directly translated into sales at Flybuys’ retail partners and resulted in a 156% surge in conversions for Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain brand and an impressive 187% sales boost for brands like Coco Pops. The Upfronts also debunked the myth that TV as a whole is in decline, proving that total TV remains a force in advertising. With publishers introducing technology that enables seamless cross-channel activation, campaigns can now unify across BVOD, SVOD, live broadcast, and streaming all under one cohesive strategy. However, despite these advancements, the challenge of fragmented measurement persists. To unlock greater efficiency, brands will need tools that integrate data across devices and publishers, including their own first-party data. Industry identity solutions like Unified ID 2.0 can bridge these gaps by targeting and measuring their audience across the wider publisher ecosystem. Let’s keep in mind that Aussies spend 64% of digital media time on the open internet, from video and audio streaming to online news to apps. This presents a massive opportunity for advertisers. So while publishers are proving the value of premium content, the real impact will come from optimizing investments across the entire open internet. For advertisers ready to embrace the future, the playbook is clear: premium content across the open internet, unified measurement, and a relentless focus on real business outcomes. – Top image: Ashton De Santis
By MEAD GRUVER and AMY BETH HANSON, Associated Press A judge on Monday rejected a request to block a San Jose State women’s volleyball team member from playing in a conference tournament on grounds that she is transgender. Monday’s ruling by U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Kato Crews in Denver will allow the player, who has played all season, to continue competing in the Mountain West Conference women’s championship scheduled for later this week in Las Vegas. The ruling comes after a lawsuit was filed by nine current players who are suing the Mountain West Conference to challenge the league’s policies for allowing transgender players to participate. The players argued that letting her compete was a safety risk and unfair. While some media have reported those and other details, neither San Jose State nor the forfeiting teams have confirmed the school has a trans women’s volleyball player. The Associated Press is withholding the player’s name because she has not publicly commented on her gender identity. School officials also have declined an interview request with the player. Judge Crews referred to the athlete as an “alleged transgender” player in his ruling and noted that no defendant disputed that San Jose State rosters a transgender woman volleyball player. He said the players who filed the complaint could have sought relief much earlier, noting that the individual universities had acknowledged that not playing their games against San Jose State this season would result in a forfeit in league standings. He also said injunctions are meant to preserve the status quo. The conference policy regarding forfeiting for refusing to play against a team with a transgender player had been in effect since 2022 and the San Jose State player has been on the roster since 2022 – making that the status quo. The player competed at the college level three previous seasons, including two for San Jose State, drawing little attention. This season’s awareness of her identity led to an uproar among some players, pundits, parents and politicians in a political campaign year. The tournament starts Wednesday and continues Friday and Saturday. San Jose State is seeded second. The judge’s order maintains the seedings and pairings for the tournament. Several teams refused to play against San Jose State during the season, earning losses in the official standings. Boise State and Wyoming each had two forfeits while Utah State and Nevada both had one. Southern Utah, a member of the Western Athletic Conference, was first to cancel against San Jose State this year. Nevada’s players stated they “refuse to participate in any match that advances injustice against female athletes,” without providing further details. Crews served as a magistrate judge in Colorado’s U.S. District Court for more than five years before President Joe Biden appointed him to serve as a federal judge in January of this year. Gruver reported from Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Hanson from Helena, Montana.
‘Living in a home that damages health the norm for far too many older people’
Jimmy Carter , the 39th President of the United States, passed away on Monday at the age of 100. Known for his unwavering commitment to human rights, diplomacy, and public service, Carter’s death marks the end of a remarkable life dedicated to peace, integrity, and humanitarian efforts. From his rise as a Georgia governor to his presidency and post-presidential humanitarian work here is the political journey of Carter. Early Life and Political Beginnings Jimmy Carter was born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, a rural town in the heart of the Deep South. Raised in a modest, Christian household, Carter’s early life was shaped by the values of hard work, personal integrity, and a deep respect for education. He attended the US Naval Academy at Annapolis, where he graduated in 1946. After serving in the US Navy, including time in the submarine service, Carter returned to Georgia, where he took over the family peanut farm. This move to the family farm helped him connect with his community and the people of Georgia, laying the groundwork for his political career. In 1962, Carter’s political journey took its first step when he entered the race for the Georgia State Senate. Though he was a political outsider with limited resources, Carter’s message of honesty and reform resonated with many Georgians who were tired of the entrenched political machines. He won his seat in the state senate and began his journey into the world of public service. Carter’s years in the Georgia Senate, from 1963 to 1967, were pivotal in his development as a politician. He advocated for reforms that focused on improving education, healthcare, and the environment. His time in the Senate also shaped his belief in the power of government to make a positive difference in people’s lives. However, his true political breakthrough came in 1970 when he was elected governor of Georgia. The Governorship of Georgia Jimmy Carter’s time as governor of Georgia, from 1971 to 1975, marked a period of profound transformation. Running on a platform of reform, he pushed for changes that would modernize the state and make government more efficient. He advocated for education reform, environmental protection, and civil rights. One of his most significant accomplishments was his push for desegregation in Georgia’s public schools, a stance that was both progressive and bold for a Southern politician of that era. Carter’s commitment to racial equality was evident throughout his time as governor. In 1971, he appointed the first African American to the Georgia State Board of Education. He also worked to expand voting rights for African Americans, a cause that was personal for him, given his Southern roots and the racial inequalities that had plagued the region for decades. While Carter’s progressive policies and stand on civil rights earned him praise, they also earned him enemies in Georgia’s political establishment. Many saw him as a threat to the traditional Southern political order. Nevertheless, Carter’s reputation as an honest and principled leader continued to grow, and by the time he left the governor’s mansion, he had positioned himself as a potential candidate for higher office. The 1976 Presidential Campaign In 1976, Carter made the decision to run for the presidency. At the time, the country was in the midst of a crisis of confidence in its government. The Watergate scandal had rocked the nation, leading to the resignation of President Richard Nixon . The American people were disillusioned with the political establishment, and many were searching for a candidate they could trust—someone who represented integrity, honesty, and a new direction for the country. Carter, with his background as a political outsider and his reputation for honesty, seemed to fit the bill. Carter’s campaign was a study in humility and transparency. He ran as a Washington outsider, promising to restore trust in the government. His famous pledge to the American people was simple yet profound: “If I ever lie to you, if I ever make a misleading statement, don’t vote for me.” This promise resonated deeply with voters who were weary of the scandals and dishonesty that had plagued the Nixon administration. Despite being largely unknown on the national stage, Carter’s grassroots campaign gained momentum. He won the Democratic nomination after a hard-fought battle against more established candidates, including George Wallace and Hubert Humphrey. Carter’s appeal was based on his image as a man of integrity, his outsider status, and his commitment to restoring honesty to the White House. On November 2, 1976, Carter narrowly defeated incumbent Republican President Gerald Ford, securing 297 electoral votes to Ford’s 240, and became the 39th president of the United States. The Presidency (1977-1981) Jimmy Carter’s presidency was marked by a series of domestic and international challenges. Domestically, he faced an economy suffering from high inflation, rising energy costs, and unemployment. Internationally, the Cold War loomed large, and tensions with the Soviet Union, particularly over the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, were high. Additionally, Carter had to contend with the ongoing energy crisis, the Iranian hostage crisis, and the complex politics of the Middle East. One of Carter’s most enduring accomplishments as president was his role in the Camp David Accords, which he brokered in 1978. The agreement brought together Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin , and it resulted in a peace agreement between the two nations. The success of the Camp David Accords earned Carter international acclaim and cemented his reputation as a peacemaker. Despite this achievement, Carter’s presidency was marked by significant challenges. The economy struggled with double-digit inflation, and Americans faced long lines at gas stations due to oil shortages. Perhaps the most defining event of Carter’s presidency was the Iranian hostage crisis, which began in November 1979 when 52 American diplomats and citizens were taken hostage by Iranian militants. The crisis lasted for 444 days and became a symbol of Carter’s inability to resolve international conflicts swiftly. In 1980, the failed rescue attempt of the hostages further damaged Carter’s image, and his approval ratings plummeted. The economic troubles, combined with the hostage crisis, led to Carter’s defeat in the 1980 presidential election to Ronald Reagan , who won in a landslide. Post-Presidency and legacy Though Carter’s presidency was relatively short-lived, his post-presidential career has been nothing short of remarkable. After leaving the White House, Carter focused on humanitarian work through the Carter Center, which he founded in 1982. The center focused on global health, conflict resolution, and human rights, and Carter became a leading advocate for disease eradication, democracy promotion, and peace. He also worked tirelessly to monitor elections in emerging democracies and mediate conflicts around the world. In 2002, Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to promote peace and human rights worldwide. He became the oldest living president in US history and continued to speak out on issues such as climate change, inequality, and global conflict. His ability to bridge political divides and his tireless work for peace and justice earned him widespread respect both in the United States and around the world. Despite facing criticism during his presidency, Jimmy Carter’s legacy is one of service to humanity. His commitment to diplomacy, human rights, and public service stands as a model for future leaders, and his life’s work continues to inspire generations of Americans and people around the world. Jimmy Carter's political journey—from his humble beginnings in Plains, Georgia, to the White House and beyond—represents a lifelong dedication to making the world a better place. While his presidency may have been fraught with challenges, his post-presidential work has solidified his place as one of the most respected and beloved figures in American history.
Gretchen McKay | (TNS) Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Beans are kind of like the your best friend from high school — nearly forgotten but always ready to step back into the limelight and help out an old pal when needed. As gorgeously (and tantalizingly) demonstrated in Rancho Gordo’s new cookbook, “The Bean Book: 100 Recipes for Cooking with All Kinds of Beans” (Ten Speed, $35), beans are indeed a magical fruit, though not in the way you heard as a kid. Classified as both a vegetable and a plant-based protein in the USDA’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans, beans and other legumes can be the ingredient you build an entire vegetarian or veggie-forward meal around. Or, they can help an economical cook stretch a dish twice as far with nutritious calories. A healthful and shelf-staple plant food — they last for years when dried — beans have been among a home cook’s most reliable pantry items for a very long time. (Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are thought to have been grown in Mexico more than 7,000 years ago.) That’s why, for some, they’re often something of an afterthought, especially if the only time you ate them as a kid was when your mom tossed kidney beans into a pot of beef chili or made baked beans (with brown sugar and bacon, please!) for a family cookout. Related Articles Restaurants Food and Drink | 5 budget-friendly Thanksgiving dinner ideas Restaurants Food and Drink | Grow Chico soars on wings and a prayer | It’s Your Business Restaurants Food and Drink | The future of Thanksgiving is takeout and hosts couldn’t be happier Restaurants Food and Drink | A starry Thanksgiving: Recipes beloved by Donna Kelce, Eric Stonestreet, Taylor Swift Restaurants Food and Drink | Scoring with Thanksgiving traditions | Off the Record Vegetarians have always appreciated their versatility and nutritional punch, and because they’re cheap, they also were quite popular during the Great Depression and World War II as C rations. Sales also peaked during the coronavirus pandemic, when shoppers stockpiled long-lasting pantry essentials. It wasn’t until Rancho Gordo, a California-based bean company, trotted out its branded packages of colorful heirloom beans that the plant began to take on cult status among some shoppers. Unlike the bean varieties commonly found in even the smallest grocery stores, heirloom beans are mostly forgotten varieties that were developed on a small scale for certain characteristics, with seeds from the best crops passed down through the generations. The result is beans that are fresher and more colorful than mass-produced beans, and come in different shapes and sizes. They also have a more complex and intense flavor, fans say. “The Bean Book” dishes up dozens of different ways to cook Rancho Gordo’s 50 heirloom bean varieties, which include red-streaked cranberry beans, mint-green flageolets, black and classic garbanzos and (my favorite) vaquero — which wear the same black-and-white spots as a Holstein cow. Other gotta-try varieties (if just for the name) include eye of the goat, European Soldier, Jacob’s Cattle and Good Mother Stallard, a purple bean with cream-colored flecks. “The very good news is that you have to work extra hard to mess up a pot of beans, and it’s not difficult to make an excellent pot,” Steve Sando writes in the book’s foreword. “The even better news is that you become a better cook with each pot you make.” Not convinced? Here are five reasons to jump on the bean bandwagon: Even the smallest grocery store will have a selection of dried and canned beans. Common varieties include black, cannellini (white kidney), Great Northern, pinto, navy, kidney, Lima and garbanzo (chickpea) beans. Even when they’re not on sale, beans are a bargain at the supermarket. Many varieties cost less than $1 a can, and dried beans are an economical way to build a menu. I paid $1.25 for a one-pound bag of cranberry beans, a smooth and velvety bean with a slightly nutty flavor, at my local grocery store. Rancho Gordo’s heirloom beans cost substantially more. (They run $6.25-$7.50 for a one-pound bag, with free shipping on orders over $50.) But they are sold within a year of harvest, which makes them more flavorful and tender. A bag also comes with cooking instructions and recipe suggestions, and the quality is outstanding. Plus, after cooking their beans with aromatics, “you are left with essentially free soup,” Sando writes in the cookbook. “If you drain properly cooked and seasoned beans, the liquid you are left with is delicious.” Beans are a great source of plant-based protein and both soluble and insoluble fiber, and they include essential minerals like iron, magnesium and potassium. If you’re watching your weight or following a particular diet, beans are naturally free of fat, sodium and cholesterol and are rich in complex carbohydrates. They also contain antioxidants and folate. And if you’re vegan or vegetarian, most types of dry beans are rich sources of iron. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends eating 1-3 cups of legumes, including beans, per week Dry beans have to be soaked overnight, but cooking them is easy. They can be cooked on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, in the pressure cooker and in the oven. Canned beans are even easier — just rinse and drain, and they’re ready to go. Beans can be used in so many different dishes. They can be made into soup, salad or dips, top nachos, add some heft to a casserole or be mashed into the makings of a veggie burger. You also can add them to brownies and other baked goods, toss them with pasta, add them to chili or a rice bowl or stuff them into a taco or burrito. Check out these four recipes: PG tested This light and creamy vegetarian soup benefits from a surprising garnish, roasted shiitake mushrooms, which taste exactly like bacon. For soup 1/4 cup olive oil 1 medium yellow onion, chopped 2 celery stalks, chopped 1 medium carrot, scrubbed and chopped 6 garlic cloves, finely grated or pressed 2 sprigs fresh thyme, plus more for garnish 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 4 cups vegetable broth 2 15-ounce cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed For bacon 8 ounces shiitake mushrooms, caps cut into 1/8 -inch slices 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/4 teaspoons fine sea salt To finish Plant-based milk Chili oil, for drizzling Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Make soup: In large pot, heat oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Add onion, celery, carrot, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are fragrant and tender, 8-10 minutes. Add vegetable stock and beans, increase heat to high and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until thickened, 12-14 minutes. Meanwhile, make the bacon: Spread shiitake mushrooms into a single layer on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss to combine. Bake until browned and crispy, 18-20 minutes, rotating pan front to back and tossing mushrooms with a spatula halfway through. Let cool in pan; mushrooms will continue to crisp as they cool. To finish, add some milk to the soup and use an immersion blender to puree it in the pot, or puree in a blender. (Cover lid with a clean kitchen towel.) Taste and season with more salt and pepper if needed. Divide soup among bowls and top with shiitake bacon. Garnish with thyme sprigs and a drizzle of chili oil. Serves 4-6. — “Mastering the Art of Plant-Based Cooking” by Joe Yonan PG tested Velvety cranberry beans simmered with tomato and the punch of red wine vinegar are a perfect match for a soft bed of cheesy polenta. This is a filling, stick-to-your-ribs dish perfect for fall. 1/4 cup olive oil 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 cups canned chopped tomatoes, juice reserved 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth 4 fresh sage leaves Salt and pepper 4 cups cooked Lamon or cranberry beans 2 cups uncooked polenta 6 ounces pancetta, diced Chopped fresh basil or parsley, for garnish Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving In large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring, until onion begins to soften, about 3 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and red wine vinegar. In a small bowl, dissolve tomato paste in the broth and add to pan. Stir in sage and season with salt and pepper. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened, 15-20 minutes. Add beans to tomato sauce. Cook, stirring frequently, until heated through, about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare polenta according to package instructions. Place pancetta in a small saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the pancetta is brown and crisp, about 15 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer pancetta to a paper towel to drain. To serve, spoon polenta into serving dishes. Ladle the beans over the polenta and top with the pancetta. Garnish with fresh basil and serve with grated Parmesan. Serves 6. — “The Bean Book: 100 Recipes for Cooking with All Kinds of Beans” by Steve Sando PG tested Beans and seafood might seen like an unusual pairing, but in this recipe, mild white beans take on a lot of flavor from clams. Spanish chorizo adds a nice contrast. 4 cups cooked white beans, bean broth reserved 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 white onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, chopped 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste 1/2 cup finely chopped Spanish-style cured chorizo 2 plum tomatoes, chopped 1/2 cup dry white wine 2 pounds small clams, scrubbed well Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish Country-style bread and butter, for serving In large pot, heat beans in their broth over medium-low heat. In large lidded saucepan, warm olive oil over medium-low heat. Add onion, garlic and salt and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add chorizo and cook gently until some of the fat has rendered, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes and wine and cook to allow the flavors to mingle, 5-6 minutes. Increase heat to medium and add clams. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally. Uncover the pan and cook until all of the clams open, another few minutes. Remove pan from heat, then remove and discard any clams that failed to open. Add clam mixture to the bean pot and stir very gently until well mixed. Simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to mingle but not get mushy. Ladle into large, shallow bowls and sprinkle with parsley. Set out a large bowl for discarded shells and encourage guests to eat with their fingers. Pass plenty of good bread and creamy butter at the table Serves 4-6. — “The Bean Book: 100 Recipes for Cooking with All Kinds of Beans, from the Rancho Gordo Kitchen” by Steve Sando with Julia Newberry PG tested So easy to pull together for your next party! 1 1/2 cups cooked cannellini beans, drained and rinsed 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Juice and zest of 1 lemon 1 small garlic clove, minced Generous pinch of salt Freshly ground black pepper 2 or 3 tablespoons water, if needed 2 fresh basil leaves, chopped, optional 1 sprig fresh rosemary, leaves chopped, optional In a food processor, pulse cannellini beans, olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, salt and several grinds of pepper until combined. If it’s too thick, slowly add the water with the food processor running until it is smooth and creamy. Blend in the basil and/or rosemary, if using Serve with veggies, pita or bruschetta. Makes 1 1/2 cups — Gretchen McKay, Post-Gazette ©2024 PG Publishing Co. Visit at post-gazette.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Above all others
ATLANTA — A first-of-its-kind audit showed a nearly identical match to the election night count by using technology to read the text on all 5.3 million Georgia ballots. The audit — required by state law to check the accuracy of voting machines — revealed just 87 discrepancies from all races. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Since joining Tottenham Hotspur from Bayer Leverkusen in August 2015, Son Heung-min has stepped up and delivered on countless occasions. The South Korea international scored three times over two legs against Manchester City in the quarter-final of the Champions League during the 2018-19 season when they went on to reach the final in Madrid. Advertisement He was influential in a 3-0 victory over Arsenal in May 2022 when both teams were fighting to finish in the top four. Son won the penalty which Harry Kane converted for the opening goal, was on the receiving end of a challenge from Rob Holding which led to the defender receiving a red card, and then scored Tottenham’s third. Spurs finished the season two points ahead of their north London rivals and Son shared the Golden Boot with Mohamed Salah . When Richarlison was unavailable for large parts of last season due to injury, Son covered for him as the central striker. He directly contributed to 27 goals in 35 appearances (17 goals, 10 assists). Only Cole Palmer (33), Erling Haaland , Ollie Watkins (both 32) and Salah (28) had better records. However, in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers , he failed to make an impact. The result meant that Spurs will finish the calendar year in the bottom half of the table for the first time since 2008-09. Another unwanted record is their failure to win in five successive home games for the first time since October of that same campaign. Back then, the run extended to eight games which led to Juande Ramos being sacked. GO DEEPER The Briefing: Spurs 2 Wolves 2: Bentancur steps up but late equaliser and Udogie injury hit Postecoglou Son is not to blame for Tottenham’s form, but in the past he found ways to dig them out of trouble. The 32-year-old was barely involved during the opening half an hour against Wolves until he had an opportunity to dribble forward on the counter. He skipped past a couple of players but a mis-hit pass towards Destiny Udogie killed any momentum. Just before half-time he stepped up to take a penalty after Brennan Johnson was fouled by Andre . Son looked up to the sky and seemed to take a long time to strike the ball before Jose Sa easily saved his weak attempt. Son slowly trudged back into position afterwards with his hands on his hips in disbelief, but five of his last six penalties have all been aimed towards the bottom left corner which is where Sa dived. Son has scored twice in the league this month, against Southampton and in the chaotic defeat to Chelsea , but only has five goals in 16 top-flight appearances this season. It is a difficult and sensitive subject for supporters but it is time to accept he has been underperforming for a while. Advertisement At the beginning of the campaign, his struggles could be attributed to a persistent hamstring injury which forced him to miss three games. He lacked sharpness when he returned and looked indecisive in possession. His performances have not been much better since and it is fair to expect more from the captain. Maybe there is an argument to be made that Son is not a perfect fit for Ange Postecoglou’s system. He forged a devastating partnership with Kane and thrived off running into space behind defenders. In this version of Spurs, he is expected to dribble past multiple players to reach the box. Below are Son’s shot maps from this season and last. Last season he scored 15 in the Premier League , shooting from an average distance of 15 yards, with an xG per shot of 0.13. You can see the density of shots in the area in front of goal. This season he has been shooting from 16.8 yards on average, with an xG per shot of 0.11, and you can see the sparsity of shots from that central area. In previous seasons when Spurs needed inspiration, Son and Kane would provide it. Dejan Kulusevski has taken over that mantle, as demonstrated by his brilliant assist for Johnson against Wolves. The problem for Postecoglou is that he does not have any quality alternatives. It would have been thrilling to see what Wilson Odobert was capable of after he arrived from Burnley in August for an initial £25million but he has been ruled out with a hamstring injury since September. Mikey Moore is recovering from a virus, Richarlison’s entire time at Spurs has been disrupted by injury, and Timo Werner has scored once in 23 matches across all competitions and that came in the Carabao Cup. Son is sixth on the list for the most minutes played by Tottenham players this season but he is at least five years older than the players who have more than him. In September, Postecoglou spoke about managing Son’s workload after he was substituted with muscle tightness in a Europa League tie against Qarabag. Advertisement “I would have wanted to ease his workload in this early part of the year but we lost Wilson (Odobert), Richarlison, Dominic (Solanke),” Postecoglou said . “Invariably in football sometimes it is not the amount of injuries but the kind of injuries. He has played more than I certainly want him to. “The idea of signing Dom and bringing in Wilson, extending Timo’s loan, was so that we can manage his load — because he has international football as well — a little bit better. It’s something I am mindful of, it is just the circumstances so far. Sonny always wants to play. That is his attitude but we have to be sensible. “I don’t think it has too much to do with his age because I haven’t seen that affect him. It’s more I don’t think that workload in the modern game is sustainable.” Since the November international break, Tottenham have played 11 games in 36 days and Son has been involved in all of them. Their stuttering form during that period has only increased the pressure on him to play all of the time. The fact he was substituted for Werner in the 64th minute against Wolves when the game was still in the balance tells you everything you need to know about his effectiveness and energy levels. “It’s obvious the lads are fairly fatigued — especially in that front third,” Postecoglou said afterwards. “We’re not as sharp as we can be, which is understandable because we’re asking a lot of a small core group of players. “I can see how hard they’re trying and if we were at our sharpest today, we would have got that third goal and maybe a fourth. We were inches away at times from getting the goal we needed and I just think we’re just lacking a little bit of that dynamic movement that we need.” Son’s contract expires in the summer which, in theory, means he is able to sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from next week, but Spurs have always maintained they intend to trigger an option they hold for an extra year. Advertisement Everybody wants to see Son surpass a decade with Spurs and it is important to remember he has experienced alarming dips in form before. During the 2022-23 season, he only scored 10 Premier League goals which was his lowest tally since his first year in English football (four, in 2015-16). The players are due to have Monday and Tuesday off before they face Newcastle United on Saturday lunchtime. Maybe all Son and his team-mates require is a rare extra 24 hours of rest. There are difficult challenges ahead, including the Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool , and Spurs desperately need Son at his best. (Additional reporting: Anantaajith Raghuraman) GO DEEPER The art of the 'olimpico' - football's (usually) rare phenomenon (Top photo: Shaun Botterill via Getty Images)
