Why João Félix Was A Bad Deal For Chelsea

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February 4, 2025

Chelsea are set to offload João Félix to AC Milan on loan before the January transfer deadline. The Blues initially signed the 25-year-old for £46.3 million last summer, committing him to a seven-year contract. Now, just six months later, he is on the verge of leaving Stamford Bridge once again.

AC Milan will reportedly pay Chelsea a £5 million loan fee and cover the Portugal international’s wages. The Italian club has shown consistent interest in Félix throughout the transfer window, and reports indicate he was spotted watching the Milan derby at San Siro last Sunday.

A Disappointing Spell at Chelsea

Félix’s time at Chelsea has been underwhelming. Since rejoining the club permanently from Atlético Madrid, he has struggled to make a significant impact, scoring just seven goals in 20 appearances.

This season, he has played 12 Premier League matches but accumulated only 363 minutes of game time. Despite being named in the starting XI three times, he has primarily been used as a substitute. His last appearance for Chelsea came on January 20, when he played just six minutes in a 3-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

So far in the 2024/25 campaign, Félix has managed just one goal and one assist in the Premier League, while also picking up two yellow cards. His only goal came against Wolves in a 6-2 win on August 25.

Interest from Other Clubs

Aston Villa showed interest in signing Félix during the January transfer window, with their president of football operations, Monchi, publicly acknowledging Unai Emery’s admiration for the player. However, Villa ultimately opted to pursue Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio instead.

Now, a move abroad looks more likely for Félix, as AC Milan offers him the chance to revitalize his career with more consistent playing time.

Why Chelsea Loaned João Félix

Chelsea’s decision to loan out Félix stems from several key factors:

Limited Playing Time – Félix struggled to secure a regular spot in Chelsea’s starting XI due to intense competition for attacking positions.
Injury Problems – Persistent fitness issues affected his availability and overall effectiveness.
AC Milan’s Interest – Milan’s strong desire to sign him provides an opportunity for more playing time and a fresh start.
Squad Depth – Chelsea boasts a deep attacking lineup, making Félix’s departure less of a concern.
Financial Considerations – Loaning Félix out helps Chelsea preserve his market value by ensuring he remains active and relevant in top-level football.

Additionally, maintaining a good relationship with AC Milan could facilitate future transfer dealings between the two clubs.

Félix’s Career Before Chelsea

Before returning to Chelsea in August 2024, Félix had a mixed spell at Barcelona, making 30 LaLiga appearances, scoring seven goals, and registering three assists. Prior to that, he spent time at Atlético Madrid, where he made 96 league appearances, scoring 25 goals and assisting 13 times.

His Premier League debut, however, was one to forget. On January 12, 2023, he received a red card in his first match for Chelsea against Fulham. Since then, he has played 28 times in the English top flight, managing just five goals and one assist.

What’s Next for Chelsea?

Chelsea will resume their Premier League campaign with an away fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion on February 14. Meanwhile, Félix will look to make the most of his loan move to AC Milan, hoping to reignite his career and justify his hefty price tag.

NELFUND Disburses N20bn in Tuition Fees for 192,906 Nigerian Students

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Tosin Onisuuru

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February 3, 2025

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The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced the disbursement of over N20 billion in institutional fees to tertiary institutions across Nigeria, benefiting 192,906 students.

In a statement released on Monday in Abuja, NELFUND clarified misconceptions about the total amount disbursed, refuting claims that N104 billion had been allocated.

“As of February 3, 2025, NELFUND has received 364,042 student loan applications. So far, the Fund has disbursed N20,074,050,000 for institutional fees, covering 192,906 students across various tertiary institutions,” the statement read.

Beyond tuition support, NELFUND has also provided financial aid for students’ living expenses, distributing over N12 billion in stipends.

“NELFUND has disbursed N12,818,960,000 to 169,114 students, each receiving a monthly stipend of N20,000,” the statement added.

Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and efficiency, NELFUND assured the public of continued updates on disbursements.

The student loan scheme remains a key initiative under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, aimed at expanding access to higher education. Shortly after his inauguration, Tinubu signed the Access to Higher Education Act, establishing a legal framework for providing low-income Nigerians with tuition loans.

Reintroduced earlier this year, the Act empowered NELFUND to manage the loan process, from application and disbursement to recovery. The Fund is financed through multiple revenue streams, with additional strategies being explored to sustain its operations.

From Burna Boy To Davido: A Look At Nigerian Grammy Nominees Who Didn’t Win In 2025

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Tosin Onisuuru

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February 3, 2025

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The 2025 Grammy Awards showcased a remarkable presence of Nigerian artists, reflecting the global influence of Afrobeats and the nation’s rich musical talent. Despite multiple nominations, several prominent Nigerian musicians did not secure wins this year.

Nigerian Nominees and Their Categories

Nigerian artists received nominations across various categories, highlighting the country’s diverse musical landscape:

Best African Music Performance:
Asake & Wizkid – “MMS”
Burna Boy – “Higher”
Chris Brown featuring Davido & Lojay – “Sensational”
Tems – “Love Me JeJe”
Yemi Alade – “Tomorrow”
Best Global Music Album:
Rema – Heis
Tems – Born in the Wild
Best R&B Song:
Tems – “Burning”

Notable Nigerian Nominees Who Did Not Win

While the nominations underscored the global recognition of Nigerian music, several artists did not clinch the award in their respective categories:

Burna Boy: Nominated for “Higher” in the Best African Music Performance category, Burna Boy, who previously won a Grammy in 2021, did not secure a win this year.
Rema: His album Heis was nominated for Best Global Music Album, but he did not take home the award.
Davido: Featured on Chris Brown’s “Sensational” alongside Lojay, nominated for Best African Music Performance, the collaboration did not win.
Asake & Wizkid: Their joint effort on “MMS” earned them a nomination in the Best African Music Performance category, but they did not secure the award.
Yemi Alade: Nominated for “Tomorrow” in the Best African Music Performance category, she did not win.

Tems: A Notable Highlight

Tems stood out among her peers with three nominations:

Best African Music Performance: “Love Me JeJe”
Best Global Music Album: “Born in the Wild”
Best R&B Song: “Burning”

Despite the multiple nominations, Tems secured a win this year. Her recognition across diverse categories, however, underscores her versatility and the international appeal of her music.

The 2025 Grammy Awards highlighted the significant strides Nigerian artists have made on the global stage. Although several nominees did not win, their nominations across various categories reflect the growing influence and recognition of Nigerian music worldwide. The future remains promising for these artists as they continue to captivate audiences with their unique sounds and storytelling.

Reps Push for Increased Budget Allocation to NIMC, NYSC, and Other Key Agencies in 2025

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Tosin Onisuuru

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February 3, 2025

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The House of Representatives is advocating for increased funding for several critical government agencies in the 2025 budget beyond what has been initially proposed.

Philip Agbese, the Deputy Spokesman of the House, made this known on Monday as the National Assembly prepares to deliberate on the N49.70 trillion 2025 budget proposal. He emphasized that key institutions essential to Nigeria’s socio-economic development require enhanced financial support.

Agbese reaffirmed the commitment of the Speaker Tajudeen Abbas-led House to fostering a “New Nigeria” and encouraged citizens to remain hopeful, assuring that current economic hardships will soon give way to national prosperity.

NIMC, NYSC, and NDA to Receive Priority Funding

According to Agbese, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) are among the agencies set for increased budgetary allocation.

“NIMC has become a crucial agency in recent years. Many Nigerians may not fully grasp its significance, but a national data bank cannot function effectively without strengthening this institution. They have a solid plan for 2025, but they can only succeed if provided with adequate resources to train personnel and acquire cutting-edge technology. Without NIMC, the fight against terrorism will be significantly harder for security agencies,” he said.

Regarding the NYSC, the lawmaker stressed the need for reforms to sustain its relevance in meeting workforce demands across public and private sectors.

“The NYSC scheme must be preserved and enhanced, which is why we are pushing for better funding. The National Assembly is dissatisfied with the current state of the corps and believes it needs improved financial support to cater to corps members effectively,” he added.

Speaking on the NDA, Agbese noted the rising security threats posed by terrorists and emphasized the need to outmatch them through enhanced military training.

“At a time when terrorists are devising new strategies despite the bravery of our troops, we must strengthen the institutions responsible for training our security personnel. This requires improved funding to address evolving security challenges,” he stated.

Concerns Over Budget Constraints and Foreign Missions

Agbese also pointed out that the current budget envelope system is insufficient to cover the capital expenditure of many government agencies. He referenced Defence Minister Bello Matawalle’s recent appearance before the House Committee on Defence, where he expressed concerns over the N50 billion allocation in the 2025 budget, calling it inadequate.

Foreign missions were also highlighted as institutions requiring better funding. In the 2025 Appropriation Bill, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was allocated N66.88 billion for capital projects and N286.88 billion for recurrent expenditure. However, House Committee on Foreign Affairs Chairman, Oluwole Oke, argued that the ministry requires at least N500 billion to meet its financial obligations, including international organization subscriptions and United Nations General Assembly commitments.

“We recognize the crucial services provided by foreign missions and have made a strong case for increased funding,” Oke stated.

Aviation Ministry Receives Commendation

Agbese also praised the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for his leadership and reforms aimed at boosting government revenue and enhancing Nigeria’s global image. He assured that the House is prepared to allocate more funds to the ministry in the 2025 budget.

Encouraging Nigerians to remain optimistic in the New Year, he reiterated that the Federal Government, with the backing of the National Assembly, is working to improve citizens’ welfare as swiftly as possible.

Turkey’s Inflation Slows to 42.1% in January

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Tosin Onisuuru

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February 3, 2025

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Turkey’s annual inflation rate eased for the eighth consecutive month in January, dropping to 42.1% from 44.3% in December, according to official data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) released on Monday.

Despite this decline, monthly inflation surged to 5% in January, a sharp rise from the 1% recorded the previous month. Analysts attribute this spike to the 30% increase in Turkey’s net minimum wage, which rose to 22,104 lira ($600) at the start of the year.

Turkey has been grappling with double-digit inflation since 2019, driving up the cost of essentials such as education, housing, healthcare, and dining. Inflation reached a peak of 75% in May 2024 before beginning to decline in June.

In response to inflationary pressures, Turkey’s central bank cut its key interest rate from 50% to 45% on January 23, citing progress in its inflation control efforts.

However, independent economists from the ENAG group challenge the official figures, estimating January’s year-on-year inflation at 81%, significantly higher than the government’s report.

What you should know about Tems: Two-time Grammy Awards Winner

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Yemisi Lanre-Idowu

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February 3, 2025

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In a world where music knows no boundaries, Nigerian music artist, Tems has proven once again that her star shines brightest among the global constellation. At the 2025 Grammy Awards on Sunday, February 2nd, at Crypto.com Arena Los Angela, Tems took home the title of Best African Music Performance, securing her place as one of the finest artists of her generation.

It wasn’t just another trophy for the shelf; this victory was a testament to her indomitable spirit, artistry, and the undeniable impact she has made not only on African music but on the global stage.

Who Is Tems, The Female Artist Breaking Barriers?

Temilade Openiyi, with her stage name, Tems, was born on June 11, 1995, in Lagos, Nigeria. She’s known for Her unique blend of Afrobeat, R&B, and soul music. She Developed an interest in music at the age of 13 and started producing her own music and learning the piano. Her deep passion for music led her to pursue it professionally after finishing her education.

Rise to fame

Tems’ breakthrough came with her single “Mr. Rebel” (2018), which gained widespread attention. Her 2020 hit “Try Me” further solidified her presence in the music industry. She has collaborated with international artists, including Wizkid, Drake, Future, and Beyoncé.

Some of her groundbreaking achievements are; Winner of multiple awards, including “Best Female Artist.”. One of her International Collaboration was when she was Featured on Drake’s “Certified Lover Boy” on the hit song “Fountains”.

She was Nominated for a Grammy as part of Wizkid’s Essence which she won. “Essence” charted on Billboard Hot 100, marking Tems’ international breakthrough. She consistently ranked as one of the most influential and best-selling African artists. She has had Multiple wins including Best Female Artist and Best African Collaboration.

Nominee and winner in the Best International Act category for the BET Awards. She was recognized for her exceptional talent and contributions to African music during the MTV Africa Music Awards. First African artist to chart on Spotify’s Top 50 Global Playlist.

Tems’ Impact on Global Music

Her sound has transcended regional borders, attracting global audiences. She represents a new wave of African artists blending African roots with international influences Inspiring a generation of young African musicians with her authenticity and empowering messages. Her fashion sense and unique public persona is bold and daring. She Advocates for mental health awareness and self-expression through her music.

Tems has solidified her place as one of the most impactful African artists of her generation. With her unique voice and style, she’s breaking barriers and continuously shaping the global music scene . Tems is building a lasting legacy as a groundbreaking female artist from Africa in the global music scene. As the world watches, Tems will continue to inspire, uplift, and unite through the universal language of music.

Taiwan Faces Diplomatic Deadline In South Africa

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Tosin Onisuuru

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February 3, 2025

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Taiwan has reported that South Africa has given the island until the end of March to move its de facto embassy from Pretoria, with the Taiwanese Foreign Ministry attributing the decision to increasing pressure from China.

Since severing diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 1997, South Africa has maintained strong relations exclusively with China, which regards Taiwan as part of its territory and opposes any form of diplomatic recognition for the island.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that South Africa had sent a letter in late January, demanding the Taiwanese mission in Pretoria be relocated by March and renamed a “trade office.” Taiwan’s Ministry expressed concern, stating that the move “shows China’s suppression against us in South Africa is becoming more serious,” while confirming that discussions between the two nations are ongoing.

China’s Foreign Ministry responded, emphasizing South Africa’s role as a “good friend and partner,” reiterating the importance of upholding the “One China” principle, which asserts Taiwan as part of China. “Taiwan independence does not enjoy popular support, and will fail,” the ministry declared.

Despite the diplomatic tension, Taiwan’s de facto embassy in South Africa declined to comment on the situation. This follows an earlier request from South Africa in 2023 for the Taipei Liaison Office to vacate Pretoria.

China remains South Africa’s largest trading partner, with both countries looking to enhance cooperation, particularly in renewable energy sectors. Taiwan, however, maintains its stance of rejecting China’s sovereignty claims, asserting its right to establish relations with other nations. Among African countries, Taiwan only has one remaining diplomatic ally: Eswatini, which is almost entirely surrounded by South Africa.

FG Mourns Ex-German President Horst Köhler

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Tosin Onisuuru

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February 3, 2025

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On Sunday, the Federal Government extended condolences to the government and citizens of Germany following the death of former President Horst Köhler. Köhler passed away on Saturday at the age of 81 after a brief illness, as confirmed by Presidency officials.

The Nigerian government, through a statement issued by Kimiebi Ebienfa, the acting spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, recognized Köhler’s significant contributions to global development. Köhler, who served as Germany’s President from 2004 to 2010, was also a former Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund.

“FG acknowledges his commitment to international cooperation, economic stability, and multilateralism.
“His efforts to strengthen relations between Germany and African nations, including Nigeria, are key aspects of his legacy,” the statement said.

Additionally, the statement highlighted Köhler’s support for initiatives promoting peace, economic growth, sustainable development, and his engagement with Africa as part of his broader diplomatic contributions.

“His passing is a loss not only for Germany but for the international community. His leadership, service, and dedication would continue to inspire future generations.
“The demise of Horst Köhler is a great loss not only to Germany but to the global community, which benefited immensely from his leadership, vision, and dedication to international cooperation and development.
“In this moment of grief, Nigeria stands in solidarity with the people of Germany and honours the memory of a distinguished statesman whose life was devoted to the pursuit of a better world,” the statement concluded.

Ramaphosa Responds to Trump’s Land Confiscation Claims

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Tosin Onisuuru

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February 3, 2025

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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday addressed U.S. President Donald Trump’s accusations regarding land confiscation in South Africa and his threat to cut future funding. Trump had claimed that South Africa was “confiscating land” and “treating certain classes of people very badly,” leading him to announce the suspension of U.S. financial support until a full investigation is completed.

On Sunday, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform: “South Africa is confiscating land, and treating certain classes of people very badly. I will be cutting off all future funding to South Africa until a full investigation of this situation has been completed!”

Later, during a press briefing, Trump added that South Africa’s leadership was engaging in “some terrible things, horrible things,” without providing specific examples. “So, that’s under investigation right now. We’ll make a determination, and until such time as we find out what South Africa is doing–they’re taking away land and confiscating land, and actually, they’re doing things that are perhaps far worse than that,” he said.

In response, Ramaphosa clarified South Africa’s position on Monday via a post on X, emphasizing that the country, as a constitutional democracy, respects the rule of law and justice, and that the government has not “confiscated any land.”

Addressing the issue of funding, Ramaphosa acknowledged the United States as a vital “political and trade partner” but pointed out that South Africa only receives U.S. assistance through the PEPFAR program, which supports 17% of the country’s HIV/AIDS program. His tweet continued: “South Africa is a constitutional democracy that is deeply rooted in the rule of law, justice and equality. The South African Government has not confiscated any land. The recently adopted Expropriation Act is not a confiscation instrument, but a constitutionally mandated legal process that ensures public access to land in an equitable and just manner as guided by the constitution.”

Ramaphosa further explained that South Africa’s expropriation laws, like those in the U.S., balance public land use with the protection of property rights. He expressed hope for productive engagement with the Trump administration over South Africa’s land reform policy. “We look forward to engaging with the Trump administration over our land reform policy and issues of bilateral interest. We are certain that out of those engagements, we will share a better and common understanding of these matters.”

The land issue in South Africa remains a contentious one, with ongoing efforts to rectify the injustices of apartheid. As the country’s government works to address historic land inequalities, some critics, including conservative figures like Elon Musk, have expressed concern over land reforms. Musk, born in South Africa, has been a vocal advocate for white landowners in the country.

In December, Ramaphosa signed a bill permitting the government to expropriate land with “nil compensation” under specific conditions, a move that has sparked fears among some groups of an approach similar to Zimbabwe’s land seizures. However, the South African government insists that such expropriations would only occur after efforts to negotiate with property owners.

The issue of land ownership in South Africa remains a sensitive subject, with a significant portion of farmland still controlled by white individuals decades after the end of apartheid. While the government has worked to return land to Black families displaced by the apartheid regime, many believe more needs to be done to resolve the legacy of the 1913 Natives Land Act, which forcibly removed thousands of Black families from their land.

Ethan Nwaneri: How Arsenal Trashed Man City 5-1 at the Emirates

By

Tosin Onisuuru

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February 3, 2025

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In a commanding display at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal bolstered their Premier League title aspirations with a resounding 5-1 triumph over reigning champions Manchester City. The match not only highlighted the Gunners’ attacking prowess but also showcased the emergence of 17-year-old prodigy Ethan Nwaneri.

Match Overview

Arsenal seized the initiative early, with captain Martin Ødegaard capitalizing on a defensive lapse by Manuel Akanji to open the scoring. City’s Erling Haaland briefly restored parity with a powerful header, but the Gunners quickly regained control. Thomas Partey’s deflected effort reinstated the lead, and further goals from Myles Lewis-Skelly, Kai Havertz, and Ethan Nwaneri sealed the emphatic victory.

Ethan Nwaneri’s Impact

Introduced in the second half, Nwaneri made an immediate impression. In stoppage time, he showcased his technical brilliance by curling a precise shot from outside the penalty area, marking his fifth goal of the season. This achievement places him among elite company, as he becomes only the third player to score at least five Premier League goals in a season before turning 18, following in the footsteps of Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney.

Sport Journalist Opinion

What gave Arsenal the arsenal over Manchester City? Sport journalist have been speaking and according to LN247 sport analyst, Austin Ogueri, it was a great challenge the winner brought to the game.

“I believe strongly that Arsenal got this win over City largely thanks to their hunger and their belief in themselves as title challengers because that’s the only way you make a statement. Beating the reigning champions 5-1, and for someone like Pep who’s only been beaten by 5 goals only one time in his entire career and now Arsenal makes it two. And that’s not the only record that Arteta and his boys smash, Pep has only lost a game once from January till end of a season stamping his authority as one who finishes strongly. That loss was at the hands of Brentford on the last day of the 2022/2023 which they had already won. This underscores what Arsenal has done”.

“We saw an Arsenal side that we’ve not seen on many occasions, an Arsenal side with an appetite to kill off the game and when when got ahead you could tell they still wanted more and that why the scoreline is what we have. You also have to give kudos to Arteta’s belief in his young lads because they want to prove a point and play thier hearts out and Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri repay that favor time and time again.
You wonder why all my thought is centered on Arsenal, well it’s because we didn’t see a Man City side very different from the Man city we’ve been seeing in recent times but we definitely saw a different Arsenal and it’s that difference that’s piqued my interest. If Arsenal keep this up then we’ll have an interesting rest of the season”.

“Arsenal’s comprehensive win not only narrows the gap to league leaders Liverpool but also underscores the depth of talent emerging from their academy, with Nwaneri’s performance offering a tantalizing glimpse into a bright future for the Gunners”.

Other Premier League Results

Brentford 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Brentford. The breakthrough came in the 29th minute when Brentford’s Vitaly Janelt inadvertently deflected a corner from Son Heung-min into his own net. Spurs solidified their lead late in the game with a goal from substitute Pape Matar Sarr. This win was vital for Tottenham, easing their relegation concerns.

Manchester United 0-2 Crystal Palace

Manchester United’s struggles continued with a 2-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace. Jean-Philippe Mateta was the standout performer, netting both goals in the second half. United’s attack lacked potency, marking the fourth consecutive game against Palace without scoring. This loss dropped them to 13th place in the league standings.