Thursday Morning Sports Update

Thursday, 5 March 2026 09:42

By Emma O'Connor

Keeping you up to date on soccer, rugby and golf.

SOCCER

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has brushed off criticism of their playing style, after a 1-nil win at Brighton moved them seven points clear at the top of the Premier League last night.

Their nearest challengers Manchester City were held 2-all by Nottingham Forest.

Chelsea are now within three points of fourth-placed Aston Villa, after a 4-1 win at Villa Park.

William Osula got the late winner for Newcastle, to beat Manchester United 2-1 at St James' Park.

West Ham earned a 1-nil at Fulham, but remain in the bottom three on goal difference.

Tottenham are just a point above the drop-zone, ahead of hosting fellow strugglers Crystal Palace from 8 tonight.

RUGBY

Ireland will put the finishing touches on their preparations for tomorrow's Six Nations clash with Wales later.

Head coach Andy Farrell named his team yesterday, with a first Six Nations start for Nick Timoney, and a possible debut for Nathan Doak off the bench.

GOLF

After his disappointing final-round collapse at the Cognizant Classic last weekend, Shane Lowry is back in action on the PGA Tour today.

He'll tee off his opening round at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at five-past-three Irish time.

Rory McIlroy is among the late starters, with the Masters champion out on course from half-six.

Leona Maguire is three shots off the current lead following her opening round at the Blue Bay LPGA in China.

The Cavan golfer signed for 69 today, and sits in a tie for tenth on three-under-par.

There's a three-way tie for the clubhouse lead.

Kildare's Lauren Walsh is one-under after carding 71.