Manchester City Close In on Premier League Leaders Arsenal with Convincing 3-0 Victory Over Sunderland

 Manchester City reignited their Premier League title charge with a dominant 3-0 home win over high-flying Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, reducing the gap to table-toppers Arsenal to just two points after 15 games.

The Citizens, who entered the match on the back of narrow escapes against Leeds United and Fulham, produced one of their most assured performances of the season under Pep Guardiola. Goals from Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, and Phil Foden sealed a comprehensive victory, while Sunderland's challenge crumbled after a red card to substitute Luke O'Nien in stoppage time.

The breakthrough came in the 38th minute when defender Ruben Dias unleashed a stunning 25-yard strike – just his sixth goal for City – that rocketed into the top corner, leaving Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs rooted to the spot. The Black Cats, who started the day in fifth place on the back of a strong return to the top flight, had barely regrouped before Gvardiol doubled the lead three minutes later, rising highest to head home a pinpoint corner from Bernardo Silva.

Sunderland showed flickers of fight early in the second half, with Adama Traore testing City's defense on the break, but the game was put beyond doubt in the 62nd minute. French winger Rayan Cherki, in a moment of sheer brilliance, delivered an outrageous rabona cross from the right flank, which Foden met with a clinical header – his fifth goal in three league games and a testament to his red-hot form.

The result marks City's seventh consecutive Premier League home win against Sunderland and their third straight victory in the league, propelling them to 31 points and second place. Arsenal's shock 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa earlier in the day – sealed by Emiliano Buendia's 95th-minute winner – handed Guardiola's side a golden opportunity, which they grasped with both hands.

Post-match, Guardiola hailed the performance as "one of the best of the season," praising Cherki's "magical" assist and the defensive solidity that kept a clean sheet. "We needed this control after those scares," the City boss said. "Now we look to Madrid [in the Champions League] with confidence, but the Premier League is our focus – two points is nothing."

Sunderland, slipping to seventh with 25 points, can point to a valiant effort but rued their slow start and the late dismissal of O'Nien for a reckless challenge on Matheus Nunes. Manager Michael Beale admitted, "We came here to compete, but City's quality was too much today. We'll learn and bounce back."

With the Africa Cup of Nations looming from December 21, City will hope to maintain this momentum ahead of a midweek trip to Real Madrid in the Champions League. Fans at the Etihad were treated to a masterclass, chanting "Champions again" as the final whistle blew – a reminder that the title race is far from over.

Key Match Stats:

Possession: Man City 68% – Sunderland 32%

Shots (on target): Man City 18 (7) – Sunderland 6 (2)

Corners: Man City 9 – Sunderland 3

Fouls: Man City 8 – Sunderland 12

Man of the Match: Rayan Cherki (Man City)

Beloved Actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Iconic Shang Tsung in ‘Mortal Kombat,’ Passes Away at 75 from Stroke Complications

The entertainment world mourns the loss of Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, the versatile and unforgettable actor best known for his chilling portrayal of the villainous sorcerer Shang Tsung in the Mortal Kombat film franchise, who passed away peacefully at his home on December 4, 2025, at the age of 75. Tagawa died from complications following a recent stroke, as confirmed by his longtime manager, Margie Weiner.

Born on September 27, 1950, in Tokyo, Japan, to a Japanese stage actress mother and a Japanese-American U.S. Army veteran father, Tagawa spent his formative years navigating life in the American South and Hawaii. A martial arts enthusiast who trained in kendo and Shotokan karate, he honed his skills at the University of Southern California and later developed his own Chun-Shin style, which he taught throughout his life. Tagawa's journey to stardom was unconventional; after odd jobs as a celery farmer, limousine driver, and photojournalist, he entered acting at age 36, defying his mother's advice against pursuing a field with limited opportunities for Asian performers.

Tagawa's career spanned over 150 roles across film, television, and video games, captivating audiences with his commanding presence and depth. His breakthrough came in Bernardo Bertolucci's Oscar-winning The Last Emperor (1987) as the emperor's driver, followed by unforgettable turns in Rising Sun (1993) alongside Sean Connery and Wesley Snipes. But it was his magnetic villainy as Shang Tsung in Mortal Kombat (1995) and its 1997 sequel that cemented his pop culture legacy, a role he reprised in the 2013 web series Mortal Kombat: Legacy and the 2019 video game Mortal Kombat 11. Fans and creators alike hailed his performance for blending menace with charisma, with Mortal Kombat co-creator Ed Boon tweeting, "We lost a legend today. Cary brought Shang Tsung to life in ways we'll never forget."

Tagawa's filmography reads like a Hollywood hall of fame: the ruthless businessman in The Art of War (2000), the wise Baron in Memoirs of a Geisha (2005), the enigmatic Nobusuke Tagomi in Amazon's The Man in the High Castle (2015–2018)—a role he described as mirroring his own search for inner peace—and appearances in blockbusters like Pearl Harbor (2001), Planet of the Apes (2001), Elektra (2005), and 47 Ronin (2013). On television, he shone as the cunning Kam Chin in Nash Bridges and as the vengeful mentor Satoshi Takeda in Revenge. His voice work extended to animated gems like Kubo and the Two Strings (2016) and video games, including Tekken.

A father of three—Calen, Brynne, and Cana—and grandfather to River and Thea Clayton, Tagawa shared his life with his wife, Sally, on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, where he embraced his cultural roots and advocated for Asian representation in media. "Cary was more than a client; he was family," Weiner said. "His resilience, humor, and profound humanity touched everyone he met. Though he faced challenges, including racism in the Jim Crow South, he channeled them into art that inspired generations."

Tributes have poured in from peers and fans worldwide. Director Paul W.S. Anderson, who helmed the original Mortal Kombat, shared, "Cary infused Shang Tsung with a soul that made evil unforgettable. Rest in power, brother." The gaming community, in particular, has rallied with #ThankYouCary trending on X, amassing millions of posts celebrating his enduring impact.

A private memorial will be held for family and close friends in Santa Barbara. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to the Japan Karate Association or the Asian American Actors Fund to support emerging talents.

Tagawa's legacy as a trailblazer, warrior, and storyteller will live on, reminding us—as he once said—of the lizard-like adaptability that defined his extraordinary life.

“Why My Mother Named Me After a ‘Lizard’” – Veteran Actor Antar Laniyan Reveals the Whimsical Cultural Story Behind His Unique Name in Exclusive Interview

 Nollywood icon and thespian Antar Laniyan has captivated audiences once again, this time not with a dramatic script or on-screen charisma, but with a deeply personal and humorous anecdote about the origins of his unconventional name. In a candid interview aired on Cool FM Lagos on December 6, the 70-year-old actor, producer, and broadcaster shared the charming tale of why his mother chose to name him after a "lizard," shedding light on the playful yet profound cultural traditions that shaped his identity.

Laniyan, best known for his commanding roles in classics like Living in Bondage and Wale Adenuga's Super Story, recounted the story with infectious laughter: "My mother named me Antar because, in our Yoruba culture, names carry stories, omens, and a bit of mischief. She saw a lizard scurrying across the compound the day I was born—quick, resilient, and always adapting. Lizards don't die easily; they shed their skin and keep going. She wanted me to have that spirit: unyielding, clever, and full of life. So, Antar it was—a nod to the swift-footed warrior from Arabian folklore, but with a local twist, like the lizard that outsmarts the world."

The revelation, delivered during a segment on the radio show hosted by the late OAP Tolu "Toolz" Oniru-Demuren, has resonated widely, blending folklore with family lore. Laniyan elaborated that his full name, Antar Laniyan, draws from the legendary pre-Islamic poet and warrior Antarah ibn Shaddad, symbolizing bravery and eloquence. Yet, the "lizard" connection—rooted in the Yoruba word for the creature's agility (alangba)—adds a layer of everyday magic. "It's not just a name; it's a blueprint for survival in Nollywood and life," he quipped, crediting it for his five-decade career spanning theater, film, and television.

The interview has sparked a wave of nostalgia and discussion on social media, with fans sharing their own naming stories under #NameLikeALizard and #AntarLaniyanTales. Celebrities like Jide Kosoko and Funke Akindele have praised Laniyan's storytelling prowess, with Akindele posting, "Uncle Antar's lizard wisdom just leveled up my day! Legends name legends." The clip has garnered over 1 million views on YouTube and X, trending nationwide and reminding audiences of the rich oral traditions that fuel Nigerian creativity.

Laniyan, a founding member of the Association of Nigerian Theatre-Arts Practitioners (ANTP) and recipient of multiple industry awards, used the moment to advocate for preserving cultural narratives in modern media. "In a world of quick trends, let's not forget the stories that make us who we are—like a lizard clinging to the wall, holding on through the storm."

Fans eager to hear more can catch Laniyan's upcoming guest spot on EbonyLife TV's cultural series Roots & Wings, airing December 15.

Outrage Erupts as Korra Obidi Twerks at Fela Kuti’s Grave: Dancer Defends Gesture as ‘Playful Homage’ Amid Backlash for Disrespecting Afrobeat Legend

Renowned Nigerian dancer, singer, and content creator Korra Obidi has ignited a firestorm of controversy after a video surfaced online showing her performing an energetic twerking routine at the gravesite of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti in Lagos.

The footage, shared by Obidi on her Instagram and X (@korraobidi) on December 6, captures the 33-year-old entertainer—currently in Nigeria from her U.S. base—visiting the Kalakuta Republic grounds, where Fela was laid to rest in 1997. Accompanied by Fela’s son, Seun Kuti, and singer Teni Apata, Obidi is seen dancing vibrantly before launching into the twerk, which she described as a “little twerk for you, Baba” in homage to the icon’s legendary affinity for expressive, unapologetic femininity and dance.

“This is my offering to Baba. We all know one thing Fela loved was a woman with gyrating hips, so I decided to pay homage. I shook my nyash for Baba,” Obidi narrated in the clip, adding that Seun Kuti was “very happy” and remarked, “You guys know what Baba likes but you’ve never given him.” She further claimed the spirit of Fela “enjoyed it,” emphasizing the tribute’s alignment with his flamboyant, revolutionary lifestyle that celebrated energy, sensuality, and cultural defiance.

The visit also featured Teni practicing saxophone lessons—a nod to Fela’s instrumental prowess—and a ritual where Seun sprinkled alcohol at the grave, with Obidi joining in the libation. However, the twerking segment has drawn sharp criticism from fans, cultural commentators, and netizens, who branded it “disrespectful,” “wild behavior,” and a “line crossed” at a sacred site honoring Nigeria’s musical and activist forefather.

Social media exploded with mixed but predominantly outraged reactions. On X, users like @PaulKachi fumed, “Twerking on Fela’s grave is wild behaviour,” while @Opejayek noted, “Korra always finds a way to trend, but this one was not needed.” @Amandaoko added, “You crossed the line with this one. Fela loved energy, yes… but doing this on his grave feels strange.” The video has amassed over 2 million views in under 24 hours, trending under #KorraAtFelasGrave and #DisrespectToFela, with hashtags surpassing 500,000 mentions.

Defenders, however, praised the authenticity of the gesture. @Bzrk tweeted, “Funny thing is that Fela would probably have loved some shit like this,” and @AinaOrusun quipped, “Fela would have loved her.” Seun Kuti’s on-camera approval has been highlighted by supporters as validation, with one commenter stating, “If the son is cool, who are we to judge? It’s a celebration, not mourning.”

Obidi, known for her bold dance content and recent personal milestones including her divorce and motherhood to two daughters, has yet to issue a formal response beyond the video’s caption: “Your legacy lives on. We love you.” Her team emphasizes that the act was intended as a joyful, culturally resonant tribute, not provocation, and invites dialogue on honoring icons in modern, expressive ways.

This incident adds to ongoing conversations about cultural reverence, artistic expression, and the boundaries of tribute in Nigeria’s entertainment scene, where Fela’s enduring legacy as a symbol of resistance continues to evoke passionate responses.

Korra Obidi pays homage at Fela Kuti’s tomb with dance and sax vibes — honoring the legend exactly the way he’d love.https://t.co/BPBjA5RYDj

— Naija News (@NaijaNews) December 6, 2025

25 IMPACTFUL WAYS DJ TUNEZ SHAPED AFROBEATS GLOBALLY

  Here are 25 powerful ways DJ Tunez has shaped Afrobeats in the global music market, cementing his role as one of the culture’s most influential sonic ambassadors: