Cole Anthony had 20 points and eight rebounds, and the Orlando Magic beat the Houston Rockets 116-86 in the season opener for both teams

Mauricio Pochettino highlighted his respect for Mikel Arteta and believes the Arsenal manager is “one of the best in the world”. Chelsea boss Pochettino faces off with his former Paris Saint-Germain team-mate for the first time on the touchline when the Blues host Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. And the Argentinian lauded Arteta, who took Arsenal to a second-placed finish last season, and is not surprised by the Gunners boss’ success since becoming a manager in 2019. “We respect Arsenal, they are a great team,” Pochettino said. “They have Mikel (Arteta) who is part of my family. It’s going to be tough because they’re doing a great job with a great squad, they are a contender to win everything, the Premier League and the Champions League. “It does not surprise me with what he’s doing. He’s great, he’s really young, he’s improving every day and he can be one of the greatest managers in the world. I’m going to be proud to see him. “I think when you are a coach at Arsenal and the team is showing what they are showing it’s because you are one of the best.” Arsenal failed to finish in the top four during Arteta’s first three seasons prior to their title challenge last season, finishing eighth in both 2019-20 and 2020-21 and fifth the following season. And Pochettino credited Arsenal for showing their faith in Arteta and highlighted the strong relationship between club and manager which has allowed them to “fight for big things.” “At the beginning for him it was really tough. For maybe a year it was tough but it was a good thing that they put trust in him,” Pochettino added. “They gave him all the tools and really believed that he was able to rebuild. “I think you have to give credit to the club and Mikel because they have created a bond between each other which is really class and now the results after three or four years (have improved) and now at Arsenal they are fighting for big things.” Right-back Malo Gusto is in contention to start for Chelsea after he served a three-game suspension for a sending-off against Aston Villa. And Pochettino is happy with the new signing’s progress after he replaced Reece James in the XI after the Chelsea captain picked up a hamstring injury in August. Pochettino said: “I think he is really young but he is also really talented. Tomorrow he has the possibility to play. “It is difficult to judge because he is 19 years old and came from France and he needs time to adapt to a club like Chelsea where the history is to win and it’s not just about competing. “We are happy, we believe in him but give him time because I know he will perform in the way we believe he can. “He’s going to be good for the club for sure.” Pochettino said James’ availability will be assessed ahead of Saturday. Read More Jurgen Klopp knows Liverpool must shoulder the burden of Andy Robertson’s injury Roy Hodgson sympathises with Newcastle over Sandro Tonali betting investigation New state-of-the-art Bradford venue can help take barriers down, says ECB chief Pep Guardiola believes both Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi deserve Ballon d’Or Tottenham reveal Rodrigo Bentancur injury update as key midfielder nears return Victor Lindelof ready despite ‘exhausting’ experience with Sweden – Erik ten Hag

Mauricio Pochettino empathises with supporters angry about the Premier League’s decision to move Chelsea’s trip to Wolves to Christmas Eve, admitting it has thrown his festive plans and anniversary celebrations with his wife into chaos. The league confirmed on Thursday that the fixture, which has been pushed back 24 hours to accommodate TV coverage, will be the first played on December 24 since Manchester United played Leeds in 1995, a move that has drawn a backlash from fans. Scheduled for a 1pm kick-off, it could leave supporters struggling to make travel arrangements with train timetables typically amended or curtailed the day before Christmas, while there are also concerns it will impact time supporters traditionally spend with family. Pochettino is set to be doubly affected by the move, as not only is it Argentinian custom to begin Christmas celebrations late on December 24, the previous day also marks his and his wife’s 31st wedding anniversary – which he will now spend travelling to Wolverhampton. Despite not being consulted by the league he conceded that the club has little choice but to go along, but backed objections by supporters who have spoken out. “It’s a little bit strange but we need to accept the rules of the Premier League, that we need to go there and to play,” said Pochettino. “(In Argentina) we celebrate on the night of the 24th. At 12 o’clock on the night we start to celebrate Christmas. More than the 25th because you’re asleep nearly all day. Here it’s different because you celebrate on the 25th with the family. “I need to see things in a different way. For sure our fans are not happy but we need to accept this new era in football. “(The Premier League) didn’t ask us. They wanted some meeting with me and all the coaches one week before the season. I said I’m more than happy to share time with you, but it’s better if you prepare the meeting before the end of the season to prepare the next season. “If they ask me I will give my opinion, but at the moment we are not involved in the decisions.” He added: “I don’t know what to do (with my wife). I need to find some ideas to compensate. (Search online for) ‘unhappy wife’.” The Wolves game is the first of three in seven days for Chelsea over the Christmas period, with Crystal Palace due at Stamford Bridge on the evening of December 27 before visiting Luton on December 30. The Palace game has been moved from Boxing Day in order to accommodate the controversial Christmas Eve fixture. Pochettino reiterated that supporters’ concerns must be paramount in scheduling decisions. “We play and we work and all that we are doing is for our fans,” he said. “Without fans, football (is nothing). We need to protect, and to care, and to look after our fans. “Of course I agree with them, that I am not happy if they are not happy. It’s common sense. I can understand. “I don’t know what is behind it. I don’t know why. No one explained. I cannot tell. I hope it’s one time and never again, but we’ll see what happens. “People love football in England and they are going to be there. Our fans are going to be there supporting the team. But I don’t know if it’s going to be a regular situation.” Asked whether the club would offer a new contract to Conor Gallagher – who has captained the side in the absence of injured pair Reece James and Ben Chilwell – Pochettino likened the situation to the balancing act he now faces on the home front. “It’s like how we were talking about my wife,” he said. “It’s about to match and to feel good being together. It’s like a marriage with the club. They both need to feel good, then you can drive at a good deal. “He is a player that is doing fantastic. He’s an amazing player and we’re so happy with the way he is doing things.” Read More Kyle Walker says Manchester City will be wary of Marcus Rashford in derby Tottenham extend lead at top of Premier League with victory at Crystal Palace Lauren Hemp effort enough as England edge Nations League victory over Belgium Tyson Fury: Ngannou fight like Djokovic facing table tennis player at Wimbledon Matthew Mott wary of ‘raging favourites’ as England look to avoid further shame Pep Guardiola condemns Man City fans who sang offensive Sir Bobby Charlton chant

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Terence Crawford won a coin toss with Errol Spence Jr on Thursday, allowing “Bud” to make a key decision for Saturday’s fight. Crawford will carry the WBO welterweight title into the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, while Spence holds the WBC, WBA and IBF belts. Both Americans are unbeaten and are among boxing’s biggest names, thus there was much debate around who would make their ring walk second and be introduced second in the ring. It was ultimately put to a coin toss at Thursday’s press conference, with Crawford, 35, winning out. The build-up to Saturday’s main event has been largely respectful, although the final press conference became heated as Crawford began to shout at a member of 33-year-old Spence’s team. “Listen, my family, Errol’s family, man...” Crawford began. “You got to calm down, brother, because listen, things can get real sticky, real quick. And then everybody will say, ‘This is what we do every time that we come out’. Social media, social media, my a**. “Bro, listen, just like you doing all that talking, it can turn deadly real quick, but on both sides. So, why not support your fighter? Let’s come together and make this event a success instead of everybody saying that every time we get together, it’s always shooting and violence. “That’s what I want. Y’all can say whatever you want, but I’m probably older than you and have been through way more than you, so I’m more mature. But I wish Errol and his people the best.” Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More The factor that could decide Spence vs Crawford super-fight Spence vs Crawford time: When does fight start in UK and US this weekend? Errol Spence Jr lifts lid on Anthony Joshua’s training sessions in Dallas

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