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Israeli attacks kill two, wound six in Lebanon despite ceasefire

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Israeli attack in Tyre, southern Lebanon

Israeli forces carried out several air attacks on towns in southern Lebanon, killing two people and injuring six others, although the ceasefire agreed with Hezbollah has largely continued to hold.

An Israeli drone attack on the village of Rab el-Thalathine in southern Lebanon killed two people and injured two others on Saturday, according to the Lebanese National News Agency (NNA).

An Israeli drone attack also hit a car in the town of Majdal Zoun in the Tyre district of the South Governorate, injuring three people, including a child, Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health said.

Israeli warplanes carried out two air attacks on the Tibnah area in the town of Beisariyah in the Sidon district of the South Governorate, injuring at least one person, according to the ministry.

The Israeli military said it had attacked a Hezbollah facility in Sidon that housed rocket launchers for the armed group. It added that it had also hit a vehicle in southern Lebanon loaded with rocket-propelled grenades, ammunition and military equipment as part of its actions against ceasefire violations.

Israel carried out the attacks despite the current Israel-Lebanon ceasefire that ended more than 13 months of fighting between the Israeli military and Hezbollah.

Both sides have accused each other of breaching the terms of the ceasefire since it came into effect on Wednesday.

Under the terms of the truce, Hezbollah is meant to withdraw its forces north of the Litani River, approximately 30km (20 miles) north of the border, and dismantle its military infrastructure in southern Lebanon.

Israel is to withdraw its forces south of the Blue Line, the de facto border, in a phased manner, while the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers will deploy in southern Lebanon as the Israeli army withdraws over a period of 60 days.

Credit: aljazeera.com

Taiwan president’s Hawaii trip draws Chinese anger

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Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te arrives in the US

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has arrived in the US state of Hawaii for a two-day visit, drawing a furious reaction from China.

The trip is being billed as a stopover as part of a Pacific tour, but comes amid long-running tensions between the US and China and growing concerns about the possibility of conflict over Taiwan.

After arriving in Hawaii, Lai said war would have “no winners” and that “we have to fight together to prevent war”.

China’s foreign ministry said it “strongly condemns” the visit and that it had “lodged serious protests with the US”.

China considers Taiwan – which broke away in 1949 following the Chinese Civil War – to be part of its own territory, and opposes any diplomatic engagement with it by other countries.

The US has long maintained a deliberately ambiguous policy towards the island, declining to recognise its independence but maintaining informal relations with its government.

Speaking before his departure for Hawaii, Lai said the trip marked “the beginning of a new era of value-based diplomacy”.

“Democracy, prosperity and peace are the expectations of the people of Taiwan, and they are also the values that I, as president, must actively promote,” he said.

He said he wanted to show the world that Taiwan is “not only a model of democracy, but also a key force in promoting global peace, stability, and prosperity”.

Speaking at a dinner on Saturday attended by state officials, members of Congress, and Taiwanese residents of Hawaii, he added that a visit that day to Pearl Harbour – whose bombing by Japan in 1941 brought the US into the Second World War – had served as a reminder of “the importance of ensuring peace”.

“Peace is priceless, and war has no winners. We have to fight, fight together to prevent war,” he said.

The rest of the trip will see Lai visit Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau, the only Pacific island nations among the 12 countries that recognise Taiwan’s independence. He will also stop for one night in the US territory of Guam.

In a statement ahead of the trip, a spokesperson for the Chinese defence ministry said China would “firmly oppose official interaction with China’s Taiwan region in any form” and “resolutely crush” attempts secure Taiwanese independence.

Credit: bbc.com

CSIR-FORIG, Millennium Bank, UK hold New Technique Course on Seed Conservation

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ERNEST BEST ANANE
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Dr. Joseph Mireku Asomaning

CSIR -Forestry Research Institute of Ghana in partnership with Millennium Bank, UK with Royal Botanic Garden Kew has organised a course on New Technique for seed Conservation at Fumesua near Kumasi.

The training programme aimed at learning new techniques of conserving seeds in partnership with Millennium Bank, UK and Royal Botanic Garden, which is the number one seed Bank in the world to offer training with participants drawn from Ghana, Sierra Leone and Guinea.

 

Timothy R Pearce, Conservation Partnerships Coordinator -Africa

Dr Joseph Mireku Asomaning, Director CSIR-FORIG noted at the opening ceremony that the rate at which spices are losing because of climate shifting is alarming.

He said as a result of the loss of seeds in the forests and gardens for climate shifting, there was the need to collect seeds in their habitat, process them and put them under cool storage.

He indicated that they could be of plantation food crop, food chain or forest chain, which must be conserved for posterity, because without seeds there would be no food.

 

He noted that there is the need to conserve every available seed to ensure that there would be food security and expressed the view that we can combat climate change through additional forest.

Dr. Mireku Asomaning disclosed that there was the need to keep the seeds at the seed bank for distribution for planting activities in Ghana.

 

Participants at the CSIR -FORIG, Millennium Seed Bank, UK New Seed Conservation course

He reiterated that CSIR-FORIG is the number one source of seed and seedlings in Ghana for plantation activities and, therefore, release them every year because there are some spices which have to be kept for long term storage.

Timothy R. Pearce, Conservation Partnerships Coordinator – Africa Conservation Science, Millennium Bank, explained that they work together with Ghana, Sierra Leone and Guinea to make sure they use best practices in the conservation of seeds, particularly tree seeds and ultimately how they can supply the seeds to the people.

 

According to him, there are small advances they could make to radically improve the way the seed can be kept alive and keep them ready for people to use with very high quality to deliver.

According to him, their seeds grow with good vigour and very high quality with a very qualified growing population.  

Kufuor calls for collaborations among Ghana’s universities

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ISAAC AKWETEY-OKUNOR
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The First Chancellor for Koforidua Technical University Dr. Kwesi Eduafo Yankey

Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has called for collaborations among university institutions in the country to produce a viable human resource to attract investors into the economy.

According to the former president, the fourth industrial revolution, which is characterized by new technologies such as artificial intelligence, the internet of things, block chain technology, and advanced robotics, was rapidly changing the world.

He averred that the new technologies have the powers to transform all industrial outputs and that our domestic productivities would enhance Ghana’s competitiveness across the key markets, which are influencing cultures of societies around the world.

He disclosed that mastering of the technologies by the universities will enable them to produce critical human resource to assist Ghana’s economy and attract foreign investors with vibrant ecosystem tech start-ups and reboot entrepreneurship.

The former President was speaking at the investiture ceremony of Dr. Kwesi Yankey as the first Chancellor of the Koforidua Technical University (KTU), in Koforidua.

Congratulating the first Chancellor of KTU, President Kufuor entreated Dr. Kwesi Yankey to be committed to the values of excellence, innovations and sustainability that have brought it to its current heights.

“Mr. Chancellor, your leadership will undoubtedly contribute towards shaping the future of this rich university. I have no doubt that you will excel in this role with a focus on training and nurturing great minds who can tempt the great fields of the fourth industrial revolution,’’ John Agyekum Kufuor affirmed.

He expressed his confidence in Dr. Kwesi Eduafo Yankey for the new escapade and guiding the university to meet its objectives of creating new opportunities for innovation, growth and pragmatism.

On his part, the newly sworn-in first Chancellor of KTU has promised to elevate the institution to unprecedented heights and make it a world-class technical university.

Dr. Kwesi Yankey indicated that he would uplift the university to a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, and a centre for academic excellence to symbolise Ghana’s intellectual prowess.

“I will strive to make Koforidua Technical University a prime institution, renowned for innovative thinking, entrepreneurial spirit and sustainable practices.

“Together we will foster an environment where collective responsibility thrives,’’ said Dr. Kwesi Yankey.

He emphasised that the new era will equip students with the discipline and confidence they need to thrive academically and face the challenges of the future with confidence, adding that he will prioritise climate change, environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and resource efficiency.

Dr. Yankey underscored the university’s vision to integrate sustainable practices in operations, curriculum, and research and vowed to empower students with skills, knowledge and character, shaping them into leaders who drive progress and work together to achieve shared vision, making Koforidua Technical University a world-class institution.

“Weighing in on key pillars of togetherness and unity in diversity – our university is a vibrant tapestry woven from diverse threads of culture, ethnicity, religion and background.

“This diversity enriches our academic landscape, fosters creativity, celebrates our differences and finds strength in our unique perspectives,’’ he stated.

The Chancellor of KTU urged members of the university council, faculty, and students to support each other to celebrate success in the coming years and unite to pursue knowledge, driven by curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.

“Let us foster a culture of collaboration, empathy, and inclusivity. Let us empower each other to become leaders, innovators, and change makers,’’ he added.

Dr. Kwesi Yankey’s vision is to concentrate on several key areas, which include innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainability, foster industry partnerships, invest in infrastructure, enhance student experience and attract and retain top talent.

What Your Mucus Says About Your Health

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You might think of mucus – the runny, goopy, or gummy stuff you sneeze out, sniff in, and cough up – as something pesky you never seem to have a tissue for. It might not be sexy, but mucus is one of your body’s biggest defenders.

This slippery, sometimes sticky fluid comes from the mucous membranes that line your respiratory tract – your nose, mouth, larynx, trachea, and lungs. Mucus provides moisture for the air we breathe and lubricates your respiratory tract. “Mucus serves a protective function in capturing debris, allergens, dust, and pathogens such as viruses and bacteria, which can then be shuttled out of the body,” says Ken Yanagisawa, MD, president of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

Mucus Color Meanings

You’ve likely noticed mucus shows up in a range of colors and textures when you’re sick, sniffly, or congested, or have a condition like a sinus infection. Though mucus color isn’t enough to always diagnose illness or a certain condition, it can point you in the right direction.

And even if you don’t notice it, mucus is always there.

Thin and clear. It’s the sniffly stuff that appears with allergies. Mostly water, yet packed with dissolved salts, proteins, and antibodies, clear mucus also can mean your body’s in healthy mode. Your nasal tissues constantly churn it out. Most of it slyly slips down the back of your throat and dissolves in your stomach without you knowing it.

White. Your nose might be stopped up. The swollen tissues in your nasal passages slow down mucus flow, while moisture loss thickens it and makes it cloudier. This type of mucus ripens conditions for a cold or a sinus infection.

Yellow.  A cold or infection may be building up steam. Your mucus can take on a yellow tint when your white blood cells race to the scene of an infection to try to fend it off.

Green. Dead white blood cells can make your mucus green and gunky. Your immune system’s on high alert. For adults, call your doctor if it doesn’t improve in 10 days, or if you have a fever. If you have sinusitis, which is a bacterial infection, your doctor likely will order antibiotics to clear it up.

Brown. You might have gotten a big whiff of something like dirt. Brownish mucus could also be tinged with old blood.

It’s rare, but in chronic lung diseases like bronchiectasis or cystic fibrosis, bacteria in your lungs can cause inflammation and bleeding that turn you mucus a dark brown.

What’s key to remember is that yellow, green, or brown mucus all can signal bacterial or viral infections.

Red. A red or pinkish tinge might mean a little harmless blood from, say, blowing your nose often or something riling up your nasal lining. In some cases, “Red mucus – or bloody scabs – can be due to blood from nosebleeds, or bleeding from a polyp or even a tumor,” Yanagisawa says.

Black. You might be breathing in debris that’s clumping up in your nose. Lots of dust or cigarette smoke can blacken mucus, too. And though rare, it also can be a sign of a fungal infection. If you have a weakened immune system, check in with your doctor.

Knowing what mucus colors can mean can help, but it all comes down to what’s normal for your body. So pay attention, Yanagisawa advises. “Any discoloration or alteration in consistency which is abnormal for your body should be monitored closely, and if persistent, should warrant a call or visit with your doctor.”

Mucus Management

The key to dealing with mucus is to ID its source. For example:

Allergies or colds. This thin, clear, watery mucus can be treated with antihistamines. Be mindful if you have a prostate disorder, though. Nasal steroid sprays can give relief, too. If you have glaucoma, you’ll need to be cautious with both of these treatments.

Over-the-counter (OTC) decongestants can help too, but take care using them, says Yanagisawa. They can trigger heart palpitations or speed up your heart rate. Meanwhile, nasal decongestant sprays like oxymetazoline (Afrin) can open up your nasal passages and help you breathe better for a while, but they don’t get rid of mucus. If you use a nasal decongestant for more than 3 days in a row, the congestion can come back and trigger a cycle that’s hard to break. Also:

  • Prescription nasal antihistamines can help when OTC meds don’t do the trick. The bitter taste can put some people off, though.
  • OTC expectorants that contain guaifenesin (Mucinex, Robitussin) help break up mucus in your chest and keep your airways moist.

“For children, there are a number of nasal aspirators which can be utilized to suction out nasal secretions and mucus safely and effectively,” Yanagisawa notes.

Nose, sinus, or throat infections. These typically trigger green or yellow mucus. “This is best treated with antibiotics if bacteria are the culprit,” he says.

If the mucus comes from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the best treatment is meds such as a histamine-2 receptor blocker, such as famotidine. A proton pump inhibitor such as omeprazole may also work. Cutting out certain foods, including chocolate, spicy foods, citrus, and drinks with caffeine or red wine, can help, too.

Credit: webmd.com

Feature: Can STC’s Digital Ticketing System Catch Up?

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JENNIFER AMBOLLEY
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STC

At 3 a.m. on a chilly Friday morning, Francis Oduro stood in a long queue at the State Transport Corporation (STC) station in Accra. He hadn’t planned for this. Days earlier, Francis, a young IT consultant traveling to Kumasi for a client meeting, had tried to book his ticket online to avoid the stress of in-person ticketing.

“I had heard about their digital ticketing system and thought, why not try it? But the website just kept crashing,” he explained.

Frustrated but still hopeful, he decided to try booking through the STC app instead. However, as an iPhone user, his hopes were dashed when he realized the app was only available on Google Play for Android users.

“That’s when I realized the system wasn’t built for everyone. How do you create a service that excludes a whole group of users?” he wondered.

Left with no other choice, Francis decided to wake up early and buy his ticket at the station, hoping to beat the crowds.

Francis says by the time he arrived at the station, he was met with an overwhelming queue of frustrated travelers. After hours of waiting with no progress, he reluctantly abandoned his plans and opted for a roadside bus, vowing not to use STC services again until they resolved these digital inefficiencies.

“I felt deeply frustrated and disappointed. The digital ticketing system, which was supposed to make things easier, only added unnecessary stress to my journey. I’ve decided not to use STC services again unless they address these issues and ensure that their digital platforms actually work and are accessible to everyone. Otherwise, what’s the point?

Francis’s experience with the STC’s digital ticketing system is not unique. Even Nana Yaw Amissah an Android Phone user and a frequent traveler who relies on intercity buses, shared his own struggles.

For him, the issue wasn’t about accessing the system but being stuck in an endless loop of errors.

“I downloaded the app because I thought it would make things easier and save me time,” Nana Yaw explained. “But every time I tried to book a ticket, I’d go through the entire process, select my seat, and just when I thought I was done, the system would freeze or show an error message. It happened more than once.”

“At first, I thought it might be a network issue on my end, but after trying multiple times on different days, I realized the problem was with the app itself,” he says.

“Honestly, it feels like the digital system is more difficult than buying from the Bus station. It’s frustrating.  I waste more time than I would if I just queued up at the station in the first place. I hope they would work on their website and the App so that we can use it without an issue,” he says.

Unlike Francis, who couldn’t use the app at all due to compatibility issues, Nana Yaw’s frustration stemmed from a system that teased him with partial functionality but failed to deliver.

The challenges faced by Francis and Yaw is a microcosm of the broader struggles faced by travelers in Ghana who rely on public transportation services specificallyIntercity STC Coaches Limited, a leading transport company which integrated online sale of tickets in June 2016.

The State of Ghana’s Public Transport System

Ghana’s transportation sector is gradually embracing digital ticketing systems to enhance efficiency and modernize its operations. This transition aligns with the government’s broader digitalization agenda, which seeks to integrate technology across various sectors to improve service delivery, reduce corruption, and enhance transparency.

For many, digital ticketing was supposed to be a step forward offering convenience, speed, and less stress. But for Francis and countless others, the reality has been quite the opposite.

Digital ticketing systems, such as STC’s, were introduced to streamline the travel experience, reduce queues, and allow customers to book tickets from the comfort of their homes. However, technical glitches, poor design, and limited accessibility undermine these benefits.

The State Transport Corporation (STC), officially known as Intercity STC Coaches Limited, is a Ghanaian state-owned transport company which was introduced to provide bus services for intercity and international travel, courier services, and other logistics-related offerings.

Over the years, it evolved into a key player in Ghana’s public transportation sector.The company’s services are tailored to provide safe, reliable, and comfortable travel experiences.

However, for travelers, who often navigate a system that remains largely manual and chaotic, the promised benefits of digital ticketing may feel out of reach.

System Infrastructure and Stability Issues

Dr. Stephen Agyemang, a senior lecture at the Department of Civil Engineering at Sunyani Technical University, identified critical flaws in the system. “Digital platforms require robust infrastructure, both hardware and software. Without stable internet connectivity and user-friendly designs, customers become frustrated,” he explained.

The absence of real-time updates on bus schedules, delays, or cancellations has frustrated customers.

Dr. Agyemang emphasized, “Real-time updates are essential for maintaining customer trust and ensuring a seamless travel experience. A customer left uninformed about changes is likely to lose faith in the system.”

Digital Inclusion and Equity

Another significant concern is the platform’s exclusivity to Android devices, sidelining iPhone users and those without smartphones.

Dr. Agyemang emphasized the importance of extending the platform to iPhone users: “Expanding the platform to include iOS ensures equitable access for all smartphone users and prevents alienating a growing and influential segment of customers.” By creating a version of the app for Apple devices, STC can tap into a demographic that is likely to favor premium services such as theirs.
For users without smartphones or internet access, Dr. Agyemang recommended introducing Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) technology.

He explained,“USSD codes are a game-changer in markets like Ghana, where not everyone has access to a smartphone. By allowing users with basic phones to book tickets through a simple process, STC can reach a wider audience and make its services more inclusive.”

Staff Training and Customer Education

A lack of technical training for STC staff has further hindered the platform’s success.

Dr. Agyemang said, “Staff often lacks the skills to assist customers with digital bookings, which discourages adoption. Continuous training programs are critical to bridging this gap.” Additionally, customers are often unaware of how to navigate the platform effectively, necessitating more user education initiatives.

These campaigns, he advised could include user-friendly tutorials, demonstrations, and targeted outreach to rural areas to minimize apprehensions about using digital services.

To address these challenges and make the system better, Dr. Agyemang suggested the need for public-private partnership to improve infrastructure and technology for transportation services for STC.

Inadequate user-focused design

Mr. Yaw Antwi Owusu, a Digital Expert who spoke to this reporter said one of the major flaws in STC’s digital ticketing platform is a lack of user-focused design.

“Building a well-designed platform starts with understanding the users’ needs and the problems you aim to solve. Without thorough research during the initial stages, it’s easy to create a system that doesn’t address users’ real challenges,” he explained.

Mr.Owusu emphasized that the technical team must ensure the platform is accessible, secure, and reliable.

One glaring issue with STC’s platform is its failure to be inclusive. The Android-only app alienates iPhone users, while the absence of USSD functionality excludes customers without access to smartphones.

“Public sector organizations like STC should lead by example in ensuring digital inclusivity.By building platforms accessible across multiple ecosystems, such as iOS, Android, and USSD, STC could increase its user base and improve customer satisfaction,” he indicated.

Mr. Owusu pointed out the risks of limited accessibility. “If I don’t use an Android phone, it essentially means I can’t book a ticket. This approach alienates customers, reduces revenue potential, and creates an overall poor user experience.”

Tackling Technical Challenges

The expert also discussed technical measures that could improve the platform’s performance. One suggestion was upgrading the platform’s server infrastructure to reduce web crashes and app failures.

“Modern servers and efficient data handling can minimize downtimes and ensure a seamless experience for users. Persisting data locally, for instance, could reduce the number of server calls, easing pressure on the system,” he noted.

Leveraging Customer Feedback

Another critical aspect of improving STC’s platform is gathering and acting on customer feedback. He described customer feedback as “free knowledge” that can guide platform improvements.

“There’s a concept called co-creation, where platforms are built with input from users. This approach ensures the final product truly meets their needs,” the expert said.

He recommended establishing accessible feedback mechanisms, such as online forms or a dedicated support team, and conducting regular surveys to identify areas for improvement.

A Call for Improvement

While STC’s digital ticketing initiative is a step in the right direction, He said its current limitations highlight the need for better planning and execution.

“To regain public trust and fulfill its mandate, STC must prioritize user-centered design, inclusivity, and robust technical infrastructure,” he concluded.

Until these are addressed, people like Francis and Yaw who rely on public transportation services specifically Intercity STC Coaches will continue to face challenges.

“This report is produced under the DPI Africa Journalism Fellowship Programme of the Media Foundation for West Africa and Co-Develop.”

Kane out with hamstring strain as Bayern, Dortmund draw

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Kane gets hamstring strain

Harry Kane will be out “for the time being” according to Bayern Munich after the striker suffered a minor hamstring strain in the club’s draw with Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.

The England captain was substituted after 33 minutes with his side trailing, although Jamal Musiala rescued a late point for Bayern.

On Sunday the club said a scan had confirmed a “minor muscle strain” to Kane’s right hamstring.

Kane, 31, has enjoyed another strong start to the season, scoring 20 goals in 19 games in all competitions.

Bayern have five more games before a break over Christmas, with Tuesday’s DFB-Pokal match with Bayer Leverkusen followed by league games against Heidenheim, Mainz and RB Leipzig and a Champions League meeting with Shakhtar Donetsk.

Credit: bbc.com

Tijjani Reijnders’ brace gives AC Milan win over Empoli

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Tijjani Reijnders scored twice in AC Milan's win

Tijjani Reijnders‘ double and a goal by Álvaro Morata earned AC Milan a comfortable 3-0 win over Empoli at a foggy San Siro in Serie A on Saturday.

Morata gave Milan the lead in the 19th minute, scoring with a first touch on a rebound, before Reijnders doubled the advantage just before the break with a brilliant half-volley and added a third in the second half following an individual effort.

Milan are seventh in the table with 22 points, seven points off leaders Napoli who visit 11th-placed Torino on Sunday.

They still have a game in hand after their match at Bologna was postponed in October due to flooding in the region.

Milan, who have recently struggled on the domestic front while excelling in the Champions League, gave the fans some respite, having won only once in their previous four league games.

Milan beat Slovan Bratislava 3-2in the Champions League on Tuesday for their third consecutive victory in the competition, a streak that also included a 3-1 win at champions Real Madrid.

The hosts dominated Empoli in an entertaining clash, crafting 20 scoring opportunities overall, and made the majority of their four attempts on target count as visibility on the pitch was impaired by dense fog.

Milan, who on Tuesday host Serie B leaders Sassuolo in the Coppa Italia last 16, next travel to second-placed Atalanta on Friday.

Credit: espn.com

Las Palmas beat Barcelona to spoil their anniversary celebrations 

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Las Palmas beat Barcelona

La Liga leaders Barcelona’s 125th anniversary celebrations were dampened as they fell to a surprise defeat against struggling Las Palmas.

The visitors went in front when former Barca striker Sandro fired a low effort across goal to a chorus of boos and whistles from the home crowd.

Barca captain Raphinha equalised for the hosts with an unstoppable low drive into the net.

Wolves loanee Fabio Silva scored his fifth league goal of the campaign to restore Las Palmas’ lead, slotting into the bottom corner after latching on to Javi Munoz’s superb pass.

Barca marked their 125th anniversary on Friday and debuted a new mascot for the occasion but the celebrations did not continue on the pitch as they lost at home to Los Amarillos for the first time since September 1971 – and they are now without a win in three league matches.

They suffered a setback when Alejandro Balde was taken off on a stretcher in the 26th minute following a collision with Sandro.

Hansi Flick’s side had 26 shots in the match, their highest total in a league match this season, but did not do enough to trouble Las Palmas. They did go close when Raphinha’s whipped free-kick was pushed over the bar brilliantly by Jasper Cillessen, while Ferran Torres and Pablo Torre were also denied.

Credit: bbc.com

Palmer shines as Chelsea win over Aston Villa 

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Cole Palmer's goal was his eighth of the season

Cole Palmer shone in a comfortable Chelsea win over an Aston Villa side whose worrying winless run extended to eight matches.

Nicolas Jackson gave Chelsea a seventh-minute lead, squeezing a first-time finish past Emi Martinez after Marc Cucurella forced Jadon Philogene into a mistake on the edge of his own box before crossing.

Enzo Fernandez then volleyed in the second in the 36th minute.

The Argentina midfielder finished with his right foot after an excellent touch with his left, following a good ball from Palmer, with Moises Caicedo having won the ball in midfield.

Palmer then curled in a sensational left-foot finish from the edge of the box in the 83rd minute to seal victory.

The England international, like Jackson, now has eight Chelsea goals for the season.

Chelsea were dominant, registering more than 64% possession, could have scored more – Jadon Sancho threatened, while Palmer squandered a chance from eight yards out following an indirect free-kick after a mistake by Villa pair Martinez and Pau Torres.

For Villa, Ollie Watkins had a frustrating day, missing a good chance in the 15th minute and one just before half-time after a mistake from Fernandez.

It was a day to forget all round for the visitors, with Villa goalkeeper Martinez forced off at half-time with an injury.

In a second half where Chelsea continued to dominate, their only setback was an injury to Wesley Fofana. John McGinn and substitute Ross Barkley had half-chances, but the visitors could not find a way back.

Credit: bbc.com

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