Latest news with #Bond-style
Auto Blog
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Aston Martin Built Residences in Downtown Miami so You Can Live Like 007 From $550k
If owning an Aston Martin isn't enough to fulfill your fantasies, perhaps living in Aston Martin's Miami condos might do it. The perfect complement to an actual Aston Martin So you own an Aston Martin. Congratulations! A British sports car/supercar with so much power and pedigree should be on anyone's dream car list, especially if 007 lives rent-free in your mind. We don't have to mention the Cygnet, though. Now, what if you could live in a building that exuded the same energy as your car, though? I'm here to tell you that you're in luck. Aston Martin Residences Miami — Source: Aston Martin Living in British opulence During F1 Miami last year, Aston Martin opened the marque's 'Aston Martin Residences Miami,' a 66-story residential building placed smack-dab in downtown Miami at 300 Biscayne Boulevard Way. Living conditions range from one to five-bedroom residences and duplexes. According to Aston Martin's original press release, 99% of the 391 condos were already sold before construction was even finished, with more than 50 residents already owning an Aston Martin. That's a lot of secret agents. Aston doesn't expect you to take care of your own business, so in addition to an exclusive superyacht marina, a private butler service will be on-call 24/7 to help residents with whatever they might need. As for design, residents can pick between three carefully curated interior styles that Aston Martin feels best represent their brand. The Timeless collection builds on the brand's heritage and creates a more contemporary style, the Covert collection is inspired by darker car interiors and sounds the most like a Bond-style room, while the Indulgent collection is the top-of-the line choice, using natural materials for a softer, calming palette with 'bursts of theatre.' Aston Martin Residences Miami Sky Lobby Aston Martin Residences Miami Everything you could ever need in one building The building was designed in collaboration with Aston Martin's design team and world-leading architect Rodolfo Miani of Bodas Mian Anger (BMA). The overall design aesthetic was meant to represent a sail, which makes sense given its waterside setting, with some rather stunning views of the Biscayne Bay, the Miami River, and the Miami skyline. Some of the features that the automaker has distilled into its residences as callbacks to their cars include doors with bespoke Aston Martin handles, number plinths, and kestrel tan leather door tabs. The latter of which is a color often used in Aston Martin interiors. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. The real fun times happen between the 52nd and 55th floors, which themselves are connected with a glass staircase of all things. There, residents will find themselves having to pick between a two-floor fitness center with views of the Atlantic Ocean, an art gallery, two movie theatres, a virtual golf simulator, a business center, a conference room, a kids' playroom, a full-service spa, a beauty salon, and a barber shop. The 55th floor also houses an infinity pool, with its own pool deck, jacuzzis, cabanas, sky bar, lounge, an entire ballroom, private dining areas, and even a state-of-the-art chef's kitchen. Short of having its own Whole Foods in the building, I can hardly think of a reason why you would ever have to leave your home. Aston Martin Residences Miami Ballroom Aston Martin Residences Miami Ballroom Chillin like a villain, perhaps? If your net worth is far too high to live in a regular condo, fret not, for the masterminds at Aston Martin have your needs in mind, too. The building features seven penthouses, all with their own private pools and terraces, of course, as well as the building's crown jewel: the 'Unique Triplex Penthouse.' This one is for the real honcho, for whom a single floor in a luxury 66-story building is nowhere near enough. The Triplex Penthouse is a three-floor condominium at the top of the building, spanning a total of 27,191 square feet of living space. Aston Martin Residences Miami Final thoughts Living in an automaker-built skyscraper in the middle of Miami is something out of my finest fantasies. The building's design is tremendously gorgeous and unique, as are the interiors depicted in the photos. It exudes that elegant, minimalist vibe that I'm particularly fond of, but which some may find too bland. According to Miami Luxury Homes, there are currently 85 condos available for sale and 58 available for rent. Sale prices range from $550,000 for a studio condo to $59,000,000 for a 7-bedroom condo. If you thought an actual Aston Martin would set your checkbook on fire, these prices might do a little more. This is merely the automaker's foray into residential developments, too, with projects like the Sylvan Rock private residential estate located in Rhinebeck, New York, and № 001 Minami Aoyama, the first Aston Martin-designed home in Asia, currently underway. About the Author Gabriel Ionica View Profile
The Irish Sun
09-06-2025
- The Irish Sun
Britain's Bond-style ‘Q' boffins unveil underwater drone to take on Putin's cable-cutters…by blowing them to smithereens
BRITAIN'S top defence brainboxes have unveiled a Bond-style underwater drone designed to stop Putin's cable-cutting saboteurs in their tracks. The super sub can hunt out and destroy sabotage threats lurking on the seabed - by blowing them to smithereens. Advertisement 5 The underwater drone can prevent adversaries from sabotaging undersea cables and pipelines by disarming or removing threats Credit: UK Gov 5 The high-tech robot has already been trialled Portsmouth's Horsea Island, Portland Harbour, South Wales and Norway Credit: UK Gov 5 The sub targets any potential saboteurs by blowing them to smithereens Credit: UK GOV Developed by the MoD's Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), it is armed and ready to protect the UK's vital undersea cables and pipelines. Using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), Dstl's boffins have added cutting-edge sensors, cameras, and explosive systems to high-tech underwater robot. That way, operators are able to spot unexploded bombs, place charges remotely, and safely neutralise the threat — without risking Royal Navy divers. John, a Dstl explosives engineer, said: 'This technology would be a valuable toolset for keeping our Armed Forces safe whilst providing the public with value for money. Advertisement Read more on Russia 'This unique capability with its sensors, tools and cameras will give operators a real time ability to deal with these underwater hazards in a safe, effective and efficient way.' The underwater drone goes deeper than any diver can, staying down for far longer and working tirelessly. It can be launched from a ship or even a shoreline, sending back sonar and video feeds to operators who remain at a safe distance while disarming explosives or fending off hostile actions. Crucially, it's reusable. Once a threat is neutralised, the drone sub lives to dive another day - cutting costs while keeping seas safe. Advertisement Most read in The Sun The project is also a win for British industry, supporting specialist jobs through partnerships with firms like Alford Technologies, Atlantas Marine, Sonardyne and ECS Special Projects. Trials have already taken place in Portsmouth's Horsea Island, Portland Harbour, South Wales and as far afield as Norway. Putin humiliated as Russian war facility EXPLODES in Ukrainian drone strike The Royal Navy is now developing tactics and techniques to make full use of the new tech. The Ministry of Defence hailed the innovation on social media, calling it a leap forward in protecting sailors and vital undersea cables. Advertisement The new underwater drone arrives amid warnings about Russian undersea activity in UK waters. In April, it was revealed that The sensors, reportedly deployed using Russian oligarchs' luxury yachts, were discovered washed ashore and picked up by Navy minehunter ships. Officials fear the covert operation could be part of a wider 'greyzone' campaign to gather intelligence and target undersea infrastructure. Advertisement Royal Navy and RAF assets were scrambled last November when the Around the same time, RAF fighter jets intercepted a Russian warplane over the North Sea, and unmanned Russian underwater vehicles were also detected near communication cables. 5 The Minehunter HMS Cattistock (R) shadowing Admiral Vladimirsky through the English Channel Credit: SWNS 5 Advertisement One senior source told The Sunday Times: 'It's a bit like the space race. This is a world clouded in secrecy and subterfuge… but there's enough smoke to suggest something is on fire somewhere.' In March, HMS Cattistock and a Wildcat helicopter were sent to HMS Somerset and other Royal Navy units were also deployed multiple times to At least 11 internet cables in the Baltic Sea have been damaged in the past 15 months — some suspected to have been dragged by Russian ships — while surface vessels like the Admiral Vladimirskiy have continued probing waters near the UK. Advertisement In response, military chiefs are drawing up Operation Atlantic Bastion — a sweeping new patrol mission using air, land and sea forces to defend UK and Nato interests in the North Atlantic. What is the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory? THE Defence Science and Technology Laboratory — better known as Dstl — is the UK government's secretive hub of military innovation. Based at Porton Down in Wiltshire, it's packed with some of Britain's brightest scientific minds, often likened to James Bond's Q Branch. Part of the Ministry of Defence, Dstl works behind the scenes to give UK Armed Forces a cutting-edge advantage. From cyber warfare and AI to battlefield tech and bio-defence, it develops, tests and fine-tunes everything that keeps British troops one step ahead. Dstl collaborates with industry, universities and international partners, but much of its work remains classified. Its projects aren't just for warfighting — they're designed to save lives, protect national infrastructure, and deliver tech that punches well above its weight on the world stage.
Scottish Sun
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Britain's Bond-style ‘Q' boffins unveil underwater drone to take on Putin's cable-cutters…by blowing them to smithereens
BRITAIN'S top defence brainboxes have unveiled a Bond-style underwater drone designed to stop Putin's cable-cutting saboteurs in their tracks. The super sub can hunt out and destroy sabotage threats lurking on the seabed - by blowing them to smithereens. 5 The underwater drone can prevent adversaries from sabotaging undersea cables and pipelines by disarming or removing threats Credit: UK Gov 5 The high-tech robot has already been trialled Portsmouth's Horsea Island, Portland Harbour, South Wales and Norway Credit: UK Gov 5 The sub targets any potential saboteurs by blowing them to smithereens Credit: UK GOV Developed by the MoD's Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), it is armed and ready to protect the UK's vital undersea cables and pipelines. Using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), Dstl's boffins have added cutting-edge sensors, cameras, and explosive systems to high-tech underwater robot. That way, operators are able to spot unexploded bombs, place charges remotely, and safely neutralise the threat — without risking Royal Navy divers. John, a Dstl explosives engineer, said: 'This technology would be a valuable toolset for keeping our Armed Forces safe whilst providing the public with value for money. 'This unique capability with its sensors, tools and cameras will give operators a real time ability to deal with these underwater hazards in a safe, effective and efficient way.' The underwater drone goes deeper than any diver can, staying down for far longer and working tirelessly. It can be launched from a ship or even a shoreline, sending back sonar and video feeds to operators who remain at a safe distance while disarming explosives or fending off hostile actions. Crucially, it's reusable. Once a threat is neutralised, the drone sub lives to dive another day - cutting costs while keeping seas safe. The project is also a win for British industry, supporting specialist jobs through partnerships with firms like Alford Technologies, Atlantas Marine, Sonardyne and ECS Special Projects. Trials have already taken place in Portsmouth's Horsea Island, Portland Harbour, South Wales and as far afield as Norway. Putin humiliated as Russian war facility EXPLODES in Ukrainian drone strike The Royal Navy is now developing tactics and techniques to make full use of the new tech. The Ministry of Defence hailed the innovation on social media, calling it a leap forward in protecting sailors and vital undersea cables. The new underwater drone arrives amid warnings about Russian undersea activity in UK waters. In April, it was revealed that Kremlin spy sensors had been found close to British territory — believed to be tracking the Royal Navy's nuclear submarines. The sensors, reportedly deployed using Russian oligarchs' luxury yachts, were discovered washed ashore and picked up by Navy minehunter ships. Officials fear the covert operation could be part of a wider 'greyzone' campaign to gather intelligence and target undersea infrastructure. Royal Navy and RAF assets were scrambled last November when the suspected Russian spy ship Yantar was seen 'lurking around pipelines and internet cables' in the Irish Sea. Around the same time, RAF fighter jets intercepted a Russian warplane over the North Sea, and unmanned Russian underwater vehicles were also detected near communication cables. 5 The Minehunter HMS Cattistock (R) shadowing Admiral Vladimirsky through the English Channel Credit: SWNS 5 One senior source told The Sunday Times: 'It's a bit like the space race. This is a world clouded in secrecy and subterfuge… but there's enough smoke to suggest something is on fire somewhere.' In March, HMS Cattistock and a Wildcat helicopter were sent to monitor the Admiral Vladimirskiy, a so-called research ship revealed in 2023 to be a spy vessel suspected of probing Britain's power supply and internet links. HMS Somerset and other Royal Navy units were also deployed multiple times to escort Russian vessels including a beach landing ship returning from the Mediterranean. At least 11 internet cables in the Baltic Sea have been damaged in the past 15 months — some suspected to have been dragged by Russian ships — while surface vessels like the Admiral Vladimirskiy have continued probing waters near the UK. In response, military chiefs are drawing up Operation Atlantic Bastion — a sweeping new patrol mission using air, land and sea forces to defend UK and Nato interests in the North Atlantic.
Scottish Sun
26-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Shameful secret of UK's most beautiful city as drug lords ship in runners young as 13 & stash Bond-style golden guns
Over 100 arrests have been made in dramatic police operation after 'huge' surge in violence on city's picturesque streets BEAUTY & THE BEASTS Shameful secret of UK's most beautiful city as drug lords ship in runners young as 13 & stash Bond-style golden guns Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HOARDS of tourists flock to pretty, historic York every day - but beneath the surface lies a dark underbelly of county lines criminality which sees kids as young as 13 deal drugs on street corners. The city - which regularly tops polls of the UK's most beautiful places to live - is famous for its quaint medieval streets, boutique shops and magnificent cathedral. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 17 York regularly ranks as one of the most beautiful cities in the UK Credit: Getty 17 Recent police busts have shone a light on the county lines gangs gripping its streets Credit: North Yorkshire Police 17 A case full of cash seized in a recent raid Credit: North Yorkshire Police 17 A James Bond-style 'golden gun' was also seized Credit: North Yorkshire Police But locals tell us that behind the scenes youngsters are being exploited and forced to run drugs and cash to the area, which is rife with dealing and addiction. At York Station, a stone's throw from the National Railway Museum, home to some of the world's oldest steam engines, the gates are wide open, meaning you don't have to show a ticket to enter the city. This makes it all the easier for vulnerable youngsters - who are also being shipped in by gangs via taxis - to arrive in York unchecked. The northern city, located less than 30 miles from Leeds, attracts nine million visitors every year and is one of the UK's most popular tourist hotspots. But the issue of county lines is so severe North Yorkshire Police have launched a mammoth operation, named Project Titan, to tackle the criminality it's brought to the area. Detective Chief Inspector Shaun Page, Operation Titan's lead, told a local paper it was in response to a 'huge increase in violence related incidents' in the city since last September. Earlier this year they arrested 113 people in just four months as part of their investigation, during which both plain clothed and uniformed officers carry out surveillance in the worst hit parts of the city. The term 'county lines' refers to the trafficking of illegal substances into smaller areas via public transport, away from bigger destinations like Birmingham and Liverpool. But shockingly, it's commonly students and school children who are exploited to act as drug runners or move wads of cash. In York, locals direct us to the Clifton area on the outskirts of the city, where they say the problem is rife. The ketamine kids ravaging UK town as dealers hit PRIMARY schools & teen girls draw business plans to become drug lords One recent police bust certainly backed up their claims, with astonishing pictures showing hauls of vacuum packed drugs, wads of huge sums of cash, six mobile phones and a pistol-style BB gun seized from a property. A man in his 20s suspected of importing drugs has been arrested. Dealers on doorsteps In Clifton, one 64-year-old woman named Julie, who didn't want to give her surname, tells us county lines gangs are on her doorstep. She said: "Last year it was terrible for drugs, crime and knives. 17 Hoards of tourists flock to historic, beautiful York every day Credit: NNP 17 The train station has no barriers which make it easier for gangs to ship in young runners Credit: NNP 17 The Clifton area of York is particularly vulnerable to county lines operations Credit: NNP 17 Police officers in York have made more than 100 arrests following the introduction of Project Titan Credit: North Yorkshire Police 17 Adam Luke Reynard supplied hard drugs including heroin to York residents Credit: North Yorkshire Police 17 Another major bust saw a drug ring led by father/son duo Michael and James Leaf taken down "Police have been around here every single day to try and clean it up. "Only recently there were loads of police from Liverpool, so that just shows it's county lines. "It was Liverpool CID so they must have been thinking the drugs were being brought in from there. "They were walking the streets and knocking on doors. "It is the vulnerable people who are getting exploited. "York is a nice place but if you come out of the big centre on to the outskirts then the drugs are all over. "Clifton is starting to get tidied up but it's still a problem." Shabby-looking flats on terraced streets fill the area, whilst a knife drop-off box has been placed just metres away from busy shops. The amnesty box encourages people to safely discard of blades and weapons anonymously. We know county lines is an issue because young people are getting arrested and there are undercover coppers driving around the streets Jake Noble, 22, said: "I see drugs being dealt from outside my window every day. "It's just normal and you get used to it. It's definitely younger people doing it. "But I think people doing the deals get roped into it by people higher up. "There's a supply and chain where the drugs start at the top and works their way down. "It's about trying to find the ringleaders but it must be hard." Retired engineer Shirley Richardson, 74, added: "I see children as young as 13 on these streets with drugs. "It's horrible and not a surprise to anyone living around here. "I have no idea where they bring the drugs in from but people say its from outside of York. "It's a terrible issue. When I was younger nothing like this happened. "Kids smoke on the street on their push bikes as if it's normal." Drugs hub Among the tourist attractions in York is The Shambles, a narrow street of medieval buildings with overhanging floors which jut out over the cobbles below. Home to quaint cafes and boutique shops, its believed to have inspired Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter movies. 17 A weapons bin on the streets in the Clifton area of York Credit: NNP 17 Student Elliot MacInnes said drug culture is 'more insidious that people realise' Credit: NNP York Minster and the ancient city walls are also a major draw for visitors. The cathedral is one of the most magnificent in the world and dates back to the seventh century. And the Jorvik Viking Centre and National Railway Museum have been popular destinations for school trips from all over the north of England for decades. But away from its booming tourism industry which fetches almost two billion pounds per year, organised criminal groups are flooding the city with class A drugs. With multiple links to neighbouring locations like Leeds and Sheffield, York has become the big target for gangs to go about their business. Just this week, a 'professional' county lines drug dealer was jailed for more than four years for peddling heroin and crack cocaine in the city. County lines is everywhere across the UK and especially in cities like York Adam Reynard, 33, ran what police called the 'AJ Line', which was set up to flood the city's streets with Class A drugs, York Crown Court heard. A few miles away in Acomb to the west of York, pensioner Patricia Mercer says the drug problem is rife. The former council worker's oldest great-grandchild is 12-years-old and she worries about the exploitation happening to kids his age. The 77-year-old said: "Kids around here have nothing to do. There's not a thing here for them on the outskirts. "Because of that they get bored. Youngsters used to go out and meet their mates or go to youth clubs. 17 York's beauty spots attract visitors from around the world Credit: NNP 17 Its famous minster is an iconic landmark Credit: NNP "We know county lines is an issue because young people are getting arrested and there are undercover coppers driving around the streets. "We know very well what they're looking for. "I think the drugs are coming from bigger places outside of York then get brought in." She added: "The young people get groomed to work for these people. "I have grandchildren and great-grandchildren and it's those who you worry about. "My eldest great-grandson is 12 and that's around the age you hear of these people targeting. "You do worry because sometimes it's the quieter ones who might get targeted by criminal groups." Nightclub dealers There is a combined student population of 50,000 in the city, home to York University, a member of the Russell Group, as well as York St John University. It is claimed that drug taking among students is part of the culture, as it is in other areas of the country. One student told us: "It didn't surprise me when I found out these arrests were made. "Drug taking is rife among students and you see dealing happening all the time outside on the street." Another student added: "You hear stories about what goes on, and you see drugs being dealt in nightclub toilets. 17 Other areas of the city receive less investment Credit: NNP 17 A Rolex watch seized in a police raid Credit: North Yorkshire Police 17 Drugs were found vacuum packed Credit: North Yorkshire Police "The dealing definitely happens around here but often people don't even realise it's going on. "It doesn't surprise me these arrests were made but it might surprise others. "I don't take drugs myself but it happens in the university culture." Psychology student Elliot MacInnes, 21, said: "You hear about the county lines happening. "It might be surprising to other people outside of York that it happens. "It is a lot more insidious that people realise. "Often it goes under the radar with how young the kids are that are affected. "County lines is everywhere across the UK and especially in cities like York. "There is drug culture with young people at university but it seems to happen all over the country. "It definitely happens even outside of the city in smaller towns. "I have heard that young people are becoming targeted more and more." Criminal suburbs Two pals Harvey Hunter and Tyler Combs, both 20, say the city is divided by its plush centre and criminal suburbs. Harvey, a ground worker, said: "I think York is more blended so it becomes a target. "It's less on top of you and less busy than other places so maybe that's why it is happening. "It's close to Leeds and Bradford so there are links into the city. "The older people send younger ones to do jobs for them. "It can be a lot of money for a younger person so they accept." Tyler said: "York does have this problem but it's like most places in the country. "It's their choice if they want to get involved and say yes. Unfortunately it's in their hands but it definitely happens. "Everywhere you go people are selling this and dealing that. "York is a quality place to live. It does have its rough places and you do get people who get busted for county lines. "A lot of people come to York for tourism so maybe they feel they can get away with hiding it." York in stats It's no surprise that living up north tends to be cheaper than the south. However, due to York's popularity, it is slightly more expensive to live in than other northern cities. The average house price in York is currently £305,000, while average monthly rent is £1,122 as of 2025. For the UK as a whole, the average house price is £271,000. In 2023/2024, the Office for National Statistics revealed 79.4 per cent of York's population between the ages of 16 to 64 were in employment. This left 2.5 per cent of the population - or 2,900 people - unemployed. In the UK, about 4.4 per cent of the population over the age of 16 is unemployed, latest figures show. Danny Kilner lives in the Acomb area of York and helps get young people off the street and out of trouble. The 37-year-old store manager said: "It is a problem in York with youngsters. "Parents need to be a bit stricter but then again, how do you stop it? "I have a 12-year-old and I worry for lads his age. I help out at York Acorn Rugby Club and we try to get as many young people in there as possible. "It helps teach them discipline and gets them off the street. "It's really important to give them something to do and get them involved with something. "I help out and we have 20-odd kids from under 9 to under 15. "They could be the ones to get sucked in so you have to try and help." Project Titan's lead, DCI Shaun Page from North Yorkshire Police said: "113 arrests in four months is extremely positive, but there are still suspected drugs lines operating across York. "Using a significant number of investigative strategies the team has worked relentlessly to tackle drug use, drug related crime and criminal exploitation. "Our commitment continues, working in close partnership with other agencies, including the City of York Council, ensures a holistic, preventative approach, reducing harm to our communities. "However, I must stress the importance of having the public on our side. Please remain vigilant, if there is something that doesn't look quite right, it probably isn't."
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rice finds antidote to Madrid's magic and provides glimpse of his ultimate potential
Declan Rice is all smiles after Arsenal's victory. Photograph: Lee Smith/Action Images/Reuters Where is your magic now? As the night wore on at an increasingly sullen Bernabéu, as the latest keepers of the Real Madrid shirt tried and failed to crank their way up through the emotional gears, this felt a bit like watching a conjuring act gone wrong. Pick a card. Any card. No. Not that one. Wait. Keep your eyes on the ball. The glass. Hang on. Advertisement Such is the voodoo around Real Madrid, the white magic stuff, it had been necessary to process quite a lot of this chat in the buildup. Had Arsenal won too well at the Emirates? Was a three goal advantage further proof of their naivety? Perhaps not. By the time Gabriel Martinelli went skittering through on goal at the death to complete Arsenal's hugely deserved 2-1 victory here the crowd had at least offered up an obliging glimpse of what lies beneath the magic, a cut to the bone of this mythical footballing beast. The answer, it turns out, is a lot of empty plastic seats. That curtain has now been swished back. And yes, it turns out the emperor isn't wearing any trousers after all. Related: Saka and Martinelli fire Arsenal to last four after famous win at Real Madrid It felt significant that it should be Arsenal conclusively outplaying Real Madrid, led by brilliant performances from Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice. Even more so for a team that has been repeatedly and unfairly accused of not quite being there, of being a little fey, built on hot air and slogans. Advertisement For Mikel Arteta's team a Champions League semi-final is a standalone achievement in itself, a sign of the right kind of progress. This is how sport is meant to work. Teams are built, slowly sometimes. This might just be the making of this one. In isolation this game was a tale of Saka and two dinks. The first was a truly abysmal missed penalty, awarded with 11 minutes gone after a confusing VAR-based fudge. Saka stepped up to take it with a slightly alarming sense of rakishness, then produced a stubbed panenka, dinked straight at Thibaut Courtois as he dived, Courtois who is vast, with arms like the sails of a windmill. There was a sense of Bond-style drama about this. You've literally got Real Madrid right there, tied to a chair. So, yes, why not bring on the overly complex revolving blade death-scheme. Is this really the best option here? Put the shark tank away. Forget about the room full of deadly snakes. You don't get another chance with these guys. Except, it turns out sometimes you do. The game was still 0-0 when Saka scored on 65 minutes to make it 4-0 on aggregate. This was a beautiful thing, all craft and patience with a single killer thrust. Best of all it was made by Saka and Martin Ødegaard doing that thing they do on the right side, fluttering around one another like a pair of butterflies in a summer embrace, the pass-and-move love affair that was missing from this team as the title challenge died in mid-season. Advertisement Rice stepped in as Ødegaard fed the ball across, allowing him to creep inside, shadowed by a run from Saka behind the defence. Mikel Merino produced the key prompt, finding Saka's run with a perfect pass, the angle and weight on the ball demanding he produce that second dink, a delightful little flicked finish over Courtois. It was in its own way a perfectly understated show of sporting will, and of strength too. Anyone can miss a penalty. What you do afterwards matters. And Saka was sensational here, beating David Alaba repeatedly with that same little step inside, passing and holding the ball, leading from the flank. Inside him Rice was sensationally good once again, and good when it mattered, while the air was still crackling with possibilities at the start. Rice is an endearingly unusual shape, with a long torso, short legs, broad shoulders, the build of a very tall centaur, source perhaps of his remarkable running power. With an hour gone he still hadn't misplaced a pass. Mainly he just ran, and blocked and covered and led his team out of difficult holes, running right at this game from the start. These two games have given a glimpse of his ultimate levels as an outstanding all-round midfield leader. Advertisement The main thing for Arsenal here wasn't so much that they beat this Real Madrid team, but they beat the ghosts too, some of them their own. The Real Madrid plan is always the same. That plan is: we will be Real Madrid. And you will allow us to be Madrid. It is the footballing version of Authority Bias. People basically want to be told what to do. Act like you're in control and suddenly you are. The experience, it is often said, begins with the buses in the streets, the feeling of being a sacrificial goat at someone else's coronation. Madrid was a cold, damp, gusty place before kick off, the streets shiny with April rain. There were cheers and shouts. The crowd surged. Madrid's social media feed did its best through the day, like an angsty host talking too loudly to cover the party silences. Ninety minutes at the Bernabéu are very long, the club admin had warned. Well, yes. Must have felt like old boy. Madrid are a weirdly configured team right now. At their best they flow like smoke all over the pitch. This version feels fractured and two-tier, built around surely the most self-absorbed elite footballer ever to make it to this level, with an attack for whom defensive duties seem like a curiosity, a fish out of water comedy setup, like a reality TV show where Jacob Rees-Mogg becomes a binman for a day. Arteta had looked small and a little frantic out there at the start, all in black like some evangelical curate pounding his fists at the sky. But victory here is an outstanding achievement, and vindication for the ultimate systems man, the team with a midfielder in attack, pilloried for failing to take the final steps, for shrinking under the harshest of lights. There is still time for that. But not here and not tonight.
