Alexander Isak's early headed goal lifted Newcastle to a 1-0 victory over Arsenal on Saturday at St. James' Park, as Eddie Howe's men delivered a blow to Arsenal's title chase with their first win in six Premier League outings.

We asked colleagues, present and past, to reflect on a man who has made such a difference to their lives and careers. Here it is then, a rich collection of memories that offer enchanting glimpses of the enigmatic Ajit Balakrishnan.

All the action from football matches played in Europe on Wednesday

Dani Olmo came off the bench in the second half to give Barcelona the spark they needed on his debut, against Rayo Vallecano.

Austria's aggressive and hard running approach propelled them into the last-16 of the European Championship on Tuesday after a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Netherlands.

IMAGES from the Euro 2024 Group B match between Croatia and Albania at Hamburg Volksparkstadion, in Hamburg, Germany, on Wednesday.

Colombian super-sub Jhon Duran scored two late goals as Aston Villa salvaged a 3-3 home draw with Liverpool.

Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League with a comfortable 2-0 victory over relegation-threatened Luton Town

Images from the Champions League Round of 16 matches.

IMAGES from the Premier League matches played on Saturday.

IMAGES from the football matches played across Europe on Sunday.

Images from the football matches played on Tuesday.

Images from the English Premier League matches played on Sunday

'This is the one thing I've always wanted, to make finals at a World Cup and after two times of getting huge disappointment, honestly I can't believe it.'

Sarina Bolden headed the winner as the Philippines spoiled co-hosts New Zealand's party

A summary of Saturday's action in the FIFA women's World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

Images from the English Premier League matches played on Saturday.

A howler by Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea gifted West Ham United three vital points in their battle against relegation as the hosts secured a 1-0 Premier League win.

Arsenal struck two late goals to escape with a point in a pulsating 3-3 home draw with bottom club Southampton but their Premier League title hopes suffered another setback on a Friday night of frazzled nerves in north London.

IMAGES from the English Premier League matches played on Saturday