Xabi Alonso, wanted by Liverpool as their next manager, could have been facing them from the Manchester City dugout on Sunday. When Mikel Arteta quit as Pep Guardiola’s Etihad assistant four years ago to take the Arsenal job, the City boss wanted Alonso as his successor. Talks were held between the Spanish pair about the possibility of reuniting following Alonso’s successful playi...Full Story »

Roma could splash the cash for Lukaku Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku is poised for a potential transfer to Roma in the upcoming summer transfer window, according to Calciomercato. Lukaku, 30, arrived at Chelsea from Inter Milan in 2021 for €115 million but was subsequently loaned out after one season. During his loan spell at Roma, he has showcased his prowess with 18 goals in 35 appearances ...Full Story »

Haji Wright scored twice as Coventry came from behind to beat Watford 2-1 at Vicarage Road.The FA Cup quarter-finalists do not play another Championship fixture until March 29 and needed the three points to remain in the Championship play-off picture.United States international Wright converted a 40th-minute penalty to cancel out Ryan Porteous’ headed opener and then struck a composed 72nd...Full Story »

Mikel Arteta hailed match-winner Kai Havertz as an “exceptional player” after his late header saw Arsenal beat Brentford to move top of the Premier League.With title rivals Liverpool and Manchester City facing off on Sunday, any victory for Arsenal would have taken them to the summit for the first time in 2024 – they will stay there if that game is drawn.It looked like they wer...Full Story »

Kai Havertz headed home a late winner against Brentford to send Arsenal top of the Premier League and spare the blushes of goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.With title rivals Liverpool and Manchester City facing off on Sunday, any victory for Arsenal would have been enough to take them to the summit for the first time in 2024.It looked like they were on course to miss out after Ramsdale gifted a goal to...Full Story »

Southend extended their unbeaten run to seven games with a 1-1 Vanarama National League draw against Dagenham.The Daggers went ahead in the first half when Ryan Hill coolly converted from Dion Pereira’s cutback in the 14th minute.The visitors then had a raft of chances to extend their lead, with the best of them falling to Josh Rees, who saw his shot tipped onto the crossbar.Southend hit b...Full Story »

Paul Warne brushed off his Derby side moving back into the top two of Sky Bet League One after a convincing 3-0 win at Bristol Rovers.The Rams boss explained that if his team keep winning, following the club’s sixth victory in their last nine games, then they need not worry about what any of their promotion rivals are doing.Dwight Gayle opened the scoring in the 55th minute, bundling in af...Full Story »

Crawley boss Scott Lindsey admitted Klaidi Lolos would be too good for the League Two play-off hopefuls if he added more goals to his game following his brilliant winner against Harrogate.The 23-year-old Greek striker sealed a 2-1 comeback win when he slammed in a thunderbolt from the edge of the box after he had deftly lifted the ball from his right foot to left.He had earlier teed up Harry For...Full Story »

Doncaster boss Grant McCann wants his side to keep their foot firmly on the accelerator heading towards the end of the season.Rovers triumphed 2-0 over promotion-chasing Crewe to make it four wins from seven in League Two and put further daylight between themselves and the drop zone.And McCann wants there to be no thoughts of next season from his players until the final game has been played.&ldq...Full Story »

Grimsby boss David Artell felt a “horrific” refereeing decision cost his side dear in their 1-1 draw at Sutton.Justin Obikwu fired the visitors in front on the stroke of half-time.But the Mariners squandered a number of chances to put the game to bed before an 88th-minute Charlie Lakin penalty, for handball in the box, rescued a point for the Football League basement boys.But Artell,...Full Story »

Garry Monk felt Cambridge showed signs of what they can be capable of in his first match as manager.Cambridge looked on course to mark Monk’s first match with a victory but Northampton dominated territory in the second half and ensured the points were shared courtesy of Jon Guthrie’s late goal.The Us moved a point further away from the relegation zone with the 1-1 draw, ending a run ...Full Story »

Gillingham manager Stephen Clemence believes that his side had victory stolen from them as Tim Dieng’s late goal was ruled out for a handball as they recorded a 1-1 League Two draw at home to Tranmere.Conor Masterson scored his sixth league goal of the season to rescue a point for Gillingham late on against a resilient Tranmere, who went ahead in the fifth minute through Regan Hendry.Gilli...Full Story »

Boss Shaun Maloney admitted Jason Kerr’s late header against 10-man Leyton Orient secured a ‘really important win’ for Wigan.The Scottish centre-back had only been on the pitch for a matter of seconds when he headed home a cross from Jonny Smith – who had also come on in the same substitution – to break the deadlock at the DW Stadium.The O’s had played the maj...Full Story »

Nigel Clough felt Mansfield were mentally sloppy during their hard-fought 3-2 win over Swindon and warned his players they cannot afford to let errors creep in at this stage of the season.Looking to bounce back from their 2-1 midweek defeat to MK Dons, Mansfield were quickly out of the blocks and took a fourth-minute lead through Lucas Akins as well as going close through Hiram Boateng, Davis Ke...Full Story »

Portsmouth boss John Mousinho refused to be too downbeat despite his side being forced to settle for a goalless draw against 10-man Blackpool.Pompey’s lead at the top of Sky Bet League One was cut to five points as they failed to get past the Seasiders, who were forced to dig in after Jordan Rhodes was dismissed just before half-time.But Mousinho took plenty of encouragement from the way h...Full Story »

Gary O’Neil rated Wolves’ 2-1 victory over Fulham as his favourite of the season given the adversity his side overcame.With several key players already out, Wolves were forced into two first-half changes because of injuries to Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and key man Pedro Neto.But second-half goals from full-backs Rayan Ait-Nouri and Nelson Semedo put Wolves in control before Alex Iwobi p...Full Story »

Reading manager Ruben Selles called on his side to rediscover that “extra percentage” after they failed to capitalise on their second-half dominance in the 2-1 defeat at home to Wycombe.Wanderers went ahead early on through a superb overhead kick from on-loan defender Nigel Lonwijk but Reading equalised with 16 minutes left thanks to Sam Smith’s 10th goal of the season.However,...Full Story »

Charlton manager Nathan Jones said he was pleased to have League One top scorer Alfie May spearheading his attack as the striker’s 19th and 20th league goals of the season earned a 3-2 win over Carlisle.Charlton did not have it all their own way, going behind to a 20th-minute volley from Luke Armstrong, but goals either side of half-time from May and Daniel Kanu helped to resume normal ser...Full Story »

Pete Wild insisted he was never close to pushing the panic button at Barrow after a 2-0 win over Colchester made it two in a row following a three-match losing run.The Cumbrians left it late in each half but goals from Kian Spence and substitute Sam Foley ensured back-to-back victories for the first time since December.The Bluebirds are now five points clear of eighth place in League Two and Wil...Full Story »

Rob Edwards wants his Luton side to use Cauley Woodrow’s dramatic late leveller as a “springboard” after the substitute scored in the final minute of stoppage time to rescue a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace.The relegation-threatened Hatters were seconds away from a fifth-straight Premier League defeat when Woodrow nodded ex-Eagle Andros Townsend’s delivery past Sam Johnstone&...Full Story »

Coventry manager Mark Robins was a relieved man after his side came from behind to beat Watford 2-1 with two Haji Wright goals at Vicarage Road.Robins admitted he considered making changes in the first half, such was the disjointed nature of his side’s display.But Wright’s penalty in the 40th minute cancelled out Ryan Porteous’ headed opener before the United States internation...Full Story »

Graham Coughlan vented his fury at the officials after Newport conceded a last-gasp goal to lose 1-0 at Stockport in Sky Bet League Two.Paddy Madden put his earlier penalty miss behind him with a dramatic stoppage-time winner, finally finding a way past goalkeeper Nick Townsend – who did brilliantly to palm his 73rd-minute spot-kick away.But while Stockport had been utterly dominant, it wa...Full Story »

Manager Russell Martin hailed super-sub Joe Rothwell after his quickfire double helped Southampton stay on track in the Championship promotion race after beating Sunderland 4-2.Stuart Armstrong and Adam Armstrong had put Saints into a comfortable first-half lead before Romaine Mundle and Jobe Bellingham hit back.But Rothwell’s 73rd-minute introduction turned the momentum with two goals in ...Full Story »

Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson said his side’s victory at 10-man  Morecambe could prove to be one of their best away wins of the season.Parkinson saw his side come from behind to claim a 3-1 victory despite gifting Morecambe a fourth-minute lead through Ged Garner.Goals from James McClean, Paul Mullin and Steven Fletcher earned the visitors the three points against a home side who had Ma...Full Story »

Forest Green boss Steve Cotterill was full of praise after goalkeeper Vicente Reyes produced a man-of-the-match display to help his struggling side upset League Two play-off hopefuls Walsall 2-O.The on-loan Norwich and Chile Under-23 shotstopper denied Isaac Hutchinson from the penalty spot and kept out a point-blank effort from Josh Gordon as 10-man Walsall went home empty-handed.“Vinny h...Full Story »

Exeter manager Gary Caldwell piled praise on 19-year-old Sonny Cox after his double earned a 2-2 draw with Bolton – and then joked he was pleased to have already tied the forward to a new contract.The promotion-chasing Trotters were in complete control of the first half but led only 1-0 courtesy of Paris Maghoma’s strike.Within 10 seconds of the restart Cox lashed a stunning dipping ...Full Story »

Chris Wilder watched Sheffield United draw 2-2 at Bournemouth, then praised them for bouncing back from the heavy loss to Arsenal.The Blades looked to be heading for only their second away win of the season as goals from Gustavo Hamer and captain Jack Robinson gave them a 2-0 lead in Dorset.However, Bournemouth netted twice in the last 16 minutes through Dango Ouattara and Enes Unal to rescue a ...Full Story »

Johnnie Jackson described his AFC Wimbledon’s side’s performance as ‘vintage’ following their 2-0 victory over Notts County at Meadow Lane.The victory was only their sixth success away from home, but two goals in the final 10 minutes sees the Dons go three games unbeaten in Sky Bet League Two.“I think it was vintage Wimbledon,” said Jackson. “It was a br...Full Story »

Norwich head coach David Wagner praised the attitude of his side after they hammered bottom club Rotherham 5-0 to move back into the Championship play-off zone.The Canaries were professionalism personified as they ruthlessly dismantled a side who arrived at Carrow Road with eight successive defeats behind them.“It was a top-class performance, a fantastic afternoon,” said Wagner. &ldq...Full Story »

Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson praised his bench after two late goals finally saw off Burton in a 3-1 win for Posh at the Pirelli Stadium.The game had been heading towards a draw after Ricky-Jade Jones’ opener early in the second half had been cancelled by Albion’s Crystal Palace loanee Ademola Ola-Adebomi’s first senior goal from a long throw – but a late two-goal sal...Full Story »

Enzo Maresca saluted the character of his side after Leicester battled back to earn a 2-2 at Hull.Jamie Vardy scored a brace as the Sky Bet Championship league leaders twice came from behind to earn a valuable point at the MKM Stadium.Maresca – whose side are now three points clear of second-placed Leeds – said: “It was a tough game, as we expected.“They are a very good t...Full Story »

Manager Steve Evans believes Stevenage’s 0-0 draw against 10-man Fleetwood was a ‘wasted opportunity’ in their push for a place in the League One play-offs.Jamie Reid had the best chance of a quiet first half at the Lamex Stadium but he failed to test Fleetwood goalkeeper Jay Lynch.Fleetwood’s Harrison Holgate was shown a red card for a second bookable offence after the b...Full Story »

Salford manager Karl Robinson believes his side were the better team despite succumbing to a 3-1 loss to MK Dons.Matt Smith had put the visitors ahead early on only for the Dons to turn the game on its head as Kyran Lofthouse, Alex Gilbey and Emre Tezgel all netted in a frantic first half.After the break, both sides were more sedate, but Robinson believes the better-performing side were not rewa...Full Story »

QPR boss Marti Cifuentes remains “convinced” the club will avoid relegation despite their recent resurgence being ended by a 2-0 defeat at home to Middlesbrough.Rangers, unbeaten in their previous four matches – which included a win at leaders Leicester and Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with West Brom – faded in the second half at Loftus Road, where goals from Emmanuel Latte...Full Story »

Oxford boss Des Buckingham hailed his side’s late 2-1 victory over struggling Cheltenham as a “much-needed win” for his play-off-chasing side.Greg Leigh headed the winner in the 87th minute from a fine cross by Owen Dale.Josh Murphy had fired the hosts in front in first-half stoppage time, but the Robins equalised in the 80th minute through Will Ferry.Buckingham said: “We...Full Story »

Ryan Lowe hopes his Preston side will take their shock 2-1 home defeat to Championship strugglers Stoke as a wake-up call in the Lilywhites’ fight for the play-offs.A second-half own goal from Andrew Hughes, plus Luke McNally’s late winner were scored either side of substitute forward Milutin Osmajic’s equaliser for the hosts, ending the Lancashire club’s seven-game unbea...Full Story »

Plymouth head coach Ian Foster felt his side ‘dominated from start to finish’ in their 1-1 Sky Bet Championship draw at 10-man Blackburn.Rovers’ Sammie Szmodics took his league goal tally to 21 with a sublime curling opener in the seventh minute but the home side were second best thereafter.Their task was made harder when Kyle McFadzean was sent off for a professional foul earl...Full Story »

Tottenham loanee Japhet Tanganga is turning himself into a hero under Millwall manager Neil Harris after his late header snatched a crucial victory over fellow Sky Bet Championship strugglers Birmingham.It was a second goal in Lions colours for Tanganga, 24, who scored the first goal of his senior career in Harris’ first game back in charge at Southampton two weeks ago.Millwall have now wo...Full Story »

Paul Hurst voiced his relief as his Shrewsbury side propelled themselves seven points clear of the League One drop zone with a 2-1 victory at Port Vale.Town took an early lead through Dan Udoh and doubled their tally early in the second half when Tom Bloxham struck.Teenager Baylee Dipepa hit his first professional goal to reduce arrears, but it proved too little too late for Darren Moore’s...Full Story »

Lincoln head coach Michael Skubala praised his side’s intensity as they secured an emphatic 5-1 victory over promotion-chasing Barnsley at Oakwell.Joe Taylor opened the scoring before Jack Moylan (2), Daniel Mandriou and Jovon Makama added second-half goals.Adam Phillips pulled one back for the hosts, but they could not push for a comeback.Skubala said: “We started the game really we...Full Story »

MK Dons maintained their promotion push as they came from behind to beat Salford 3-1 at Stadium MK.Matt Smith gave Salford an early lead, but Kyran Lofthouse and Alex Gilbey’s goals would see the hosts come back to lead. A deflected Emre Tezgel goal in first-half stoppage time completed the scoring.Victory means the Dons are two points off the automatic promotion places, while Salford suff...Full Story »

Luke McNally scored a late winner as Stoke boosted their survival hopes with a 2-1 Championship victory over play-off hopefuls Preston at Deepdale.Andrew Hughes was unfortunate to put into his own goal after 64 minutes to give Steven Schumacher’s Potters the lead.Preston substitute Milutin Osmajic’s clever finish – three minutes later – levelled matters before McNally&rsq...Full Story »

League Two leaders Mansfield boosted their promotion hopes with a battling 3-2 win over Swindon at One Call Stadium.The Stags, looking for an immediate response to their midweek home defeat to MK Dons, hit the front early through Lucas Akins and looked in control at the break.However, Swindon drew level at 2-2 before the hour mark thanks to goals from Paul Glatzel and Aaron Drinan either side of...Full Story »

Two goals in the final 10 minutes saw AFC Wimbledon emerge 2-0 victors against Notts County in Sky Bet League Two.Substitute Connell Rawlinson’s own goal saw the visitors lead late on, with on-loan Kofi Balmer’s header doubling the Magpies woes, leaving them winless at home in 2024.Dons almost found themselves in front within the first minute when Omar Bugiel saw the ball land at his...Full Story »

Partick Thistle came from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw at Queen’s Park in the cinch Championship.Queen’s Park took the lead in the 38th minute when Cillian Sheridan headed home Louis Longridge’s cross.The hosts doubled their lead seven minutes after the break as Sheridan turned provider to lay the ball off for Ruari Paton, who converted through the goalkeeper’s legs....Full Story »

Gary Oliver’s late winner sent Falkirk closer to Scottish League One promotion and kept their quest for invincibility intact after a 2-1 comeback win at Stirling.The Bairns are runaway leaders but had to come from behind as Paul McLean’s deflected effort put Stirling ahead.But Callum Morrison levelled before half-time and then Oliver struck in the 88th minute to seal another win for ...Full Story »

Wolves’ bid for European football was boosted by a 2-1 victory over Fulham, but it came at the expense of more injury problems.Jean-Ricner Bellegarde limped off with just over 10 minutes gone while Pedro Neto, who had been passed fit after feeling his hamstring last weekend, pulled up just before half-time clutching the back of his left thigh.But the hosts made Fulham pay for missed opport...Full Story »

Manager Graham Alexander hailed ‘devastating’ Tyreik Wright after his double boosted in-form Bradford’s play-off charge with a 3-0 win at Accrington.The Bantams opened the scoring after 12 minutes when Andy Cook flicked the ball on for Plymouth loan striker Wright, who fired past Radek Vitek.It was two after 23 minutes when a Lewis Richards long throw left Wright one-on-one wit...Full Story »

Conor Masterson rescued a vital late point as Gillingham claimed a 1-1 League Two draw at home to Tranmere which propelled them into the play-off spots.Masterson struck in the 84th minute, cancelling out Regan Hendry’s early volley for the visitors.The game was played at a frantic pace but often lacked the quality to match, with Ashley Nadesan and Connor Jennings wasting early chances for ...Full Story »

Wycombe claimed a dramatic 2-1 victory at Reading in their League One clash thanks to a late penalty from Beryly Lubala.After the scrappiest of openings, from both sides, Wycombe went ahead after 16 minutes in spectacular style through defender Nigel Lonwijk.The centre-back, scoring a first goal for Wanderers, took advantage of slack home marking with a superb overhead kick.Reading lacked any th...Full Story »

Alfie May scored twice as Charlton secured back-to-back League One wins for the first time this season, beating Carlisle 3-2.After a 20th-minute volley from Luke Armstrong gave the visitors an unlikely lead, Charlton turned the game around with goals either side of half-time – May following up a deflected shot from Daniel Kanu in the 37th minute and Kanu himself crashing home from close ra...Full Story »

Revitalised Doncaster got back to winning ways with a 2-0 win over promotion-chasing Crewe.Goals from Hakeeb Adelakun and substitute Tommy Rowe secured a fourth win in seven for Grant McCann’s side, who had taken one point from their last two matches.Adelakun – fresh from being named the League Two player of the month – set Rovers on their way after 17 minutes as he scored from...Full Story »

Enes Unal came off the bench to score his first Premier League goal in stoppage time as Bournemouth fought back from 2-0 down to salvage a 2-2 draw at home to relegation-haunted Sheffield United.Strikes from Gustavo Hamer and captain Jack Robinson looked to have earned the struggling Blades only their second away win of the season.However, goals from substitutes Dango Ouattara and Unal in the fi...Full Story »