Sports

Ten days to decide second place in the Championship?

Image source: Getty ImagesByGlenn SpellerBBC Sport England1 Hour Ago40 CommentsThe race to secure the second automatic promotion spot in the Championship will be decided by what happens over the next 10 days. Ipswich and Middlesbrough shared a 2-2 tie in a thrilling match at Portman Road, and Ipswich has sneaked into second place on goal differential from Millwall, and one point in front of Southampton. They also have the advantage of having a game left to play. This could be crucial. McKenna said, “We have three games away in six days for the season to finish so it’s going be an incredible effort from all to see if it can come back here [to Portman Road] on the final match.” Ipswich has found life on the roads difficult this season with only eight victories from their 20 matches. They visit Charlton on Monday before heading to West Brom on Saturday, and a potentially-season-deciding game against fourth-placed Southampton Tuesday, 28th April. “We have had periods when we’ve achieved some good results away – we won against the team that will win the league this season but we also know we’ve experienced results against teams who games got away from us,” said the Northern Irishman. “We have shown a lot of progress this season, but to now have to play three away matches in six days will require us to make another step if we are to be successful. “Image source: BBC Sport/Getty ImagesWe need to win the next games – HellbergImage Source: BBC Sport/Getty ImagesFrom two points ahead of Coventry City in mid-February Middlesbrough are now three points behind second place. A seven-game winless streak has left Hellberg’s side as the outsiders for the second spot, behind Ipswich Millwall and Southampton. “We have to win the next two matches to have a chance of playing for automatics or momentum to take us into the play-offs,” Hellberg said after the final whistle. His side had led 2-1 at Portman Road before Jack Clarke’s late goal. “It’s tough because we were tied with everyone else at 88 minutes, but there are still twists in the story.” We’re still in it, but we will wait until the next two matches to see where we stand. “Hellberg was appointed on 26 November after Rob Edwards moved to Wolves. He won his first four games, but an awful run of only four points out of 21 has left the team playing catch-up. The Swede explained that the expectation was for the team to be in the top two positions of the division because they have been very good. “I don’t believe anyone had these expectations at the beginning of the season,” he said. “When I first arrived, I thought we were in a great position. But there were many teams in the same position. We have done well and have built the confidence that we can do it, but we’ve had some tough results. We have also tried to keep our head which is difficult. “The performances can worsen, you have to stop doing what you do well and start doing other things, and we dealt with that. “‘Second place still in play’- Boro boss Hellberg2 hrs agoMcKenna was’surprised by penalty questions’ after Boro draw2 hrs agoMillwall keeping focused – NeilImage Source, BBC Sport/Getty ImagesHaving lost out on the play offs on the last day of last season, there was always the feeling Millwall could make it into the top six. But there is a greater prize in store with three games left. “I think that it’s overwhelmingly good for where we are and how we look at the remaining games,” he said. “The only team that has won more games this year than us is the team that will win the title.” After sweeping aside QPR, the Lions have a trip to 17th place Stoke and games against Leicester or Oxford who could be relegated at that point. Neil told BBC Radio London: “I’ve told the lads that whatever we have to do, is what we must focus on. We can’t influence what happens elsewhere.” “We have Tuesday (at Stoke), and we must do our part. If we don’t, it doesn’t matter. “Southampton, the coming force”Image source, BBC Sport/Getty ImagesWhen Middlesbrough won the Championship in February, Southampton was 14th and 18 points behind. Their 16-game unbeaten streak, which included 13 victories, has not only helped them surpass Boro, but has also seen many back them to take second place. The nature of their late win at Swansea, on Saturday, has only reinforced these feelings. Jo Tessem, a former Saints forward, told BBC Radio Solent: “I think any Championship club facing Southampton, at home or away, would think they were in trouble.” “I think the game is on. I thought we were still a few months away from the play-offs, but I was wrong. Now we’re talking about direct promotions. We have to keep on winning. We just have to keep winning. Related topicsSouthamptonMiddlesbroughMillwallChampionshipFootballIpswich Town

Sports

Arteta must prove he won’t be remembered as Arsenal’s ‘nearly man’

By Arsenal Man It ” They I The There ” It There ” The Arsenal Arsenal The This Not Arsenal’s nerves may just be jangling, though, as the chance to get the result that would give them a crucial push towards a first Premier League title since the ‘Invincibles’ of 22 years ago agonisingly escaped.Image source, ReutersRelated topicsManchester CityArsenalFootballMore on this storyFollow your club with BBC Sport12 MarchListen to the latest Football Daily podcastGet football news sent straight to your phone16 August 2025

Sports

Are Man City now title favourites after win over Arsenal?

ByShamoon HafezManchester City journalist at Etihad Stadium54 Minutes ago371 CommentsErling Haaland’s winning goal, explosion of noise, reaction at full-time. “But the truth of the matter is that we have a terrible calendar and we’re not at the top of the league. They are the best English team so far, but we will fight until the very end. We know they are very competitive. We are also competitive, but we’re not alone. “The table speaks volumes. They were the best. Congratulations to the boys, but don’t forget the focus. Arteta says: “We are confident that we can win the title.” Arteta said: “We have full belief that we can do it. It’s right in front of us. “The Spaniard told BBC Radio 5 Live that we had missed an opportunity. They have the game in their hands, we have three. “Game on, because it’s a new Premier League. “Game on because it is a new Premier League. Danny Murphy, a former Premier League midfielder, told BBC Sport that the full-time celebration was a bit excessive. “If you’re an Arsenal player, your first thought is ‘hold on! We’re still ahead’. It was a heavy celebratory, I was surprised. “I understand it in an emotional moment, and I’ve been in games where you celebrate too much. It seemed like they were celebrating their title. They probably thought that by winning the group game, we now have a shot. “Even a tie was giving it to Arsenal so I get it. “[embedded text]Where does this result leave the title races? Haaland’s second half winner sparked a cacophony after Cherki gave the hosts the lead. Kai Havertz then equalised in between, following Gianluigi Donnarumma’s error. “Two months ago, this scenario did not seem likely. I am glad we are on the same point. “One aspect of title race was settled Sunday, with the prospect of a play-off at the end of the season now over. Should the teams be equal on points, goal differential and goals scored by 24 May, City would collect the title if they had a better record in head-to-head matches.Sunday was the latest game into a year City had faced league leaders since April 2012 The last time they faced Manchester United, they won 1-0 thanks to Vincent Kompany’s goal at the Etihad stadium. This was their first Premier League title based on goal difference. Is history about repeat itself? The pundits agree that Arsenal are still slight favorites. Former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney said to BBC Sport, “This title race has not yet ended. I still feel there are more twists and turn to come.” It’s going to be close, but City still has one game to win. I still see Arsenal as the slight favourites. “I’ve been in the same situation where you have to win every game. You think that you should win one game or another, but it doesn’t work out that way. From now until the end, it will come down to who keeps their composure best. That is the team that will win. Rob Green, ex-England goalkeeper: “It will take something monumental to turn this around for Arsenal. Former Man Utd defender Gary Neville said to Sky Sports that City are on the right path and it is a difficult train for Arsenal to stop. Serial winners come out on top during big matches. City stepped it up a notch. Danny Murphy, a former Tottenham and Liverpool midfielder, told BBC Sport that he believes the title race is now in City’s favor. Momentum, confidence, and all those things. I was very pleased with the game. I expected it to have been much more cagey. There were many great moments and quality. It was a thrilling game. “I still believe that Arsenal will win Premier League,” said Chris Sutton, ex-Blackburn Rovers forward on BBC Radio 5 Live. I think that they will win because they have the easier schedule, and Man City will lose because of theirs. “Related TopicsPremier LeagueManchester cityFootball

Sports

Man City beat Arsenal to close gap in title race

Man City beat Arsenal in title raceThis is not available where you are. There was an error.Erling Haaland scored and Rayan Cherki also scored as Manchester City beat Arsenal. This closes the gap by three points and puts more pressure on Mikel Arteta.Premier League6 Minutes agoShare pageAbout Sharing

Sports

Record-breaking Bayern win Bundesliga – now for the Treble

Image Image Kan ” You Kan Kan ” We We ” “If Bayern win two more trophies this season, they would become the first European men’s team to win the Treble three times.Can anyone stop them?Related topicsBayern MunichEuropean FootballGerman BundesligaFootballMore on this storyGet football news sent straight to your phone16 August 2025

Sports

Van Dijk 100th-minute winner sees Liverpool beat Everton

Van Dijk’s 100th-minute goal sees Liverpool beat EvertonThis is not available to you. There was an error.Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk scores a crucial 100th-minute win against Everton at The Hill Dickinson Stadium.MATCH RESULTS: Everton 1-2 LiverpoolAvailable only to UK users.Premier League26 mins agoShare pageAbout Sharing