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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

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Will lack of a ruthless match-winner cost Arsenal the title?

ByAlex HowellArsenal journalist at Etihad Stadium1 Hour ago112 CommentsThe picture of Mikel Arteta kneeling in his technical area while Kai Havertz headed a stoppage time chance will be etched in the minds of many Arsenal supporters. It was billed by many as the Premier League final and City won it just like they did in the Carabao Cup Final last month. Erling Haaland held Gabriel Magalhaes off and swept City’s winning goal in the 65th to seal a victory 2-1. The momentum of the race swung in favour of Pep Guardiola and his side, and it showed the importance of having that killer instinct. Image source: Getty ImagesAre Man City the title favourites following their win over Arsenal?2 Hours agoMan City beat Arsenal and cut lead to 3 points. The difference was in boxes – Arteta It was not Arteta’s team that performed poorly, but their lack killer instinct could be a detriment to their chances of winning their first league title in 22 Years. Arteta selected a team that aimed to dominate the ball and included Eberechi Eze, Martin Odegaard and others for the first time this season. Arteta stated that the difference between the two boxes was what determined the game. Havertz was the one to bring the Gunners even, minutes after Rayan Cherki scored a brilliant opener. His block on goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma’s clearance bounced into the net. But it is the two missed opportunities from the German national that will be remembered. Eze’s shot from the edge of his area and Gabriel’s header in the second-half were both blocked by the goalpost. The Gunners couldn’t find a way to win. Arsenal tried to solve their striker problem by bringing in Gyokeres from Sporting for PS64m. Despite scoring 18 goals across all competitions in this season, there is still some doubt about whether the 27 year old is right for Arsenal and can deliver what they need. Arteta replied that it was difficult to make his players more ruthless. “I mean, we hit the post, and I just look the images. It’s amazing how the ball didn’t go in. “There is a certain element of luck. There is a timing element, and there is an execution element. There are a lot things that you have to do your way. “They didn’t work out our way, and we must accept that in the end, winning or losing will come down to these moments. “Arsenal Forwards Struggle It is rare that a team is challenging for the title with no forwards in the conversation. Previous title-winners included Mohamed Salah and Sergio Aguero, while Arsenal’s forward options include Gyokeres and Havertz. Noni Madueke and Gabriel Jesus are also available. However, it feels a stretch for any of them to be called ruthless match winners. Havertz’s first goal of the season was his first in 22 games. Leandro Trossard had not scored in 22 games. Madueke only has two league goals. Eze has six, but five of them came against Tottenham Hotspur. Arsenal was also without Bukayo, who missed the match with an Achilles’ injury. Despite being one of Arsenal’s most reliable forwards in the past, his numbers have dropped this season. Arsenal has struggled at times to create chances, and this is reflected in the goals they have scored from open play. Arsenal has 35.8 expected open play goals this season, which is sixth in the league. Manchester City is second (42.1), with Chelsea in the lead (43.2). Gael Clichy, former Arsenal defender, said on BBC Radio 5 Live that teams were beginning to be scared of Arsenal’s corner kicks. “This is great for points, but as time goes by, you begin to rely on it and feel comfortable. You don’t concede a lot of goals, and you don’t score many goals either, but you do get those chances that make you feel like you’re going to score. “The message that you are sending is, ‘don’t worry guys, keep strong and if set-pieces come our way, we can count on it’. “And the former Arsenal defender believes that if Arsenal played in a different way, their forwards could flourish. “The longer you go on, the less time you spend thinking about how to hurt and create people,” he said. “It’s about playing ‘free-football’ and scoring five (5) goals, but I feel that the players they signed last summer could damage any team if they were given this freedom. “I’ve felt in the last few weeks that they don’t want to make mistakes, but rather take risks and go for the win.” Can Arsenal win if they don’t have a forward in form? Arteta, Arsenal and the team are still in a good position to win the title despite their loss. This is true even if City is gaining momentum. Arsenal’s manager said that his team is “more confident” after their loss. Arteta stated that the players were discussing it in their dressing room. “They already have a match in hand.” We have a three-point advantage and five games left to play. “There is still a lot to play for.” We won’t stop and we will go again, for sure. Arteta hopes to get one of his forwards in killer form with five games left and goal difference playing a key role in deciding the title. Related topicsPremier LeagueArsenalFootballMore on this storyLatest Arsenal news, analysis and fan viewsAsk about Arsenal – what do you want to know?

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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

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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’. I was surprised by the heavy celebration. “I understand it in an emotional moment, and I’ve been in games where you’ve done it 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 try and 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 season’s 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. “Chris Sutton, ex-Blackburn Rovers forward, told BBC Radio 5 Live that he still believes Arsenal will win the Premier League. I think that they will win because they have the easier schedule, and Man City will lose because of theirs. “Related TopicsPremier LeagueManchester cityFootball

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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 League2 days agoShare pageAbout Sharing