Football/Soccer 24-Hour Briefing
×Premier League Drama
Liverpool bbc.com manager Arne Slot admitted his side were "lucky" in a "game of fine margins" after Alexis Mac Allister's 97th-minute winner at Nottingham Forest. The VAR decisions at the end of the match sparked controversy, with Mac Allister involved twice in the dramatic finale. Liverpool espn.com survived one of their worst performances of the season to snatch a last-gasp 1-0 victory, while Nottingham Forest skysports.com made a fast start before Alisson thwarted Callum Hudson-Odoi early on.
European Qualification Battle
Raul Jimenez skysports.com scored twice to inflict Sunderland's second consecutive home defeat as Fulham ran out deserved 3-1 victors, keeping their European hopes alive. The Mexican striker also converted a penalty after VAR intervention to double Fulham's lead. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace skysports.com secured a 1-0 victory over 10-man Wolves thanks to Evann Guessand's 90th-minute goal, easing pressure on manager Oliver Glasner. Wolves' Ladislav Krejci was sent off for delaying the restart, compounding their misery.
North London Derby Preview
Mikel Arteta espn.com has told his title-chasing Arsenal players to join another club if they can't handle the "noise and bullets" that comes with fighting for the Premier League. The Gunners face Tottenham in a crucial north London derby, with Arteta emphasizing the importance of accepting the pressure. Arsenal espn.com will have Eze starting as they look to maintain their position at the top of the table.
Championship Relegation Drama
Sheffield Wednesday skysports.com suffered relegation to League One after a 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United in the Steel City derby, becoming the first EFL club to go down in February. Patrick Bamford struck after just 75 seconds to give United an early lead, leaving Wednesday with a mountain to climb. Sheffield Wednesday skysports.com had already shown signs of a season to forget, and this defeat confirmed their fate with 13 games still to play.
International Football
Cristiano Ronaldo bbc.com says he is happy at Al-Nassr following doubts over his future at the Saudi Arabian club, declaring "I belong to Saudi Arabia." The Portuguese star scored twice as Al Nassr beat Al Hazem 4-0 to move top of the Saudi Pro League. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi espn.com had a decent game in Inter Miami's 3-0 defeat to LAFC, but decent isn't what you expect from him, especially during a World Cup year.
Women's Football
Arsenal bbc.com forward Olivia Smith was taken off on a stretcher during the Gunners' 3-0 victory over Bristol City in the Women's FA Cup, adding to the injury concerns for the north London club. The result keeps Arsenal's hopes alive in their quest for silverware on multiple fronts this season.
Scottish Premiership
Heart of Midlothian bbc.com head coach Derek Mc Innes suggests history shows narrow wins can be the difference between success and failure as his Scottish Premiership leaders beat Falkirk. The Tynecastle side continues to show resilience in their title challenge, understanding that grinding out results will be crucial in the run-in.
Transfer Rumors
Darwin Núñez espn.com is wanted by both Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United as clubs look to bring the former Liverpool striker back to the Premier League. The Uruguayan forward has struggled for form at Al Hilal, potentially opening the door for a return to English football where he previously showed flashes of his considerable talent.
Managerial Changes
Aberdeen bbc.com search for a new head coach has been delayed by "unforeseen circumstances," with chairman Dave Cormack stressing the club "mustn't rush or compromise" an appointment. The Dons have endured a difficult season, suffering five defeats in six league games, and the delay in appointing a new manager adds to the uncertainty surrounding the club's future direction.