Football/Soccer 24-Hour Briefing
×Premier League Title Race
Arsenal skysports.com restored their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League with a 2-1 victory over Chelsea, who saw their seventh red card of the season. Mikel Arteta's side dominated possession and territory, with goals from an own goal and Jurrien Timber's header from a corner. David Raya made a crucial stoppage-time save to preserve the win. The Gunners have now won 10 of their last 11 league matches and remain on course for their first title since 2004, though Gary Neville predicts "10 more weeks of pain" for Arsenal fans before they can celebrate.
Manchester United skysports.com moved into third place with a 2-1 comeback win against Crystal Palace, who had Maxence Lacroix sent off in the first half. Benjamin Sesko scored the winner on his first start under Michael Carrick, continuing his hot streak of crucial goals. The victory keeps United's Champions League hopes alive as they chase Arsenal and Manchester City.
Relegation Battle
Nottingham Forest skysports.com suffered a 2-1 defeat at Brighton that leaves them in serious relegation trouble. Despite a stunning goal from Gibbs-White, Forest couldn't hold on as Danny Welbeck scored his 10th goal of the season. Manager Vitor Pereira wants his side to "focus on the present" and take one game at a time, but with six points from safety and Europa League commitments, their survival chances are dwindling. Brighton's back-to-back wins for the first time since November have lifted them clear of danger.
Spurs espn.com lost 2-1 at Fulham, their fourth consecutive Premier League defeat, leaving them facing a battle to stay up. Marco Silva praised Alex Iwobi's performance in a deeper role as Fulham secured a crucial win. Tottenham's worst league run in 22 years without a win has deepened their relegation fears.
Scottish Premiership
Celtic skysports.com salvaged a 2-2 draw against Rangers in the Old Firm derby with a late penalty from Reo Hatate after Dujon Sterling was penalized for handball. Rangers had taken the lead through an incredible overhead kick from Youssef Chermiti reminiscent of Wayne Rooney's famous goal. The draw leaves Celtic six points clear at the top, though Danny Röhl believes Rangers are not out of the title race. Hearts remain in contention after a damaging stalemate at Ibrox.
European Action
Borussia Dortmund espn.com captain Emre Can will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL in his left knee, a major blow to their Champions League ambitions. Meanwhile, Real Madrid espn.com are "very clear" about Kylian Mbappé's knee problem but admitted he is a doubt to face Manchester City.
Women's Football
Australia bbc.com opened their Asian Cup campaign with a 1-0 win over the Philippines, with Sam Kerr scoring her first international goal in 28 months. The Matildas' victory in Perth sets them up well for the tournament.
Off the Pitch
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has said footballers who cover their mouths during on-pitch rows should be sent off on the presumption they are being offensive. The controversial proposal comes amid ongoing debates about player conduct and respect in the game.
International Break
England centre Ollie Lawrence appears unlikely to recover from a knee injury in time for Saturday's Guinness Six Nations clash with Italy in Rome. The injury adds to England's selection headaches ahead of a crucial fixture in their championship campaign.
Other News
Torquay United bbc.com have placed Neil Warnock in temporary charge after sacking Paul Wotton following Saturday's 5-0 defeat by Chelmsford City. The 77-year-old manager returns to management for the first time since leaving Sheffield Wednesday in 2022.
Portland Thorns espn.com have hired Robert Vilahamn as head coach after a lengthy search, multiple sources confirmed to ESPN. The former Spurs coach takes over a team looking to rebuild after a difficult period off the field.