Football/Soccer 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: March 15, 2026, 3:48 AM ET
Premier League Title Race
Arsenal snatched a dramatic late win bbc.com over Everton on Saturday, maintaining their slender Premier League title hopes as Kai Havertz was controversially denied a penalty when Michael Keane appeared to step on his Achilles. Meanwhile, Manchester City suffered a setback bbc.com in their own title challenge after being held to a draw at West Ham, with Erling Haaland going missing espn.com on a night where his team desperately needed a victory. The Norwegian striker, who typically excels against West Ham, failed to deliver as the Citizens dropped crucial points in their pursuit of Arsenal, leaving them clinging to faint title hopes with just six games remaining.
VAR Controversy
Arsenal faced VAR controversy in their 2-0 victory over Everton, with Jamie Redknapp blasting the inaction skysports.com after a clear penalty was not awarded in the first half. The decision, which Redknapp labeled "a disgrace," occurred when Everton's Michael Keane stepped on Havertz's Achilles in the box. Meanwhile, Everton striker Thierno Barry claimed his friends were "attacked" bbc.com in the away section at Emirates Stadium after the match, leading to an investigation by police into an altercation that occurred during the game. Max Dowman played a key role bbc.com in what could prove to be a vital win for Arsenal, with the 16-year-old breaking records since pulling on an Arsenal shirt.
European Football
Real Madrid dispatched Elche 4-1 espn.com on Saturday, with Álvaro Arbeloa calling Arda Güler's long-distance wondergoal a "work of art" after the midfielder scored from inside his own half espn.com in a display of extraordinary skill. Federico Valverde continued his golden streak espn.com by netting his fourth goal in nine days, helping Los Blancos move within a point of Barcelona at the top of LaLiga. In Italy, Liverpool triggered the 12-month option espn.com to extend goalkeeper Alisson Becker's contract until 2027, while head coach Arne Slot urged his players to "get the maximum" out of the remainder of the season despite uncertainty espn.com about their final standing.
Championship Race
Ips