Aston Villa boss Unai Emery refused to be downbeat after his side missed the chance to go top of the Premier League.Nicolo Zaniolo’s stoppage-time header rescued a 1-1 draw with struggling Sheffield United on Friday.Cameron Archer, who joined the Blades from Villa in the summer, netted for the visitors – who climb off the bottom – with three minutes left to leave Villa on the bri

Swansea manager Alan Sheehan urged his players to take confidence from a first home win since October as they edged a late 2-1 Championship victory at home to Preston.Jamie Paterson completed his brace in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage-time to end Swansea’s run of seven home games without a win and deny North End a valuable away point after Liam Millar cancelled out Paterson’

Bristol City head coach Liam Manning reflected on winning a Christmas cracker against Hull and admitted: “We like to do things the hard way.”His side led through Tommy Conway’s 24th-minute penalty, awarded for handball against Jacob Greaves, only to fall behind by half-time to Aaron Connolly’s solo strike and an Ozan Tufan spot-kick after referee Ben Toner spotted a dubious

Peter Wild saluted Barrow’s strength in depth as the Cumbrians picked up a seventh consecutive win with a 3-1 League Two victory at injury-hit Crewe.The Bluebirds manager was able to make key changes to ram home the visitors’ advantage in the closing stages with substitute Robbie Gotts setting up Ben Whitfield for the striker’s second, which restored a two-goal cushion.Crewe mana

Neil Harris was full of praise for his Cambridge side after they continued their impressive start under him with victory over Exeter but insisted they will not be resting on their laurels.The U’s have picked up seven points from their three games since Harris took charge, and moved 11 points clear of the relegation zone with a 2-0 win against Exeter on Friday night.Gassan Ahadme netted his s

Notts County head coach Luke Williams labelled Stockport the best League Two team that he has ever seen after his side lost 2-1 at Edgeley Park.Goals from front Kyle Wootton and Paddy Madden put the Hatters in control, but a late David McGoldrick strike set up a nervy finish.Stockport remain six points clear at the top of the table.Williams said: “They are the best League Two team I’ve

Pep Guardiola spoke of his pride after Manchester City thrashed Fluminense 4-0 to win the Club World Cup for the first time on Friday.It was the club’s fifth trophy of a memorable 2023 after their previous successes in the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup and European Super Cup.Julian Alvarez began the rout after just 40 seconds, teed up another for Phil Foden and then wrapped up a o

Matty Etherington admits the win was all that mattered for his Colchester side as they beat Salford 2-1 to end a five-game losing streak.Joe Taylor gave the Us a 42nd-minute lead with a scuffed shot from close range after Cameron McGeehan had helped on Mandela Egbo’s delivery into his path.And Chay Cooper doubled Colchester’s advantage in the 89th minute when he latched onto fellow sub

Dundee United were unable to find the breakthrough against struggling Queen’s Park as their Scottish Championship clash ended goalless at Hampden Park.United had a chance when Kevin Holt’s header was blocked on the line before Jordan Tillson’s strike was saved by Queen’s Park goalkeeper Calum Ferrie.Tony Watt had a great opportunity to put the visitors ahead from close rang

Aston Villa blew the chance to go top of the Premier League and needed Nicolo Zaniolo’s late goal to rescue a 1-1 draw against struggling Sheffield United.The substitute levelled in stoppage time just as Cameron Archer’s 87th-minute strike looked to have given the Blades a stunning smash and grab win.Villa needed victory to go top but now sit second, behind Arsenal on goal difference.A