Premier League Promotion 2019: Odds, Picks for Championship Play-Offs Leg 2
May 13, 2019
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - MAY 11: Stefan Johansen of West Bromwich Albion and Jack Grealish of Aston Villa during the Sky Bet Championship Play-off Semi Final: First Leg match between Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion at Villa Park on May 11, 2019 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)
Aston Villa and Leeds United are primed to meet in the final of the Championship play-offs after carving out advantages from the first leg of their semi-final ties against West Bromwich Albion and Derby County, respectively.
Villa are 2-1 up against the Baggies ahead of Tuesday's return fixture at the Hawthorns, but West Brom can't be easily discounted, a fact oddsmakers seem acutely aware of, with little to choose between the Midlands rivals.
It's a different story for Leeds after Kemar Roofe's goal in Saturday's 1-0 win at Pride Park put the hosts in a strong position for Wednesday's match at Elland Road.
Villa look stronger that a Baggies team set to miss some key talent headed into this fixture. The return from injury of Chelsea loanee Tammy Abraham proved decisive in the first leg, after the prolific striker scored the winner from the penalty spot.
The England international added to Conor Hourihane's goal, but it was Jack Grealish who proved to be Villa's true inspiration.
The gifted 23-year-old was at his creative best in helping Villa come back from a goal down:
⭐️ Man of the Match, @AVFCOfficial’s Jack Grealish 91 touches 2 shots, 1 on target Completed 62/69 passes 3 chances created Assist for 1st goal, fouled to win penalty for 2nd goal pic.twitter.com/mjQScd4chP
— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) May 11, 2019
Grealish's brand of flair and vision is allowed to boss Villa's forward play because of the protection he is afforded by rugged support in midfield:
If the England under-21 international is afforded similar time and space again, Villa will score and give a West Brom team lacking firepower too much to do.
The Baggies will be without 23-goal striker Dwight Gayle, who scored in the first leg before being sent off after receiving two yellow cards, one for time wasting and the other for a clash with Villa goalkeeper Jed Steer.
Leeds to Finish the Job Against the Rams
Leeds can pad their one-goal advantage and go through thanks to their ability to keep the ball away from Derby's dangerous loan stars.
The Rams produce some terrific football thanks to Liverpool winger Harry Wilson and Chelsea playmaker Mason Mount, yet earning possession is no easy task against Leeds.
Manager Marcelo Bielsa's team is adept at protecting the ball thanks to schemers such as Pablo Hernandez. The Spaniard's technique is key to the expressive game Bielsa expects.
Most assists in the 2018-19 Championship season:
🇩🇿 Said Benrahama (14) 🇦🇷 Emiliano Buendia (12) 🇵🇱 Kamil Grosicki (12) 🇪🇸 Pablo Hernandez (12)
We should be seeing at least one of those players in the Premier League next season. 👀 pic.twitter.com/9pjPJgHj54
Wilson and Mount have netted 27 goals between them, but both struggled to impose themselves during the first leg. If Bielsa's pass-masters keep them quite again, Leeds will earn another close victory and a place at Wembley Stadium on May 27.
Championship Table 2019: Football Results, Final Standings and Play-Off Fixtures
May 5, 2019
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - MAY 05: Captain Grant Hanley of Norwich City lifts the championship trophy in celebration with team mates after the Sky Bet Championship match between Aston Villa and Norwich City at Villa Park on May 05, 2019 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)
Norwich City secured the Championship title on Sunday after a 2-1 win over Aston Villa at Villa Park. The result means the Villans finish fifth and will take on West Bromwich Albion in the play-off semi-finals.
The second play-off semi-final will be between Derby County and Leeds United. Derby sealed the final play-off place with a 3-1 win over the Baggies, while Marcelo Bielsa's side suffered a surprise 3-2 defeat at relegated Ipswich Town.
Derby's win means that Middlesbrough miss out on a play-off place and have to settle for seventh after a 2-1 victory at Rotherham, while Bristol City finished eighth after a 1-1 draw against Hull City.
Sunday's Results
Aston Villa 1-2 Norwich
Blackburn Rovers 2-2 Swansea City
Brentford 3-0 Preston North End
Derby County 3-1 West Brom
Hull City 1-1 Bristol City
Ipswich Town 3-2 Leeds United
Nottingham Forest 1-0 Bolton Wanderers
Reading 0-0 Birmingham City
Rotherham 1-2 Middlesbrough
Sheffield Wednesday 1-2 Queens Park Rangers
Stoke City 2-2 Sheffield United
Wigan Athletic 1-0 Millwall
Standings (Played, Goal Difference and Points)
1. Norwich City: 46, +36, 94
2. Sheffield United: 46, +37, 89
3. Leeds United: 46, +23, 83
4. West Brom: 46, +25, 80
5. Aston Villa: 46, +21, 76
6. Derby County: 46, +15, 74
7. Middlesbrough: 46, +8, 73
8. Bristol City: 46, +6, 70
9. Nottingham Forest: 46, +7, 66
10. Swansea City: 46, +3, 65
11. Brentford: 46, +14, 64
12. Sheffield Wednesday: 46, -2, 64
13. Hull City: 46, -2, 62
14. Preston North End: 46, 0, 61
15. Blackburn Rovers: 46, -5, 60
16. Stoke City: 46, -7, 55
17. Birmingham City: 46, +6, 52
18. Wigan Athletic: 46, -13, 52
19. QPR: 46, -18, 51
20. Reading: 46, -17, 47
21. Millwall: 46, -16, 44
22. Rotherham United: 46, -31, 40
23. Bolton Wanderers: 46, -49, 32
24. Ipswich Town: 46, -41, 31
Play-Off Semi-Final Fixtures
Saturday, May 11: Aston Villa vs. West Brom, 12:30 p.m. BST/7:30 a.m. ET
Saturday, May 11: Derby County vs. Leeds United, 5:15 p.m. BST/12:15 p.m. ET
Tuesday, May 14: West Brom vs. Aston Villa, 8 p.m. BST/3 p.m. ET
Wednesday, May 15: Leeds vs. Derby, 7:45 p.m. BST/2:45 p.m. ET
Sunday Recap
Norwich had already confirmed their promotion to the Premier League but made sure they went up as champions with victory in their final league match.
Teemu Pukki sent the Canaries on their way to victory with his 29th goal of the season after just seven minutes:
Teemu Pukki has now scored 29 goals in this season's Championship; the last player to score more in a single campaign was Glenn Murray in 2012-13 (30).
Yet Jonathan Kodjia flicked Conor Hourihane's free-kick past goalkeeper Tim Krul seven minutes later to level the match.
A free-flowing game saw chances for both sides, but Norwich clinched the win late on through Mario Vrancic. The midfielder slotted home after good work from Jamal Lewis as Norwich signed off with a win:
Despite the defeat, Aston Villa remain in contention to take the final promotion spot and will face local rivals West Brom for a place in the play-off final.
West Brom will also head into the match on the back of a defeat after losing at Derby as Frank Lampard's side snatched the final place in the play-offs.
Derby needed to win to secure sixth place and went ahead when Martyn Waghorn headed Jayden Bogle's excellent cross home at the near post after 19 minutes.
Stefan Johansen curled home a deserved equaliser just two minutes after half-time to make it 1-1 before Derby scored twice in three minutes to secure victory.
Mason Bennett converted from close range shortly after arriving as a substitute, while Harry Wilson made it 3-1 from the penalty spot after Kyle Bartley brought down Tom Lawrence.
West Brom then saw Hal Robson-Kanu sent off in stoppage time for kicking out at Bradley Johnson, the red card means the Baggies will have to cope without the Welshman for the play-offs:
Red card -WBA sub Hal Robson-Kanu shown a straight red and will miss the play-offs
Derby go on to face Leeds in the play-off semi-final in a match that promises to be an intriguing fixture between the two sides.
Leeds have beaten the Rams twice already this season but were fined £200,000 after their meeting in January for spying on their opponents ahead of the game, per Tom Morgan at The Telegraph.
NORWICH, ENGLAND - APRIL 27: Mario Vrancic of Norwich City celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Norwich City and Blackburn Rovers at Carrow Road on April 27, 2019 in Norwich, England. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
Norwich City sealed promoted to the Premier League on Saturday after a 2-1 win over Blackburn Rovers at Carrow Road.
Goals from Marco Stiepermann and Mario Vrancic sealed all three points for the Canaries and confirmed their return to the top flight:
Sheffield United look set to join Norwich in the Premier League after beating bottom side Ipswich Town 2-0 at Bramall Lane.
Elsewhere, Rotherham were relegated to League One after going down 2-1 to West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns.
Derby County maintained their place for the final play-off spot with a 2-0 win over Bristol City, while Middlesbrough remain in contention after coming back from a goal down to beat Reading 2-1.
However, Swansea City's hope of a Premier League return are over after they were held to a 2-2 draw against Hull City as the Tigers fought back from 2-0 down to rescue a point.
Week 45 Results
Millwall 0-0 Stoke City
Birmingham City 1-1 Wigan Athletic
Bolton Wanderers P-P Brentford
Bristol City 0-2 Derby County
Middlesbrough 2-1 Reading
Preston North End 3-3 Sheffield Wednesday
Queens Park Rangers 0-1 Nottingham Forest
Swansea City 2-2 Hull City
West Bromwich Albion 2-1 Rotherham
Sheffield United 2-0 Ipswich Town
Norwich 2-1 Blackburn Rovers
Standings (Played, Goal Difference and Points)
1. Norwich City: 45, +35, 91
2. Sheffield United: 45, +37, 88
3. Leeds United: 44, +24, 82
4. West Bromwich Albion: 45, +27, 80
5. Aston Villa: 44, +22, 75
6. Derby County: 44, +13, 70
7. Middlesbrough: 45, +7, 70
8. Bristol City: 44, +5, 66
9. Sheffield Wednesday: 45, -1, 64
10. Nottingham Forest: 45, +6, 63
11. Swansea City: 44, +3, 63
12. Preston North End: 45, +3, 61
13. Hull City: 45, -2, 61
14. Blackburn Rovers: 45, -5, 59
15. Brentford: 44, +10, 58
16. Stoke City: 45, -7, 54
17. Birmingham City: 45, +6, 51
18. Wigan Athletic: 45, -14, 49
19. Queens Park Rangers: 45, -19, 48
20. Reading: 45, -17, 46
21. Millwall: 44, -14, 44
22. Rotherham United: 45, -30, 40
23. Bolton Wanderers: 44, -47, 32
24. Ipswich Town: 45, -42, 28
Sunday, April 28
Leeds United vs. Aston Villa, 12 p.m.BST/7 a.m. ET
Millwall vs. Bristol City, 7:45 p.m. BST/2:45 p.m.
Wednesday, May 1
Swansea City vs. Derby County: 7:45 p.m. BST/2:45 p.m. ET
Sunday, May 5 (all matches kick off at 12:30 p.m. BST/7:30 a.m. ET)
Aston Villa vs. Norwich City
Blackburn Rovers vs. Swansea City
Brentford vs. Preston North End
Derby County vs. West Bromwich Albion
Hull City vs. Bristol City
Ipswich Town vs. Leeds United
Nottingham Forest vs. Bolton Wanderers
Reading vs. Birmingham City
Rotherham United vs. Middlesbrough
Sheffield Wednesday vs. Queens Park Rangers
Stoke City vs. Sheffield United
Wigan Athletic vs. Millwall
Saturday Recap
Norwich opened the scoring after just 13 minutes against Blackburn to soothe any nerves at Carrow Road. Stiepermann fired a low shot past goalkeeper Jayson Leutwiler from just outside the penalty area.
The Canaries doubled their lead with some style midway through the first half through Vrancic. The midfielder was given far too much time and space, and he made Blackburn pay by blasting an effort into the far corner from range (UK only):
🚀🚀🚀
Pick that one out! Vrancic is given freedom of the park by Blackburn's midfield and boy does he make use of it. Top bins.
Blackburn quickly pulled one back through Lewis Travis, but Norwich comfortably saw out the win to end a three-season stay in the Championship.
Sheffield United look destined to be playing Premier League football next season after beating Ipswich thanks to goals from Scott Hogan and Jack O'Connell.
The win puts the Blades six points ahead of Leeds in third, who play Aston Villa on Sunday, and Chris Wilder's side also have a better goal difference than the Villans.
The hosts were the better side throughout the game and took the lead on 24 minutes when Hogan converted O'Connell's cross at the near post.
O'Connell secured the points in the second half, powerfully heading John Fleck's corner home after 71 minutes.
Football writer Daniel Storey praised Wilder for the job he's done at the club:
Over the last three years,Chris Wilder has been pound-for-pound the highest-performing manager in English football. And to achieve that feat at two different clubs is properly special.
Meanwhile, Rotherham joined Bolton Wanderers and Ipswich Town in being relegated from the Championship after suffering their 21st defeat of the season on Saturday.
The visitors, who went into the game needing a win to survive, took the lead on 50 minutes when Clark Robertson headed home Joe Newell's cross.
However, West Brom hit back with two goals in two minutes to secure victory. Jay Rodriguez made it 1-1 from the penalty spot after Dwight Gayle was fouled by Michael Smith.
Rekeem Harper sealed the win by firing home a low shot after Rotherham failed to clear a corner for his first West Brom goal.
The defeat means it is an immediate return to League One for Rotherham, while West Brom stay in fourth and close the gap on Leeds United to two points ahead of their clash against Aston Villa on Sunday.
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - APRIL 22: Neal Maupay of Brentford scores the opening goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Brentford and Leeds United at Griffin Park on April 22, 2019 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
Leeds United's bid to earn automatic promotion to the Premier League suffered a damaging blow after a 2-0 defeat away to Brentford on Monday.
The loss has left manager Marcelo Bielsa's team three points below second with an inferior goal difference ahead of the final two matches of the season, making the play-offs a more likely path to promotion.
Sheffield United continue to hold Leeds at bay after putting three past Hull City on their travels. The Blades are three points adrift of leaders Norwich City, after the Canaries missed the chance to book a return to the top flight due to a 2-2 draw with Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium.
There was also a change in the playoff places as Middlesbrough were hammered by Nottingham Forest and replaced in the top six by Derby County, with Liverpool loanee Harry Wilson scoring two stoppage-time goals to help Frank Lampard's team beat Queens Park Rangers.
The day began with Aston Villa all-but making sure of a play-off spot by winning a 10th match in a row. Jonathan Kodjia's goal helped manager Dean Smith's team see off relegation-threatened Millwall on home soil.
At the other end of the table, Birmingham City and Wigan Athletic both won to confirm safety.
Monday Results
Aston Villa 1-0 Millwall
Blackburn Rovers 2-0 Bolton Wanderers
Derby County 2-0 Queens Park Rangers
Hull City 0-3 Sheffield United
Ipswich Town 0-1 Swansea City
Nottingham Forest 3-0 Middlesbrough
Reading 0-0 West Bromwich Albion
Rotherham United 1-3 Birmingham City
Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 Bristol City
Stoke City 2-2 Norwich City
Wigan Athletic 2-0 Preston North End
Brentford 2-0 Leeds United
Standings (Played, Wins, Goal Difference and Points)
1. Norwich City: 44, 25, +34, 88
2. Sheffield United: 44, 25, +35, 85
3. Leeds United: 25, +24, 82
4. West Bromwich Albion: 44, 22, +26, 77
5. Aston Villa: 44, 20, +26, 75
6. Derby County: 43, 18, +11, 67
7. Middlesbrough: 44, 18, +6, 67
8. Bristol City: 43, 18, +7, 66
9. Sheffield Wednesday: 44, 16, -1, 63
10. Swansea City: 43, 18, +3, 62
11. Nottingham Forest: 44, 15, +5, 60
12. Preston North End: 44, 16, +3, 60
13. Hull City: 44, 17, -2, 60
14. Blackburn Rovers: 44, 16, -4, 59
15. Brentford: 44, 15, +10, 58
16. Stoke City: 44, 11, -7, 53
17. Birmingham City: 44, 14, +6, 50
18. Wigan Athletic: 44, 12, -14, 48
19. Queens Park Rangers: 44, 13, -18, 48
20. Reading: 44, 10, -16, 46
21. Millwall: 43, 10, -14, 43
22. Rotherham United: 44, 8, -29, 40
23. Bolton Wanderers: 44, 8, -47, 32
24. Ipswich Town: 44, 4, -40, 28
Updated Schedule
Saturday, 27 April
Millwall vs. Stoke City: 1:30 p.m. BST/8:30 a.m. ET
Birmingham City vs. Wigan Athletic: 3 p.m. BST/10 a.m. ET
Bolton Wanderers vs. Brentford: 3 p.m. BST/10 a.m. ET
Bristol City vs. Derby County: 3 p.m. BST/10 a.m. ET
Middlesbrough vs. Reading: 3 p.m. BST/10 a.m. ET
Preston North End vs. Sheffield Wednesday: 3 p.m. BST/10 a.m. ET
Queens Park Rangers vs. Nottingham Forest: 3 p.m. BST/10 a.m. ET
Swansea City vs. Hull City: 3 p.m. BST/10 a.m. ET
West Bromwich Albion vs. Rotherham United: 3 p.m. BST/10 a.m. ET
Sheffield United vs. Ipswich Town: 5:15 p.m. BST/12:15 p.m. ET
Norwich City vs. Blackburn Rovers: 7:30 p.m. BST/2:30 p.m. ET
Sunday, 28 April
Leeds United vs. Aston Villa: 12 p.m. BST/7 a.m. ET
Tuesday, 30 April
Millwall vs. Bristol City: 7:45 p.m. BST/2:45 p.m. ET
Wednesday, 1 May
Swansea City vs. Derby County: 7:45 p.m. BST/2:45 p.m. ET
Leeds were left ruing a key decision going against them early on at Griffin Park. Referee Keith Stroud didn't point to the spot for what looked like a clear-cut penalty after Patrick Bamford was hacked down in the box.
Keith Stroud has to publicly explain why he didn’t give Leeds a penalty. He had a perfect view and it was as blatant as you can get. It would be funny if it didn’t have such disastrous consequences. #lufc
Stroud's error was compounded when Neal Maupay finished well just before the break. The Bees striker was coolness personified as he beat Leeds stopper Kiko Casilla when one-on-one.
Maupay was at the heart of things again when the hosts doubled their lead on 62 minutes. The powerhouse No. 9 led a brilliant counter in combination with the other members of Brentford's capable front three, Ollie Watkins and Sergi Canos.
It was the latter who capped the swift and sweet move to force Leeds to face up to the reality of play-off purgatory.
Leeds' failure to win stung all the more considering Norwich struggled to shrug off a determined Stoke side during a tough and nervy trip to the Potteries. Onel Hernandez had put the promotion-chasers in front after 24 minutes, much to the delight of those watching from home:
The Canaries looked to be coasting until Ashley Williams got his head to a corner two minutes after the restart. Stoke were level for exactly 20 minutes until Teemu Pukki put Norwich back in front to continue what has been a prolific campaign for the Finland international.
Once again, the advantage didn't last long, with Thomas Edwards striking the Potters' second equaliser three minutes later.
United were in no mood to let an opportunity pass and David McGoldrick made sure the visitors took full advantage at the KCOM Stadium. He scored twice in the first 22 minutes to maintain a purple patch in front of goal.
AND IT'S TWO 🔥
David McGoldrick bags his second with an absolute belter from outside the box
Enda Stevens added a third just before the break as the Blades closed the gap on top spot.
While the race for automatic promotion continues to take a few turns, competition for play-off places is also heating up.
Lampard's Rams struggled to find a way through against a stubborn QPR at home. It didn't help that Mason Mount was unable to add to his 20 goals from midfield, despite the best efforts of the player on loan from Chelsea:
65' | @MasonMount_10 cuts inside and gets a shot away but it's over the bar, before QPR spurn a golden chance on the counter-attack.
It was left to Wilson to make the difference, and the 22-year-old didn't disappoint. He kept his cool from the penalty spot in the 94th minute after Luke Freeman fouled Jayden Bogle.
Wilson added his second in the 101st minute to send Derby into the playoff spots above Middlesbrough. Lampard's team also still owns a game in hand on most of their rivals.
Harry Wilson in the Championship for Hull and Derby:
Middlesbrough's play-off hopes suffered a blow as Forest ran riot at the City Ground. Winger Joe Lolley was in fine form for Forest, bagging a brace with the second coming from the penalty spot five minutes from time.
In between, defender Alexander Milosevic found the net to have Boro looking over their shoulders. Fortunately for Middlesbrough, Bristol City were unable to take advantage of the slip.
Goals from Barry Bannan and Lucas Joao helped Wednesday see off City and do their own and Villa's play-off bids the power of good. City do at least have a game in hand on many of the teams around them.
LUTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 15: Barry Bannan of Sheffield Wednesday in action during the FA Cup Third Round Replay match between Luton Town and Sheffield Wednesday at Kenilworth Road on January 15, 2019 in Luton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty I
Villa also helped themselves by coping without leading scorer Tammy Abraham, after the Chelsea loanee suffered a shoulder injury during Friday's 2-0 win away to Bolton Wanderers. It was left to Kodjia to settle things against Millwall by finishing from close range after meeting a cross from Anwar El Ghazi.
A club-record winning run, combined with results elsewhere, has put Villa into the play-off places. Finishing as high as possible is the next target, making a win over Leeds at Elland Road on Sunday a must.
Fortunately, Smith will have a Manchester United loanee available:
Tammy Abraham will miss the Leeds game with his shoulder injury but should be ok after that. Axel Tuanzebe will be available for the match at Elland Road. #avfcpic.twitter.com/jSN5VJygBf
Swansea City snapped a dire run away from home thanks to 34-year-old winger Wayne Routledge. His goal three minutes before the hour mark ensured another day of misery for already relegated Ipswich Town.
Routledge's goal also keeps the Swans hopes of reaching the play-off spots alive. Manager Graham Potter's team is five points adrift with three matches left to play, with Wednesday's game at home to the Rams likely to settle things.
A point away to Reading was enough to keep West Bromwich Albion secure in the play-off mix. The day's only goalless draw was also valuable for the Royals, as they opened a six-point gap above the relegation zone.
Elsewhere, Birmingham recovered from a goal down at the New York Stadium to keep Rotherham United deep in the relegation mire. Matt Crooks put the hosts ahead in the first half, but Blues rallied thanks to Jacques Maghoma, Jota and Kerim Mrabti.
Birmingham hadn't won in three previous matches but picked the perfect moment to rediscover some form.
It was a similar story for the Latics, who are safe for another season after goals from Leon Clarke and Lee Evans doomed Preston's play-off bid.
A first Blackburn goal for Ben Bereton helped Rovers ease through the gears in a Lancashire derby against Bolton. Adam Armstrong also got his name on the scoresheet as Blackburn stay 14th.
Paul Mitchell Sentenced to 14 Weeks in Jail After Attacking Jack Grealish
Mar 11, 2019
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 10: Jack Grealish of Aston Villa looks on during the Sky Bet Championship match between Birmingham City v Aston Villa at St Andrew's Trillion Trophy Stadium on March 10, 2019 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
Paul Mitchell, the Birmingham City fan who invaded the pitch and punched Jack Grealish in the back of the head during Sunday's derby match with Aston Villa, has pleaded guilty to assault and was sentenced to 14 weeks in jail.
ESPN first reported the 27-year-old's plea, with Ella Wills, Jacob Jarvis and James Morris of the Evening Standard reporting the sentence after he admitted to invading the pitch and attacking the midfielder.
Mitchell was consequently banned for life by Birmingham, who apologised to both Grealish and Aston Villa following the incident.
NBC Sports Soccer shared footage of the attack, which occurred in the 10th minute of the game at St. Andrew's (U.S. viewers only):
There were shocking scenes at Birmingham v. Aston Villa today as a pitch invader ran on and punched Aston Villa's Jack Grealish. pic.twitter.com/aIYHcNKJfK
Mitchell's defence said his family feared "serious harm or even death" following the incident and did not spend Sunday night in their own home as a result.
The attack was condemned by Gary Neville and his fellow pundits on Sky Sports'Super Sundayand by Alan Shearer onMatch of the Day:
🗣 - "As a deterrent for the future, there has to be a huge punishment for @BCFC."@GNev2, Jamie Redknapp and Graeme Souness discuss today's unsavoury incident in the Second City derby where Jack Grealish was attacked by a supporter: https://t.co/raWYDuwXG8pic.twitter.com/YP3HsYMU3g
Grealish was able to continue after the incident and went on to score the decisive goal in the 1-0 win.
A steward appeared to kick out at the Villa captain amid his celebrations with the travelling supporters and was seen being led away by West Midlands police, who confirmed speaking to the steward in question.
No offence relating to that incident was reported to the police, but Birmingham said they are looking into it themselves as "part of a thorough and wide-ranging investigation into the events" that occurred.
Video: Fan Invades Pitch, Punches Jack Grealish in the Back of the Head
Mar 10, 2019
A Birmingham City supporter invaded the pitch on Sunday during the team's clash with Aston Villa and aimed a punch at Jack Grealish.
The remarkable incident happened early in the game between the two bitter rivals, with the fan taking a swing at the Villa star from behind.
Here's the moment in question:
There were shocking scenes at Birmingham v. Aston Villa today as a pitch invader ran on and punched Aston Villa's Jack Grealish. pic.twitter.com/aIYHcNKJfK
Despite being struck by the fan, Grealish was able to continue and struck the game's only goal in the second half to give Villa the bragging rights in the Second City (video not available in the United States):
You could not write it! 😲
After being punched by a fan in the first half, Jack Grealish opens the scoring for Aston Villa against Birmingham! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/EiBedIL2U1
The goal turned out to be the winner and after the game Birmingham released the following statement on their official website apologising to the Villa player:
"We deplore the behaviour of the individual who committed this act and rest assured he will be banned from St. Andrew’s for life. The Club will also support any further punishment this individual may face in the eyes of the law.
"The Club will be working with the relevant authorities to investigate all the circumstances and we will be reviewing our stadium safety procedures.
"What happened has no place in football or society. Jack is a Birmingham lad and regardless of club allegiance should not have been subjected to this—there are no excuses. Again, we apologise to Jack and all at Aston Villa Football Club."
West Midlands Police confirmed they had taken the man into custody:
ARREST: Following the incident on the pitch involving an attack on an Aston Villa player; a man has been arrested and en route to a custody block. Further details to follow. pic.twitter.com/fed9KrHBgl
Oliver Holt of theMail on Sundaycommented on the concerning trend of poor fan behaviour in the British game:
Spent some of last week thinking fan behaviour was getting out of control in Scotland. Now this happens to Grealish. Maybe we've been getting complacent but this stuff can't be allowed to continue.
Grealish is Villa's star man, and as someone local to the area, this fixture will be especially important to him. Earlier in the campaign, he starred for his boyhood club in the reverse fixture at Villa Park, netting in a 4-2 win for Dean Smith's team.
Aside from local pride, both sides were seeking to put together a late push for the Championship playoffs. Ahead of the game, Birmingham were five points off sixth spot, with Villa a further two points back.
Leeds United Manager Marcelo Bielsa Admits Spying on Derby County Training
Jan 11, 2019
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 06: Marcelo Bielsa, Manager of of Leeds United during the FA Cup Third Round match between Queens Park Rangers and Leeds United at Loftus Road on January 6, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has admitted to sending a club employee to spy on Derby County's training session ahead of the Championship clash between the two sides on Friday.
As reported by BBC Sport, earlier on Friday the Football Association confirmed they had launched an investigation after Derby said a Leeds staff member was caught outside their training ground acting suspiciously.
In the buildup to the game, Bielsa was asked about the spying allegations and offered a candid explanation of the incident, per Sky Sports (h/t James Whaling of the Daily Mirror):
"I am responsible for this incident. It's not about being legal or illegal or right or wrong. Yesterday I talked to Frank Lampard and he told me I didn't respect the club.
"I have my view but what is important is what Lampard and Derby think. I'm responsible for it and didn't ask the permission of Leeds United to do it. I have been using this practice since the qualifications of the World Cup in Argentina. It is not illegal and we have talked about it publicly and in the press."
Here's what Bielsa had to say to Sky Sports in full ahead of the second-tier clash at Elland Road:
WATCH: Marcelo Bielsa admits he was behind #LUFC spy-gate and that he has been using similar tactics for year.
According toJohn Percy and Matt Lawof theDaily Telegraph, the man in question was caught with binoculars, a change of clothes and pliers. The latter were reportedly used to force entry into the complex, which is covered by CCTV.
Leeds also published a statement responding to the situation, which acknowledged the wrongdoing and appeared to suggest Bielsa will be discouraged from similar practices in future, via journalist Henry Winter:
In an article fromThe NationalbyIan Hawkleyfrom 2010, it's suggested Bielsa recruited a boy from his daughter's class at school to check out opponents after the youngster said he knew everything about the game.
"Bielsa took him aside, shut him in a room and grilled him about the game, asking questions with increasingly more obscure answers until he was satisfied the youth knew his stuff," Hawkley wrote. "He then asked him to spy on future opponents, and the lad, known as Paqui, was apparently known to climb trees to monitor rivals' training sessions."
Law was critical of Bielsa's practice on Twitter and believes other managers would face more scrutiny in similar circumstances:
Can't see people trying to pass off this spying story quite so affectionately if it was a team managed by Pulis, Allardyce etc. Bielsa should be called out on this if Leeds guilty.
The incident is a blemish on what has been shaping up as a season to remember for Leeds, as they seek to get back into the Premier League for the first time since their relegation in 2004. They are top of the Championship ahead of Week 27, two points clear of Norwich City.
Derby are also chasing promotion and are currently on course for a playoff spot, as they sit in sixth in the standings.
Jack Grealish Hints at Tammy Abraham Stay Amid Chelsea Recall, Transfer Rumours
Jan 8, 2019
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 23: Tammy Abraham of Aston Villa during the Sky Bet Championship match between Aston Villa and Leeds United at Villa Park on December 23, 2018 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)
Aston Villa winger Jack Grealish has hinted at an extended stay for striker Tammy Abraham amid rumours Abraham could return from his loan to Chelsea and make a switch to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Grealish took to Twitter to share this doctored image from the film The Wolf of Wall Street, depicting Abraham as the lead character (warning: NSFW language):
According to Stuart James of the Guardian, Abraham has been linked with Wolves at length but has now decided to stay at Villa Park for the rest of the season.
Tim Spiers of the Express and Star reported Wolves are still eager to make the deal happen, while also noting there could be issues with his eligibility:
I understand that Wolves' move for Abraham is NOT dead. Issue is believed to be with FIFA ratifying the move - Wolves have yet to receive clarity and Abraham is staying with Villa for now. Club remain hopeful it can be resolved #wwfchttps://t.co/dB5wPO8Liq
The 21-year-old has already played for two clubs this season, featuring for Chelsea's academy team in the Premier League 2 before joining Villa on loan.
Under FIFA regulations players are only allowed to play for two clubs per season, and Hatem Ben Arfa was previously sidelined in a similar situation. He had featured for Newcastle's youth side and Hull City in the 2014-15 campaign and was deemed ineligible to play for Nice as a result.
The FA did allow Liam Walsh to play for three different clubs last season, however, raising even more questions.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 23: Tammy Abraham of Aston Villa scores his sides first goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Aston Villa and Leeds United at Villa Park on December 23, 2018 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Gett
According to James, Abraham has no interest in another loan deal but would be open to joining Wolves in a permanent transfer. If such a move went ahead and the forward was ruled ineligible for the remainder of the season, it could still be worthwhile for the Premier League side.
The Chelsea academy product has been in excellent form this season, powering Villa's bid to earn promotion from the Championship:
Tammy Abraham: Has had a direct hand in 17 (16 goals, 1 assist) of the 49 league goals Aston Villa have scored in the Championship this season (34.7%)
The Villans sit five points behind the play-off spots.
The loss of their ace striker would be a serious blow for Villa, who would have to use the January transfer window to find a replacement and hope they could find a player of similar quality who would need little time to adapt to his new surroundings.
Abraham's development at Villa Park has been stellar, and an extended stay would likely be a smart decision, even if it means he misses out on the chance to play Premier League football for now.
