Crown Football Round-Up
Update on the January Transfer Window:
Lloyd Jones has joined Luton Town from Liverpool on a two-and-a-half-year deal
Cole Stockton has joined Carlisle United from Hearts on an eighteen-month deal
Corey Whelan has joined Yeovil Town from Liverpool until the end of the season
Birmingham City beat fellow strugglers Sunderland to move out of the Championship relegation zone. Birmingham came into the match as the lowest scorers in the entire Football League, with just 16 goals scored in 28 Championship fixtures, but they dominated from the outset. Steve Cotterill's side were rewarded for their attacking intent as they scored more than one goal for just the third time in the league this season - and managed three for the first time in the Championship since beating Rotherham 4-2 in October 2016. Birmingham's front trio of Gallagher, Maghoma and Boga caused Sunderland's defence all sorts of problems and could have scored more, with Southampton loanee Sam Gallagher twice going close to adding to his five goals in his past seven league games.
League One leaders Wigan caused an FA Cup upset by beating Premier League side West Ham, who had Arthur Masuaku sent off for spitting, to reach the fifth round. The double took Grigg's tally to a competition-leading six goals in five FA Cup games this season and 14 in all competitions for the Latics. Cheyenne Dunkley had a goal ruled out for Wigan shortly after Grigg's opener, with home goalkeeper Christian Walton comfortably recording a 10th clean sheet in his past 14 games as West Ham failed to muster a shot on target. The Latics have lost just three league games all season and were unbeaten in 14 matches in all competitions dating back to mid-November prior to kick-off. And you can see why they have let in just 13 goals in 27 League One matches this season, scoring 53. Christian’s men face Manchester City in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Monday 19th February, live on BBC One. Will there be another upset like the 2013 FA Cup Final?
Bristol City’s inspired Carabao Cup run came to an end after a thrilling 3-2 semi-final defeat against Manchester City (5-3 on aggregate). Marlon Pack’s header and Aden Flint’s tap-in drew Bristol City level after Leroy Sane and Sergio Aguero fired the Citizens ahead with goals either side of the break. At 2-2 the result was already in Pep Guardiola side’s favour but Kevin De Bruyne pounced with the final kick of the tie to complete the scoring. Substitute Ryan Kent did well to keep possession and he pinged a ball towards the unmarked Reid, whose ball across goal was tapped home by Flint in the final stages. The crowd roared the home side on even when De Bruyne steered in Sane’s cross just seconds later to make it 3-2 on the night - and the applause continued long after the final whistle.
Ryan Kent then started and set up Bristol City's opening goal in their 2-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers at Ashton Gate. Kent's corner was diverted home by Famara Diedhiou as the Robins moved up to joint third in the Championship.
Charlton secured a third straight win by beating Walsall to maintain their League One play-off push. Joe Aribo's 31st-minute opener for the Addicks had been cancelled out shortly before the break by Erhun Oztumer's equaliser. Both sides hit the woodwork in an entertaining encounter, with Kory Roberts' untimely 73rd-minute own goal restoring Charlton's lead. The outcome was put beyond doubt by Stephy Mavididi in the 89th minute, the Arsenal loanee bursting into the box, cutting inside a defender before firing past Liam Roberts. Two Mavididi goals in two league appearances at The Valley, helping to secure six points - keep up the good work Stephy!
Adam Lewis captained Liverpool U18s in their FA Youth Cup game against Arsenal at Anfield. However, Steven Gerrard's Anfield debut in the managerial dugout ended in defeat as Arsenal claimed an extra-time victory in the fourth round of the cup.The Gunners edged a five-goal thriller thanks to Tyreece John-Jules' strike after Curtis Jones' brace looked to have won the game in normal time for the young reds. But a late equaliser from Bukayo Sako kept the tie alive and allowed Arsenal to secure their passage into the fifth round. A fantastic experience for Adam and the lads, who will now focus on keeping their position top of the U18 Premier League.
