LiveScore Daily: The latest football news in bite-sized chunks

LiveScore Daily is here to deliver all the big talking points from the world of football throughout the day. Keep refreshing this page for the latest stories in bite-sized chunks. 

Kepa has the Blues

Kepa Arrizabalaga could not hide his disappointment after Chelsea dropped two more points at Brighton last night. 

Thomas Tuchel's men took the lead through Hakim Ziyech's 28th-minute strike but were undone by a set-piece on the hour mark when an unmarked Adam Webster powered home a header. 

The disappointing result leaves the Blues 12 points behind runaway Premier League leaders Manchester City, who have now played a game less. 

And Kepa, 27, admits it is hard to find the positives at the moment. He said: "We are not happy of course, we dropped two points and we didn’t play well.

"It was a very open game. We had to create more chances. We had opportunities near the box to go one against one, to shoot, and maybe that’s something we have to improve.

"Of course there is disappointment and frustration. We only got a point because they scored from a set-piece. 

"We worked a lot, we ran a lot, but in small details we lost two points. Set-pieces are about concentration, about focus and taking your man.

"We have to look at ourselves, not outside, and improve. There is not one solution. We are working on it, trying to find solutions."

Do not take the Mik

MIkel Arteta has hit back at Tottenham following criticism of Arsenal's request to postpone the North London derby. 

The Gunners successfully lobbied for the Premier League to call off last Sunday's clash due to coronavirus cases, injuries and players away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations. 

That decision did not sit well with Spurs — particularly fiery Italian boss Antonio Conte. 

But Arteta, who is preparing his side to face Liverpool in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tomorrow, insists it was the right call. 

The Spaniard, 39, said: "We didn't have the players necessary to have a squad available to compete in a Premier League match. That is 100 per cent guaranteed.

"We know we did the right thing. I think if anything, we've been very, very honest. 

"We will defend our club tooth and nail. We're not going to have anybody damaging our name or trying to lie about things that haven't occurred."

Pogba in the shop window

Ralf Rangnick cannot wait to have Paul Pogba at his disposal — but realises the Manchester United midfielder may use the rest of the season to tempt other clubs to sign him. 

Pogba, 28, is expected to return to action early next month when United face Middlesbrough in the FA Cup fourth round. 

But with his contract due to expire in the summer, the Frenchman will know only too well that he will have to be at his best to attract potential suitors. 

Yet Rangnick is confident Pogba will give his all whenever called upon. Asked if there was any point playing the World Cup winner, the United boss said: "Yes, of course. 

"I also played Nemanja Matic now in the last games and his contract is also expiring. By the way, my contract as a manager is also expiring in the summer.

"He [Pogba] wants to show the fans of Manchester United, the board, the whole world what kind of player he can be. 

"And even if it's for only showing up for a new contract elsewhere, I mean, he will be highly motivated to do that. Why should I then not play him?"

Ox could be back to face Palace

Liverpool hope Alex Oxlade-chamberlain will only need a short spell on the sidelines to recover from an ankle injury sustained against Brentford. 

The midfielder netted the second goal as the Reds beat the Bees 3-0 at Anfield last Sunday. 

He was replaced after 74 minutes and will miss the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against his former club Arsenal tomorrow night. 

But Reds assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders believes Oxlade-Chamberlain, 28, may be back in contention to face Crystal Palace on Sunday. 

Lijnders said: "I spoke yesterday with him and he thinks it’s not that bad. We have to assess it day by day. 

"I would not rule out the weekend but for sure not tomorrow."

No Mour Everton rumours

Everton have expressed an interest in luring Jose Mourinho to Goodison Park — but the Portuguese is happy at Roma. 

The Toffees are searching for a new manager after sacking Rafa Benitez earlier this month. 

But they have reportedly been told to forget about approaching former Chelsea and Manchester United boss Mourinho, who is only six months into a three-year contract in the Italian capital. 

A team Ful of goals

Fulham extended their lead at the top of the Championship to five points last night as they hammered Birmingham 6-2. 

The Cottagers have now scored a staggering 19 goals in their last three league games having won 7-0 at Reading before beating Bristol City 6-2 last weekend. 

And that sensational run has seen them become the first English side in 88 years to net six or more in three successive matches. 

Delighted boss Marco Silva said: "We are working really hard. The players are understanding the way we can create problems for our opponents and showing the quality on the pitch to do it. 

"We are showing the capacity to do it on a matchday and I'm really pleased to see it. 

"But we have to be humble at the same time, really humble as a team. Despite three points and a fantastic score again, another game will come and be tough for us."