Alex Connor

Football Journalist

Stats Perform

Produce error-free and descriptive live text commentary and matchday blogs, delivering up-to-the-minute updates while meeting stylistic and technical requirements for clients such as FotMob and Google. Write data-led editorial content for the news desk.

Links to selected articles and blogs below:

FotMob •

World Cup Qualifier: Wales 2-4 Belgium

Belgium have secured a monumental 4-2 victory over Wales to move top of their World Cup Qualifying Group. Wales jumped into an early lead through Rodon’s header. Their advantage didn’t last long as Belgium netted a swift double thanks to De Bruyne’s penalty and Meunier’s thunderous finish. De Bruyne scored another emphatic penalty in the second half, but Broadhead’s late goal gave Wales a lifeline. However, in the final stages, the Red Devils sealed the win with Trossard’s clinical strike. Bellamy’s men dominated possession with 61.8%, but Belgium massively outscored their opponents on expected goals (xG), with a tally of 3.12 to Wales’ 0.87. This result means the hosts are four points and two places behind Belgium in the group, while North Macedonia are second, following a 1-1 draw with Kazakhstan. Wales need to win their upcoming two games to get a play-off spot for the 2026 tournament. In their next outings, Wales travel to Liechtenstein and Belgium are away to Kazakhstan. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary. Thank you.
FotMob •

Premier League: Brentford 0-1 Manchester City

City have secured a vital 1-0 win over Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium in the Premier League, to move three points behind table-toppers Arsenal. Ultimately, City and Brentford were separated by a clinical ninth-minute finish from Haaland. In the first half, the visitors flaunted their incredible skill and quality, creating various opportunities, with Foden and Reijnders going close. After the break, they produced a regimented defensive performance, limiting Brentford’s threat. Guardiola’s men dominated possession with 70%, but each side registered an expected goals (xG) total of 0.83. This result means City are fifth, while Brentford drop to 16th, three points above the relegation zone. After the international break in the Premier League, City host Everton at the Etihad Stadium, while Brentford travel to West Ham United for a London derby. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary! Thank you!
FotMob •

Premier League: Aston Villa 2-1 Burnley

Villa register their fourth successive victory in all competitions, as they hold on against Burnley to record an important 2-1 Premier League win in the Midlands. The home side completely dominated the first half, and deservedly opened the scoring through Malen’s resounding finish. The same trend persisted in the second half, and Villa doubled their lead, thanks to another superb effort from Malen. However, Burnley found a late route back into the match with Ugochukwu’s close-range header. Nevertheless, Villa protected their lead to secure three points, moving up to 13th, while Burnley stay 18th. Emery’s men posted a far higher expected goals (xG) tally of 1.37 to Burnley’s 0.42. They also took 15 shots, compared to the visitors’ five, to further emphasise their control. After the international break in the Premier League, Villa travel to Tottenham Hotspur, while Burnley host Leeds United. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary! Thank you!
FotMob •

Champions League: Villarreal 2-2 Juventus

That’s full-time at the Estadio de la Ceramica as Villarreal and Juventus share the points with a pulsating 2-2 draw in the Champions League. The hosts were the better team in the first half, and jumped into a deserved lead through Mikautadze’s smart finish. However, Juventus looked like a completely different side in the second half. Gatti levelled the score with an eye-catching overhead kick, before Conceicao’s emphatic strike made it 2-1. Villarreal continued to showcase their fighting spirit, and Veiga’s late header from a corner meant both teams leave with a point. Villarreal sit 26th in the Champions League standings, while Juventus are 23rd. Tudor’s men recorded more possession with 55.6%, but Villarreal narrowly outscored their opponents’ expected goals (xG) total, registering 1.67 to Juventus’ 1.55. Both clubs are still without a victory in the 2025-26 Champions League campaign. This weekend, Villarreal will play Real Madrid in LaLiga at the Santiago Bernabeu, while Juventus travel to Milan in Serie A. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary! Thank you!
FotMob •

Champions League: Chelsea 1-0 Benfica

In a match desperately lacking end-product and attacking quality, Chelsea have scrambled to a narrow 1-0 victory over Benfica in the Champions League to spoil Mourinho’s return to West London. Ultimately, the sides were separated by a first-half own goal by Benfica midfielder Rios, following eye-catching build-up play from Neto and Garnacho. The hosts defended resolutely in the second half as both teams struggled to create clear-cut chances. Pedro received a red card in the final stages, but the Blues still protected their slim lead. Chelsea registered 56.1% possession, and a higher expected goals (xG) tally with 0.93 to Benfica’s 0.86. This result moves Chelsea up to 17th in the Champions League standings, while Benfica are 31st. This weekend, Chelsea return to Premier League action with a mouthwatering clash with Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Saturday night. Meanwhile, Benfica will head back to Portugal to prepare for a massive game against arch-rivals Porto in the Primeira Liga at the Estadio do Dragao on Sunday evening. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary! Thank you!
FotMob •

Ligue 1: Paris Saint-Germain 2-0 Auxerre

PSG return to winning ways and the top of the Ligue 1 table with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Auxerre in the French capital. Enrique’s side have bounced back in commanding fashion, following that closely-contested loss to Marseille in their previous encounter. The Parisians produced an authoritative first-half performance and opened the scoring through a short corner routine, which Zabarnyi finished off with a volley. PSG repeated a similar trick in the second half from another set-piece as Beraldo headed in Mayulu’s cross. Chevalier made a sensational save to deny Auxerre forward Mara in the latter stages. The home side registered more possession with 66.1%, and also recorded a higher expected goals (xG) total of 1.56 to Auxerre’s 0.69. PSG are now three points clear at the Ligue 1 summit. Next week, they travel to Catalonia to face Barcelona in the Champions League, before an away tie against Lille in the French top-flight. Meanwhile, Auxerre are 13th and host Lens in their next Ligue 1 match. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary! Thank you!
FotMob •

Premier League: Chelsea 1-3 Brighton & Hove Albion

Chaos! Brighton leave Stamford Bridge with a victory, after a mesmerising second-half comeback gave the Seagulls an eye-catching 3-1 win over Chelsea! The match completely changed when Chalobah received a red card in the early stages of the second half. The Blues were in the lead, thanks to Fernandez’s 24th-minute header, but Brighton devastatingly exploited their numerical advantage as Welbeck equalised. The visitors netted two more goals, through substitute De Cuyper and another typically calm Welbeck finish. An undoubtedly tricky period for Chelsea has dramatically worsened, as they’re now winless in three Premier League games. Meanwhile, Brighton earn their second victory of the top-flight season. Maresca’s side posted more possession (58.8%), while Hurzeler’s men pipped them on expected goals (xG) with 2.01 to 1.70. This result moves the visitors up to tenth, while Chelsea drop to seventh. Next week, Chelsea will welcome Benfica to West London in the Champions League and host Liverpool in a mouthwatering top-flight clash. The Seagulls face a less daunting task, travelling to Molineux to play Wolves in the Premier League next weekend. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary! Thank you!
FotMob •

EFL Cup: Lincoln City 1-2 Chelsea

Chelsea have avoided an early exit from the EFL Cup, coming from behind to earn a tense 2-1 victory over Lincoln at the LNER Stadium to head into the fourth round. The Blues were staring at the possibility of an embarrassing cup upset when Street opened the scoring, giving the Imps a deserved lead. However, whatever Maresca said to his players at half-time clearly worked, as Chelsea returned to the pitch with a newfound level of intensity, channelling their incredible quality. The comeback was kick-started by George, whose ferocious long-range effort levelled the score. Two minutes later, the visitors were swiftly propelled into the lead thanks to Buonanotte’s finish. The Premier League outfit unconvincingly protected their lead against the League One team to secure a much-needed win. Chelsea dominated possession with 72.1%, and slightly edged Lincoln on expected goals (xG) by 2.15 to 1.77. In their next games, Chelsea host Brighton in the top-flight, while Lincoln travel to Peterborough United. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary! Thank you!
FotMob •

Premier League: Bournemouth 0-0 Newcastle United

The full-time whistle is blown as Bournemouth and Newcastle draw 0-0 at the Vitality Stadium. It was a game of few attacking moments as Newcastle’s cautious and disciplined approach earned a much-needed point against Iraola’s high-flying Bournemouth outfit. Kluivert tested Pope at the end of the match with a low free-kick, which was parried away by the towering Englishman to preserve the stalemate. The defences of both teams undoubtedly prevailed, with a draw an accurate reflection of an uneventful encounter. The Cherries accumulated a slightly higher expected goals (xG) with 0.56 to Newcastle’s 0.14. Bournemouth also registered more possession with 56.3%, but couldn’t find a breakthrough as a rotated Newcastle line-up held firm and collected a point. This result moves Bournemouth up to fourth, while Newcastle are 13th. Next week, Howe’s men host Bradford City in the EFL Cup and Arsenal in the Premier League, while Bournemouth travel to Leeds in their upcoming top-flight outing. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary! Thank you!
FotMob •

LaLiga: Real Madrid 2-0 Espanyol

The full-time whistle has blown at the Bernabeu, and Real Madrid have eased to a convincing 2-0 victory over Espanyol to continue their 100% winning start to the 2025-26 LaLiga season! This result puts Los Blancos five points clear at the top of the Spanish top-flight. This match was decided by two fantastic Real Madrid goals. In the first half, Militao opened the scoring with an extraordinary long-range effort. Then, in the early stages of the second half, Mbappe whipped a gorgeous effort past a helpless Dmitrovic to double the lead and put the game beyond Espanyol’s reach. Real Madrid’s frightening dominance was reflected by their 74.2% possession and expected goals (xG) total of 1.35, to Espanyol’s 1.01. The visitors only managed one shot on target, but despite the loss, they still sit in third position. In their next LaLiga outings, Real Madrid travel to Levante, while Espanyol host Valencia. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary! Thank you!
FotMob •

Premier League: Burnley 0-1 Liverpool

Incredible drama at the end as Salah’s 95th-minute penalty clinches a 1-0 victory over Burnley to send Liverpool back to the top of the Premier League table. Liverpool were far from their best today but they’ve managed to find yet another late goal to break Burnley hearts and continue their 100% winning record this season. Burnley's resistance was dismantled in the final moments. Parker and his players will be gutted! The hosts thought their plan had worked to perfection as their impressive defence had nullified Liverpool’s star-studded attack. However, at the end of the encounter, Mejbri blocked Frimpong’s cross with his arm and Salah dispatched the resulting penalty with scintillating composure. Liverpool dominated possession with 81% and accumulated a higher expected goals (xG) with 2.45 to Burnley’s 0.13. This result means Liverpool have overtaken Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, reclaiming top spot in the league table, while Burnley remain 17th. In their next games, Liverpool’s attention turns to Europe, as they host Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, while Burnley will entertain Nottingham Forest at Turf Moor. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary! Thank you!
FotMob •

Premier League: Brentford 2-2 Chelsea

Brentford and Chelsea play out a pulsating 2-2 draw at the Gtech Community Stadium as the points are shared in West London. In the first half, the Bees capitalised on Chelsea’s lack of intensity and went into a deserved lead through Schade’s smart finish. Chelsea manager Maresca made four substitutions before the hour mark, and his bravery altered the momentum when Palmer equalised with a chillingly cool strike. The visitors thought they had their hands on all three points when Caicedo’s thunderous shot rocketed into the top corner. However, Andrews’ men weren’t done yet, and their endeavour was rewarded through Carvalho’s last-gasp leveller from a long throw-in. Chelsea dominated possession with 67% but Brentford accumulated a slightly higher expected goals (xG) with 1.41 to the Blues’ 1.13. This result leaves Chelsea in fifth place and Brentford move up to 12th. In their next games, Chelsea travel to Manchester United and Brentford have an away match against Fulham. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary! Thank you!
FotMob •

Bellamy takes positives from Wales' display despite Canada defeat

Craig Bellamy believes there were plenty of positives to take from Wales' 1-0 friendly defeat to Canada, which was only their second loss since he took the reins.

Derek Cornelius netted the only goal of Tuesday's game in Cardiff with a magnificent free-kick, as Bellamy's side lost for just the second time in 12 matches.

Canada, who will co-host next year's World Cup alongside the United States and Mexico, started in free-flowing fashion, twice hitting the woodwork before Cornelius struck.

Wal...
FotMob •

Barcelona will not return to Camp Nou for Valencia match

Barcelona have confirmed that their LaLiga clash against Valencia will be played at Estadi Johan Cruyff. 

The Spanish champions had previously targeted a return to the Camp Nou for their first home league game of the season, but the necessary permits have not come through.

The 6,000-capacity Estadi Johan Cruyff, which borders their training ground on the edge of Barcelona, will instead host the Valencia match on Sunday. 

This venue is also the home to the Blaugrana’s women’s side, who are due...
FotMob •

International Friendly: Australia 1-0 New Zealand

Australia have the advantage in the 2025 Soccer Ashes thanks to a late debut goal for Balard in the 87th minute to break New Zealand hearts with a 1-0 win! The hosts struggled for cohesion and attacking threat, but a late wave of changes from Popovic made the difference, as substitutes Toure and Balard combined for the winner! This result means that Popovic is still unbeaten as Socceroos manager, having been in charge for nine games. As well as Balard, it was also a massive evening for Izzo, who kept a clean sheet on his Socceroos debut. New Zealand registered more possession with 54.5% and expected (xG) 0.56 to Australia’s 0.27, but have come out on the losing side. The two teams will meet again for the second leg of the Soccer Ashes in New Zealand on Tuesday. Thank you for joining us for this live commentary. We hope you have enjoyed it!
FotMob •

Premier League: Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham United

That has got to be one of the most surprising results of the season! West Ham have been in turmoil, but have rocked up to The City Ground and clinched a spellbinding 3-0 win over Forest. With few chances, the game was changed when Summerville was introduced late in the second half. The former Leeds winger collected possession and flew at the Forest defence, allowing the ball to break for Bowen, who swept West Ham into the lead. Summerville continued to be the decisive outlet, and his mesmerising dribble invited a penalty, which Paqueta dispatched with marvellous composure. The Hammers rounded off a sensational afternoon when Diouf’s pinpoint cross was headed in by Wilson to seal the three points! Credit must also go to Potter, who changed his system and silenced Forest’s vibrant attack. This result gives West Ham their first victory of the season, moving them outside the relegation zone into 15th position. Forest are now ninth, and Nuno will be in utter shock at his side’s late collapse. West Ham’s attacking brilliance was reflected in their superior expected goals (xG), which was 2.14 to Forest’s 0.61. After the international break, Forest are away at Arsenal, and West Ham host Spurs. This concludes our commentary of this match! We hope you’ve enjoyed it.
FotMob •

Serie A: Lecce 0-2 Milan

VAR nearly stopped Milan, but the Rossoneri simply possess too much quality, and they cruised to victory against Lecce with a 2-0 win. In a bizarre game, the visitors had two goals ruled out by VAR, including Gabbia’s header in the first half and Gimenez’s low effort in the second. Nevertheless, Milan overpowered their opponents and continued to apply relentless pressure. Allegri’s men were eventually rewarded when Loftus-Cheek’s deft header opened the scoring, before Pulisic, who had begun the game as a sub, sealed the result in the latter stages. Lecce struggled to create any clear-cut chances throughout the night and are yet to find the net in Serie A after the opening two games. Milan’s unassailable dominance is reflected by their 55.1% possession and expected goals (xG) of 1.56 to Lecce’s 0.41. Milan have their first points of the Serie A season while Lecce await to achieve this. After the international break, Milan host Bologna, while Lecce travel to Atalanta. This concludes our commentary of the Serie A match between Lecce and Milan. We hope you’ve enjoyed it!
FotMob •

La Liga: Mallorca 0-3 Barcelona

It's all over, and Barcelona have secured the three points! The Blaugrana have triumphed 3-0 against Mallorca in a game that will be remembered for an action-packed and controversial first half. Raphinha quickly scored the first goal after seven minutes to put Barcelona in instant control. Shortly after, Torres made it 2-0, but Mallorca believed the play had stopped after Raillo had gone to ground. Barcelona looked perplexed when the goal was awarded, and Mallorca were fuming. Red cards for Morlanes and Muriqi before half-time left Los Bermellones with nine men and an impossible mountain to climb. The second half was a far more relaxed contest, but Roman still made a string of notable stops to keep the scoreline respectable. However, the relentless Yamal could not be denied and added a third goal in the final moments with a tremendous curling strike. Barcelona enjoyed 71.1% possession, had 24 shots, and registered an expected goals (xG) total of 2.14 to Mallorca’s 0.21. This concludes our commentary on the LaLiga match between Mallorca and Barcelona. We hope you’ve enjoyed it!!