More stories

  • in

    Carabao Cup semi-final draw LIVE: Tottenham land horror tie as Arsenal get blockbuster last-4 clash – latest updates

    THE draw for the Carabao Cup semi-final has concluded – and some blockbuster ties are coming up in the new year.Arsenal were first out of the hat as they landed a tough clash against trophy chasers Newcastle.While Premier League leaders Liverpool take on Tottenham in the standout Carabao Cup semi-final match.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…More from AmorimManchester United boss Ruben Amorim is adamant that winning silverware won’t fix everything after his team’s Carabao Cup elimination.We looked comfortable in the first-half even when we were trailing.Tonight there is nothing I can say to you about it. I will analyse it tomorrow, take a night to think.We cannot think winning silverware fixes everything. It will be a long wait.Our goal iis to win the Premier League. How long will that take? I do not know.Ruben AmorimSky SportsCopy linkCopiedMore on PostecoglouTottenham boss Ange Postecoglou “really liked” the way his team played despite the two howlers that almost cost them a place in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.I liked the whole match, are you not entertained?! There you go, what do you want?! Do you want a scrambling 1-0 and the studio is probably going into meltdown at my lack of tactics!I love the fact that we just go out there and take it to oppositions, the fact we have so many absences at the moment, goalkeepers, centre-halves, left-backs, we have kids on the bench and yet these boys are trying to maintain their principles about the football we are trying to play.And if we get through this period, we are going to get enormous growth out of it, but I really liked how we played tonight, although those two goals do taint the moment.Ange PostecoglouSky SportsCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedAmorim on RashfordManchester United manager Rubgen Amorim confirmed Marcus Rashford still has a future in his team.Tomorrow we have training, Marcus Rashford will be there preparing for the next game.And we’ll see the selection for next game.Of course [Rashford has a future at Man Utd]. He’s a Manchester United player.Everybody has a future in Manchester United.Ruben AmorimSky SportsCopy linkCopiedAnge Postecoglou reactsTottenham boss Ange Postecoglou admitted his team “made it harder than it should have been”.Obviously we made it harder than it should have been, for sure!We were in control, played really well, we looked like we were going to manage the game, but two unfortunate moments, the first one affected Fraser [Forster] for a bit and the second one came as a result as that.Then we had to scramble a bit, we showed some character in the end, got a fourth and through to the semis!Ange PostecoglouSky SportsCopy linkCopiedCarabao Cup semi-final fixturesObviously the draw means Arsenal and Tottenham will be at home in the first leg against Newcastle and Liverpool respectively.We might get a North London Derby in the final!Copy linkCopiedCarabao Cup semi-final fixturesReminding you all that the Carabao Cup semi-finals will be played over two legs.They will take place across the week commencing January 6 and the week beginning on February 3. The winners will battle it out at Wembley in the final on March 16.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedCarabao Cup drawAnd there we have it:Arsenal vs NewcastleTottenham vs LiverpoolCopy linkCopiedTottenham vs LiverpoolCopy linkCopiedArsenal vs NewcastleCopy linkCopiedCarabao Cup drawAnd we are ready to find out the first pair.And it’s…Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedCarabao Cup drawSmall commercial break and the draw will get underway.Not long to go now…!Copy linkCopiedCarabao Cup drawAnd off we go!Time to find out the semi-final pairs of the Carabao Cup!Copy linkCopiedWhen will semi-final ties take placeThe Carabao Cup semi-final ties will take place over two legs across the week commencing January 6 and the week commencing February 3.The winners will meet in the huge final at Wembley.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedA reminder of the quarter-final resultsWednesday, December 18Arsenal 3-2 Crystal PalaceNewcastle 3-1 Brentford Southampton 1-2 LiverpoolThursday, December 19Tottenham 4-3 Man UtdCredit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedCountdown to the draw…The huge draw for the Carabao Cup semi-final is set to take place at approximately 10.30pm GMT.Here are the all-important ball numbers:ArsenalLiverpoolNewcastle UnitedTottenham HotspurCopy linkCopiedFT: Tottenham 4-3 Man UtdTottenham are through and join Liverpool, Arsenal as well as Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.Draw is up next and we will be covering it live, don’t go anywhere!Copy linkCopiedTottenham 4-3 Man UtdTottenham ace Yves Bissouma scores an own goal and we still got stoppage time to go.Crazy match!!!Copy linkCopiedTottenham 4-2 Man UtdGoal!Son Heung-min!!!!Copy linkCopiedTom Barclay from TottenhamTHIS stadium is in complete shock. Fraser Forster has handed not just one but TWO goals back to Manchester United.Three-nil up and cruising, Forster tried to play out from the back as his manager wants him to but got it all wrong.First, his weak, simple, short pass to Radu Dragusin went straight to Bruno Fernandes who teed up sub Joshua Zirkzee to reduce the deficit.Then, remarkably, Forster had a free-kick played back to him by Archie Gray and despite having acres of space, his touch was heavy and his attempted clearance was deflected into his own net by another sub, Amad Diallo, closing him down.No one could believe it including Ange Postecoglou who had his head in his hands.Ex-Spurs stopper Kasey Keller, who told SunSport this weekend that Postecoglou was wrong to make Forster to play out from the back given it is not his natural game, must have been wincing somewhere.Suddenly, this game has an incredible tension for its denouement when it never needed to.Copy linkCopiedTottenham 3-2 Man UtdAnother terrible mistake by Tottenham goalkeeper Fraser Forster!The ball is passed back to Forster and Manchester United sub Amad Diallo chases it.The Spurs keeper takes his sweet old time to clear or switch the ball and Amad slides in front of him to block his clearance before the ball hits the back of the net!Twenty more minutes to go!!!Copy linkCopiedTottenham 3-2 Man UtdGoal!Amad Diallo!!!!!Copy linkCopiedTottenham 3-1 Man UtdAwful mistake by Tottenham goalkeeper Fraser Forster as he tries to play out the back and gives the ball away to Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.Fernandes passes to Joshua Zirkzee who may have put Man Utd back in the game.Copy linkCopiedTottenham 3-1 Man UtdGoal!Man Utd hit back with Joshua Zirkzee!!!Copy linkCopiedTottenham 3-0 Man UtdTottenham are sealing their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals!Djed Spence delivers a stunning long ball that releases Dominic Solanke who dances around Lisandro Martinez and Jonny Evans before firing past Altay Bayindir on 54 minutes.Just when Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim was planning three changes!Copy linkCopiedTottenham 3-0 Man UtdGoal!Dominic Solanke makes it three!!!Copy linkCopied More

  • in

    Carabao Cup semi-final draw confirmed as Tottenham land horror draw and Arsenal given trophy hopes

    THE Carabao Cup semi-final draw has been made with Tottenham Hotspur dealt a tricky tie against Liverpool.Spurs will have to topple the league leaders, while north London neighbours Arsenal will face Newcastle in the other tie.The Carabao Cup semi-final fixtures have been announcedCredit: GettyTottenham earned their spot in the semis with a dramatic 4-3 win over Man UtdCredit: GettyArsenal made the final four with a 3-2 win over Crystal PalaceCredit: AlamyArsenal will feel they have been given the kindest draw possible, while Spurs face a tough test against Liverpool.The tie also means that there’s a possibility of a North London derby final should both Arsenal and Spurs win their ties.Spurs will certainly have their work cut out for them against a high-flying Liverpool side.Arne Slot’s team, the current Carabao Cup holders, booked their place in the last four with a tricky victory at Southampton last night.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDespite Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott’s first-half goals, the Reds made it hard work for themselves in the second period, with manager-less Saints unlucky not to draw level after Cameron Archer pulled one back.Arsenal dumped Crystal Palace out on Wednesday night, with a sublime Gabriel Jesus hat-trick completing an impressive turnaround in a 3-2 win.Jean-Philippe Mateta had netted an early opener, but the Brazilian’s treble ultimately proved decisive, even if a late Eddie Nketiah consolation did make for a nervy ending.Newcastle, meanwhile, edged one step closer to their first domestic trophy in nearly 70 YEARS by dumping Brentford out.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSandro Tonali ran the show at St James’ Park with a first-half double, but the Toon Army’s celebrations were slightly overshadowed by concerns for Joelinton.The Brazilian midfielder needed hospital treatment after being on the wrong end of a nasty challenge.Roy Keane blasts Marcus Rashford for being distracted by ‘watches and off field stuff’ as star set for Man Utd exit Bees star Nathan Collins struck Joelinton with an elbow, and caught the Newcastle man’s head with his studs as he fell back to the ground.Tottenham completed the semi-final line-up by comfortably dispatching of Man Utd in arguably the game of the round at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.A Dominic Solanke brace either side of a Dejan Kulusevski goal set the wheels in motion, before those same wheels dramatically fell off.Fraser Forster committed two goalkeeping howlers to gift Ruben Amorim’s side a lifeline, before fellow understudy Altay Bayindir let Son Heung-min score directly from a corner.Jonny Evans’ late goal was not enough as Man Utd were sent home empty-handed.The Carabao Cup semi-final first legs will take place in the week commencing January 6th 2025, with the second legs to follow in the week beginning February 3rd.The final will take place at Wembley Stadium on Sunday March 16th.Carabao Cup draw in fullHere’s a look at those ties for the semi-finals…Arsenal vs Newcastle UnitedTottenham Hotspur vs LiverpoolLiverpool will be hoping to retain the Carabao CupCredit: GettyNewcastle are looking to bring an end to their 70-year trophy droughtCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Tottenham 4-3 Man Utd LIVE RESULT: Spurs secure spot in Carabao Cup semi-final despite nervy end to frantic clash

    TOTTENHAM have beaten Manchester United 4-3 to secure their spot in the Carabao Cup semi-final.Dominic Solanke tapped in to make it 1-0 on 15 minutes after Altay Bayindir fumbled Pedro Porro’s thunderstrike.Seconds into the second half, Dejan Kulusevski stroked home to make it 2-0 to the hosts.Solanke got his second of the night on 54 minutes with a superb finish to make it 3-0 before Man Utd got one back through Joshua Zirkzee.Minutes later, Amad Diallo pounced on a horror error from Fraser Forster to make it 3-2 and set up a grandstand finish.Spurs’ nerves were eased after Son Heung-min’s corner controversially flew straight past Bayindir in goal to make it 4-2 at the death.Man Utd weren’t done as Jonny Evans headed in from a corner to make it nervy once again for Spurs.But Tottenham hung on to secure a 4-3 win and progress to the Carabao Cup semi-final.Match result: Tottenham 4-3 Man UtdTottenham team: Forster, Porro, Dragusin, Gray, Spence, Sarr, Bissouma, Maddison, Kulusevski, Solanke, SonMan Utd team: Bayindir, Lindelof, Yoro, Martinez, Dalot, Eriksen, Ugarte, Mazraoui, Antony, Hojlund, FernandesCarabao Cup draw LIVEFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…Having to trust the processMan Utd fans have some wishes granted this year.Fed up with The Glazers, in came Sir Jim Ratcliffe as the financiial saviour.Wanting ten Hag sacked, they got their wish and Ruben Amorim arrived.However, despite these two positives, they are being asked to trust a process without knowing what it actually is.There is no short-term soluton but surely things can only get better.Copy linkCopiedSpurs to get to know Reds wellTottenham now prepare for this weekend’s Premier League fixtures where they welcome Liverpool to North London.Having drawn each other in the Carabao Cup, it looks like this pair are guaranteed at least four games against each other this season.This will be a tough test for Ange Postecoglou as he looks to derail the fantastic start Arne Slot has made to life at Anfield.Copy linkCopiedAnge quotes fellow AussieIt is hard not to like Ange Postecoglou, he is a man’s man.Most managers swerve questons and rarely say what they think, Tottenham’s Australian manager does not play that way.When he quizzed about how crazy his side’s matches are with seemingly all attack and no defence, he seemed to channel his inner Russell Crowe when he replied….’are you not entertained?’Legend.Although duriing the game he seemed to want three more goals from his free-flowing attack.That said, with his tactiics, he could have been telling his team to switch to 2-1-7.Credit: APCopy linkCopiedThe answers everyone craves to findWhen Sir Jim Ratcliffe is quizzed about the club’s future, he is good at deflecting and saying neutral things fans want to hear without actually answering anything.Ruben Amorim is honest about the size of the task at hand and just how long it will take to change.It is obvious that it cannot happen with the majority of this squad, he is not a magician.That then brings you onto the question of what the owners offered him to get him to accept this role.Currently, the only logical answer is a huge war-chest for the forthcoming transfer windows but that is not so easy to do in the modern game with PSR rules.It will be interesting to see how things unfold, after all, Erik ten Hag spent in excess of £600m and nothing improved.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedBoss leaves door open for forwardDuriing his post-match interview, Ruben Amorim was also asked about the obvious elephant in the room, Marcus Rashford.The manager said that they will training tomorrow and Marcus will be part of that.When pushed further as to whether he still had a future at the club, Amorim said ‘of course, everyone does’. Copy linkCopiedRuben being realistic about jobSpeaking with Sky Sports about tonight’s game, the new manager seems to have learnt nothing new in North London:We looked comfortable in the first-half even when we were trailing. Tonight there is nothing I can say to you about it. I will analyse it tomorrow, take a night to think. We cannot think winning silverware fixes everything. It will be a long wait. Our goal iis to win the Premier League. How long will that take? I do not know.Ruben AmorimMan UtdCopy linkCopiedCarabao Cup semi-final drawJamie Redknapp and Jamie Carragher have made the draw:Arsenal vs NewcastleTottenham vs LiverpoolSome cracking games to look forward to there.Copy linkCopiedBoss opens up on performanceThe Tottenham manager was asked his thoughts on tonight’s game and whether their open nature causes him concerns:We made it harder than iit should have been. We made two mistakes and it hit us. I like the whole bit mate, are you not entertained? I like teams who play entertaining football. Obviously we cannot give goals away like tonight, we want to win trophies.Ange PostecoglouTottenhamCopy linkCopiedAnge looking to keep his promisePostecoglou may have regret saying it at the time but when he told the media that he always wins trophies in his second season with a club.The tongue-in-cheek comment may come back to haunt him but as it stands, they are two games away from a final.Tottenham fans would love nothing more than him to keep that impressive managerial record intact.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Tom Barclay in North LondonTOTTENHAM are through to the Carabao Cup semi-finals – but that does not tell half the story from this mad night in N17.Ange Postecoglou’s hosts  were wiping the floor with Ruben Amorim’s sorry side thanks to Dominic Solanke’s double either side of a Dejan Kulusevski’s strike.But then Fraser Forster attempted to play out from the back and got caught out TWICE.It saw subs Joshua Zirkzee and Amad Diallo inflict unnecessary stress on the home fans – until Son Heung-min scored directly from a corner.There was still time for Jonny Evans to head in a seventh goal of the game in fourth minute of stoppage time – of course there was – but Spurs managed to see it out.The result means Postecoglou can still make good on his bold claim that he “always wins something in his second season”.Arsenal, Liverpool or Newcastle await in the last four.Copy linkCopiedAmorim with early headache to fixWhatever the Portuguese manager has planned for the club long-term, you cannot win matches when you concede so easiily.They have problems with the keeper position and none of the defenders can be certain of a starting spot.There is no communication, they look like it is the first time they have ever played the game at times.Now Amorim has to work out who he can fix it.Credit: AlamyCopy linkCopiedSpurs march on to semi-finalsTottenham will be checking out the semi-final draw now from the changing rooms to see who they get.Liverpool, Arsenal and Newcastle have been waiting for them.What odds on a North London derby over two legs?Copy linkCopiedFT: Tottenham 4-3 Man UtdNo Spurs fan can say they don’t get value for money on their ticket prices, that is for sure.This will be a painful defeat for the visitors, something they really need to learn from.Postecoglou can forget the performance now and just focus on the result.Copy linkCopiedFT: Tottenham 4-3 Man UtdThe referee brings an entertaining game to a close in the capital.Most neutral fans wanted to see another half hour of that.Spurs are into the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.Copy linkCopiedTottenham 4-3 Man Utd90+5. It seems a lot of Man Utd fans left when Spurs’ fourth goal went in.They may live to regret that.As a corner is whipped in, Evans rises to head it and beats Forster to give the Red Devils a small glimmer of hope.Credit: AlamyCopy linkCopiedGoal – Jonny Evans (Man Utd)Copy linkCopiedTottenham 4-2 Man Utd90+4. The mood has changed once again in North London.If Spurs can ensure they are in that semi-final draw all will be forgotten for their calamity keeper.They be considering his place for the next round though.Copy linkCopiedTottenham 4-2 Man Utd90+2. Zirkzee looks to get a shot away iin the box.It is well blocked, at the expense of corner.Fernandes’ cross is poor and it is easily headed clear.Copy linkCopiedTottenham 4-2 Man Utd90. Surely there is no way back for the visitors now.Tottenham have a two-goal cushion to protect.We are going to have six added minutes however.Copy linkCopiedTottenham 4-2 Man Utd88. This game should be on Comedy Central.Son takes a corner and puts an inswinging cross in towards goal.Bayindir completely misses the ball and it ends up in the back of the net.He claims he was fouled but the referee is not interested and there is no VAR in place tonight.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Heung-min Son (Tottenham)Copy linkCopiedTottenham 3-2 Man Utd86. If you were a Spurs player and had arranged a lift home from Forster after the game, you would be thinking up ways to let him down right now.He is having a nightmare and only a daredevil would get in a car with him behind the wheel, head shot to bits from this performance.Tottenham fans are just hoping they can hold on for the win here.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedTottenham 3-2 Man Utd84. Amad looks to take on Gray for pace . He tries to get to the byline and cut it back into the box.Forster blocks for a corner but it is decided that it was out of play before he touched it.Copy linkCopiedTottenham 3-2 Man Utd82. Wow. Just wow.Man Utd try a shot from outside the box that is straight at the Tottenham keeper along the floor.He decides to go ‘full Onana’ and clears it off the line like a backtracking defender.This is mental.To dare is to do.Copy linkCopiedTottenham 3-2 Man Utd80. Often teams leave cards on the seats in the stadium for the fans to hold up and make some kind of image for the cameras.Tottenham could do with leaving blood pressure medication on the seats in North London, proving they look out for their fans.They were safely in that semi-final draw and now it is anyone’s guess how this finishes.Copy linkCopied More

  • in

    Victor Lindelof storms straight down tunnel as he hands Ruben Amorim yet another Man Utd injury scare

    VICTOR LINDELOF has stormed straight out of Manchester United’s clash with Tottenham after picking up an injury.The Swedish defender picked up a knock in the first of the Carabao Cup tie.Victor Lindelof stormed down the tunnel after picking up an injuryHe picked up an injury against TottenhamCredit: RexHe looked visibly upset at suffering another injuryCredit: RexLindelof, 30, went down in the closing stages of the first half and looked upset on the pitch.After being checked on by Manchester United’s medical staff he was subbed off the pitch.The defender went straight down the tunnel and looked visibly emotional as he took off his shirt.Manager Ruben Amorim was forced to send on veteran defender Jonny Evans in his place.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFans have reacted to the injury to Lindelof on social media, and many feel sympathetic for the former Benfica man.One posted: “Sad seeing Lindelof leave the field injured. You could see how upset he was too.”A second commented: “Not nice to see players upset like that due to injury. Hope Lindelof’s injury isn’t too bad.”A third wrote: “An absolute nightmare for Victor Lindelof as he’s forced off with another injury.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA fourth said: “Feel sorry for him that he’s injured again.”Another added: “Poor Lindelof.”Man Utd cult hero Nani announces retirement with emotional video after tragic death of his fatherMan United were 1-0 down in North London when Lindelof was forced off the pitch.Dominic Solanke fired Spurs ahead in the 15th minute as he capitalised on an error from Altay Bayindir.Dejan Kulusevski made it 2-0 as he capitalised on a poor clearance from Lisandro Martinez.Lindelof joined Manchester United back in 2017, but his time at the club was blighted by injury.His latest setback will be another blow to Amorim, who lost Mason Mount to injury in the 2-1 victory over Manchester City. More

  • in

    When is the Carabao Cup semi-final draw? Start time, live stream FREE, TV channel, ball numbers and results

    CARABAO CUP draws are often known for throwing up some blockbuster ties – and the semi-final encounters will be no different!Arsenal will be in the hat after Gabriel Jesus inspired a 3-2 win over Crystal Palace.Gabriel Jesus scored a stunning hat-trick against PalaceCredit: APWhile Premier League leaders Liverpool overcame struggling Southampton 2-1 to progress.Newcastle defeated Brentford 3-1 with Sandro Tonali netting twice in the first half.The final quarter-final before the big draw sees Manchester United travel to Tottenham.When is Carabao Cup semi-final draw?The Carabao Cup semi-final draw will take place on Thursday, December 19.It will begin shortly after the conclusion of Tottenham’s blockbuster quarter-final match against Manchester United which kicks-off at 8pm GMT.Meaning the draw is likely to start from around 10:30pm GMT depending on stoppage time and penalties if it goes that far.Read more on Carabao CupWhat TV channel is the Carabao Cup semi-final draw on and can it be live streamed for FREE?The Carabao Cup semi-final draw will be shown LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.Subscribers of NOW TV can watch the draw via the NOW TV or Sky Sports app,However, the Carabao Cup semi-final draw will be broadcast for FREE on the official Sky Sports Football YouTube channel.Alternatively, SunSport’s live blog is set to have the entire coverage of the draw.When will the Carabao Cup semi-final matches take place?Carabao Cup semi-final first leg matches are set to take place on Wednesday, January 8While the second leg encounters are set to get underway on Wednesday, February 5.Carabao Cup quarter-final schedule and resultsWednesday, December 18Most read in FootballArsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace – 7:30pm GMT (Sky Sports Main Event)Newcastle 3-1 Brentford – 7:45pm GMT (Sky Sports +)Southampton 2-1 Liverpool – 8pm GMT (Sky Sports Football)Thursday, December 19Tottenham vs Manchester United – 8pm GMT (Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football) More

  • in

    Ange Postecoglou tipped to keep to Tottenham second season promise ahead of crunch Man Utd clash in Carabao Cup

    STEPHEN CARR knows all about beating Manchester United in a big League Cup tie.Just over 26 years ago, defender Carr was part of the Tottenham team that stunned Sir Alex Ferguson’s soon-to-be Treble winners with a 3-1 quarter-final home win.Ange Postecoglou will try to navigate his Tottenham side past Manchester United in the Carabao CupCredit: GettyStephen Carr helped Spurs to a cup tie victory over the Red Devils in 1998Credit: GettyChris Armstrong (twice) and David Ginola scored against a weakened Red Devils — albeit one that included Ryan Giggs, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Teddy Sheringham.But it was a great Spurs cup night at the old stadium in an era with very few of them.Former right-back Carr, 48, told SunSport in association with William Hill: “Manchester United were very successful back then, but the League Cup wasn’t as important. Their eyes were on the treble.“So it was a great time to play them.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLUnited were the last of the big guns left in the competition that season, so the draw opened up nicely for Tottenham.They took full advantage. After sneaking past Wimbledon in the semi-finals, 10-man Tottenham — following Justin Edinburgh’s red card — saw off Leicester at Wembley with Allan Nielsen’s late winner.But today, Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs are unlikely to have it that easy in the latter stages.They might have dumped out League Cup specialists Manchester City but Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle are waiting in the wings if they see off United.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSYet Carr — who played every minute of that 1999 final — reckons Postecoglou can keep his second-season promise and lead Tottenham to a first trophy since 2008.He said: “They can definitely win the cup, but it’s a very strong line-up.Ange Postecoglou reacts to Tottenham’s 4-3 loss to Chelsea “People say the top teams don’t care about this competition — but there are some massive clubs still in there.“There’s no reason why Spurs can’t win it. Postecoglou said he always wins a trophy in his second season, so fingers crossed he does.“Tottenham can beat anybody on their day. They’re unbelievable, especially at home. If they play like we know they can, they can turn over Manchester United.“The problem is they’ve struggled getting back-to-back results.“They get an unbelievable result like against Manchester City and then one like Ipswich. They’re so up and down.”Carr spent 11 years at Tottenham from 1993 to 2004, when they finished between seventh and 15th.So the cups were often seen as a welcome break.During that 1998-1999 season, the 11 games Spurs won in the two domestic cups — they also reached the FA Cup semi-finals — was as many as they managed in the Premier League.And Carr reckons the cups could favour Spurs again this season, saying: “There’s a gap between cup games so out of all the teams left in the competition, cup football suits them most because they’re not as consistent.“The other big boys go on long winning runs, whereas Tottenham don’t.”During December, Spurs play nine times across three competitions.Along with the League Cup, they are in the Europa League — as well as challenging for the Prem’s top four.But Carr believes their 17-year trophy drought means this last-eight tie is the biggest of the lot.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “It’ll be a big statement to beat Manchester United. They are starting to play now. It’s not the same team who were struggling under Erik ten Hag.“Going into the festive period, this is the most important game for Spurs. Fans would rather go to Wembley and win a trophy than get back into the Champions League.”Who are these famous footballers? More

  • in

    Arsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace LIVE RESULT: Gabriel Jesus hits stunning HAT-TRICK as Gunners reach Carabao Cup semi-final

    ARSENAL have beaten Crystal Palace 3-2 to reach the Carabao Cup semi-finals.Gabriel Jesus scored a stunning second-half hat-trick as the Gunners fought back in some style after going a goal down early after Jean-Philippe Mateta’s strike.Former Gunner Eddie Nketiah netted a late header to set up a thrilling finale, but the hosts held on and will be in tomorrow’s draw for the final four.Kick-off time: 7.30pm GMTLive stream: NOW TVTV channel: Sky Sports Main EventArsenal starting team: Raya; Partey, Timber, Kiwior, Tierney; Jorginho, Merino, Nwaneri; Sterling, Trossard, JesusPalace starting team: Henderson; Guehi, Chalobah, Lacroix; Kporha, Hughes, Lerma, Mitchell; Sarr, Eze; MatetaFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from the Emirates with our live blog below…Owners with January dilemma to addressThe big question in the Arsenal boardroom over the next couple of weeks will no doubt be the impending transfer window.They will feel that they have backed Mikel Arteta with transfer funds but whether they give him a kitty to strengthen in the middle of the season is another thing.Despite all the signings, they do not seem to have the required depth needed to challenge for silverware on all fronts, that was underpinned tonight by having to bring Odegaard on at the interval.It will be interesting to see how things develop as this will tell us whether they feel the Spaniard has already had enough to achieve their goals.Copy linkCopiedForward hits back at criticsArsenal’s hat-trick hero spoke with Sky Sports after the game on his performance against Crystal Palace this evening.You know what, I am the kind of player who can score goals. I can drop off, come short and link play. But there are times where the goals do not come.That is why I am working a lot in training on my finishing. I think today my hard work paid off.Gabriel JesusArsenalCopy linkCopiedProof is in the puddingGabriel Jesus fits the mould of the many strikers who focus far too much on linking play than having that hunger to score.Dropping deep, making runs into the channels out wide and offering yourself as an option to midfielders takes one of the main threats that is required of a striker away.All too often teams with these kinds of players get quality balls into the box and there is nobody there to get on the end of it.It seemed this evening that the Brazilian spent more time in the penalty area and as a result, he got his rewards for it.Copy linkCopiedHome is where the heart isCrystal Palace have a difficult run of fixtures ahead, where they will play two of the top four in their league fixtures.The one thing they can look forward to is having so many home fixtures to utilise.Selhurst Park can be an intimidating place to visit when The Eagles are on it and they are more than capable of an upset.Copy linkCopiedArteta waits for semi-final drawThere are some interesting potentials for The Gunners in the next round of the Carabao Cup.Newcastle beat Brentford 3-1 to book their place, while Liverpool edged out Southampton 2-1 at St Mary’s.With Man Utd and Tottenham still to play, it could even be a North London derby in the semi-finals to add a little spice to the competition.Copy linkCopiedReady Eddie makes claim for startEddie Nketiah will have done himself no harm this evening in letting the manager know he is hungry for starts.Oliver Glasner seems to pick Jean-Philippe Mateta as his first-choice striker but he may have to rethink his tactics.If he could make room for both strikers in his side, it would certainly add some firepower to The Eagles.The former Arsenal man took his goal well to make it a nervy end to the game in North London.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedGunners off on their travelsArsenal will need to work on their away form over the Christmas fixture period.They have some tricky fixtures on the road coming up.Arteta will be pleased that they have finally scored from open play this evening to get that monkey off their back.Copy linkCopiedBoss shows where priorities lieAt a crucial point in this game, with the scores level, Oliver Glasner brought off Mateta and Eze.It seemed more important to the Palace manager to have his players fit for their weekend clash with The Gunners at Selhurst Park.Always a strange one to get your head around when you have got as far as the quarter-final stage.Securing their Premier League status for another season comes with far greater financial rewards, that is for sure.Copy linkCopiedYoungster needs to bounce backEthan Nwaneri will have to put this performance behind him.It is never nice to get the hook at half-time but Arteta saw fit for him to make way for Martin Odegaard.The young midfielder has a long career ahead of him, there will no doubt be a few poor performances from time to time.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedGunners up against it, Jesus savesIt was a night to remember for Gabriel Jesus.The striker had been on something of a goal drought this season and questions were being asked about his returns for Arsenal.He answered his critics in the perfect fashion as he bagged three goals to see his side through to the semi-finals.The Brazilian just has to try and find some room in his bag for that match ball now.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedItalian gets back to basicsJorginho is never going to set a football pitch alight.That is not his game, what he does mainly goes under the radar.However, what he did tonight was just what The Gunners needed as he patrolled the midfield areas breaking up play.Copy linkCopiedFT: Arsenal 3-2 Crystal PalaceIt was a game of two halves at The Emirates.Once Odegaard came on, they looked a different team.Might be a good time for him to ask for a pay rise, he carries this Arsenal team.Copy linkCopiedFT: Arsenal 3-2 Crystal PalaceThe referee brings the game to a close.Arsenal are through to the Carabao Cup semi-finals.An entertaining game in North London.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace90+4. It is baffling how many empty seats there are in the ground now.This game is finely poised still but apparently missing the traffic is more important than catching the action.’Prawn sandwich brigade’ as Roy Keane would call them.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace90+2. Time is running out for The Eagles.They need to throw caution to the wind now.You don’t get anything for running teams close in football.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace90. Nketiah is looking lively up top.He beat Saliba for pace there and cuts the ball back from the byline but no Palace player can get on the end of it.We may yet have late drama here.Don’t forget, there is no extra time tonight, if the visitors equalise we will have penalties.There will be five added minutes.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace88. The Gunners should have enough to see this out.Chalobah felt he was fouled by Merino so grabs the ball as he goes down.The referee disagrees and penalises him for handball.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace86. Kiwior is coming off for Gabriel.That says a lot about Arteta’s mindset now.He wants to hold on to what they have.Credit: APCopy linkCopiedArsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace84. Well, that should make for a more exciting climax.As the cross comes into the box, Nketiah gets up and heads past Raya from some distance.Great goal from the former Gunner.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Eddie Nketiah (Crystal Palace)Copy linkCopiedArsenal 3-1 Crystal Palace82. Well this has definitely made the trip to The Emirates worthwhile for all those Arsenal fans.A Gabriel Jesus hat-trick is rare commodity.It is like having watched the moon landings live.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 3-1 Crystal Palace80. Jesus is slotted clean through on goal.As Henderson comes out to close him down, he passes it into the far corner.It is a hat-trick for the Brazilian.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal)Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-1 Crystal Palace78. Henderson comes out to the collect the ball on the edge of his box.He almost carries the ball out of the penalty area with him.Arsenal are briming with confidence right now.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-1 Crystal Palace76. You feel Arsenal will have too much for the visitors now.With Saka and Odegaard on the pitch, they are able to open up Crystal Palace at will.It is hard to see a way back into this game for Glasner’s side.Copy linkCopied More

  • in

    Newcastle 3 Brentford 1: Sandro Tonali’s first-half double sends Toon one step closer to first trophy in nearly 70 YEARS

    SANDRO TONALI finally took centre stage at Newcastle – and you can bet your bottom dollar he has the Toon Army dreaming of silverware.The Magpies, who have not lifted a domestic trophy since 1955, are a step closer after the Italian single-handidly downed Brentford.Newcastle sealed qualification to the Carabao Cup semi-finalsCredit: ReutersSandro Tonali fired Newcastle to victory with a braceCredit: AlamyFabian Schar sealed qualification for Newcastle in the Carabao CupCredit: AlamyBrentford got a consolation with a late goal by Yoane WissaCredit: GettyAnd it could prove to be a fairytale finish if the second coming of the Italian Stallion on Tyneside keeps producing nights like this.The midfielder, 24, scored his first goals since his debut in August 2023 and has had to wait since then for a performance as magical as this.Newcastle forked out £55million to bring Tonali to Tyneside to help them end their long drought for a cup.That momentum from his brilliant scoring bow quickly evaporated when he was hit with a ten-month betting ban.Read More on FootballNow he is back and ready to repay the faith and support from Newcastle and their fans by delivering the Carabao Cup.Less than ten minutes were on the clock when Tino Liramento’s low cross from the right was cleared to the edge of the area by the Bees’ backline.But it was met by the charging Tonali, and he drilled home from 20 yards to send St James’ Park wild.The party, however, threatened to be pooped big style when Yoane Wissa was picked out by Kevin Schade in the Newcastle box.Most read in FootballThe Brentford forward attempted to go round Toon goalie Martin Dubravka, who got a touch to the ball, and threw himself to the ground but the ref was having none of it and with no VAR play continued.And the nightmare start soon got even worse for Thomas Frank with the Brentford boss now looking set to be without TWO defenders for the festive period. Former Newcastle boss Alan Pardew reveals why he axed Hatem Ben Arfa despite him being an ‘unbelievable talent’ Sepp van den Berg pulled out of the starting XI with an injury in the warm-up, replaced by Nathan Collins, and then Ethan Pinnock hobbled off.And only a lengthy stoppage for Joelinton to receive treatment for a nasty cut on his mouth stopped the hosts from building up a head of steam.But after both Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon had curled wide, it was time for Tonali to get his adoring public back on their feet.Gordon floated a corner in, and with the Bees defence too busy trying to block Joelinton, Tonali had the freedom of the Leazes End to nip in and volley home unmarked.The main man then linked up with Bruno Guimaraes and teed up Murphy, but the woodwork denied him a third before the break.In truth, apart from Tonali, there was not much quality on display and Brentford failed to offer much after the restart.Newcastle score a thirdThey did give Newcastle one scare as Keane Lewis-Potter got away from Livramento and forced Dubravka into action at his near post.Up the other end, Murphy curled another wide after a brilliant move but Toon eventually got a third as the Bees threw in the towel with just over 20 to go.Lewis Hall’s shot was saved after a corner routine, but Bruno reacted quickest and unselfishly rolled the ball across for Fabian Schar to tap home into an empty net.Unfortunately for the Swiss defender and captain Bruno both had already been booked for first half challenges on Fabio Carvalho and Ben Mee respectively.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd in what was the only sour point of the evening, which nearly got better as sub Harvey Barnes was prevented a fourth by the woodwork, that means the key pair will both be suspended for the semi-final first-leg next month.Brentford pulled one back right at the death as Yoane Wissa finished off a counter – but nothing was stopping Tonali from being the talk of the Toon. More