Carabao Cup

ANGE POSTECOGLOU loves high-risk football – but surely even this was a bit much for him.For 88 minutes, the Aussie’s much-changed side stank the place out and looked to be deservedly going out thanks to Brandon Thomas-Asante’s calm finish.Brandon Thomas-Asante scored the opening goal of the gameCredit: RexThe Coventry man’s strike looked to have settled the tieCredit: ReutersDjed Spence levelled late on for the visitorsCredit: RexThe full-back looked to have sent the game to penaltiesCredit: RexThe gamble of making so many switches – EIGHT in total – given the shocking run of seven defeats in 11 games looked to have backfired spectacularly.But then up popped subs Djed Spence and Brennan Johnson to turn the tie on its head and keep Postecoglou’s chances of backing up his “second season” silverware claim alive.Postecoglou had reminded the world in the wake of the North London derby defeat to Arsenal that he “always” wins a trophy in his second season, during a spiky TV interview.He insisted he was merely stating a “fact” during his Tuesday press conference and denied it heaped unnecessary pressure on himself to deliver this term.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the ex-Celtic boss also admitted his bold statements meant he was “fair game” for flak if he could not back up the big talk.The quickest route to doing that is by winning the Carabao Cup this season – which was why it felt a mistake to make so many switches to his line-up.Fraser Forster, in for regular No1 Guglielmo Vicario, looked like a man who had not played in more than a year, which was not a shock as that literally was the case.The former England stopper’s last appearance came in August 2023, at the same stage of this competition as Spurs lost at Fulham on penalties.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBrennan Johnson scored a stoppage-time winner for SpursCredit: GettyIt salvaged a potentially disastrous situation for the Premier League sideCredit: GettyPostecoglou made nine changes that night too but things were going so well in the league, the dissenting voices were few.He would have known his choices here, if they did not come off, would draw far more heat.Arsenal fans react to derby win over Spurs and reveal players who impressed them the mostAnd when Forster fired a poor pass to 18-year-old Lucas Bergvall which allowed the excellent Jack Rudoni to fire off a shot after just 44 seconds, it already looked like he had got it wrong.Forster managed to tip away Rudoni’s effort but the nervy moment was one of many from Spurs’ much-switched backline in possession that would have had Spurs fans having kittens in the first half.Coventry themselves had made seven swaps to the starting XI that drew 1-1 at Watford in the Championship on Saturday.Yet Postecoglou must have worried how little his side threatened Mark Robins’ team, with next to no chances created from the visitors.Dominic Solanke, signed for a league-highest £65million this summer, could barely get a kick.Timo Werner looked horribly out of form, constantly running down blind alleys on the left-hand side and poor in possession.In fact, Bergvall, the blond Swedish teenager with the boyish goodlooks brought in from Djurgarden in July, looked the only player in green who really wanted to get on the ball.Postecoglou was dealt a big blow inside 18 minutes when £30m new-man Wilson Odobert was forced off with what looked to be a hamstring problem.Destiny Udogie’s terrific block to deny Rudoni, coming onto a Jack Bidwell cross with a well-struck, low half-volley, kept it at 0-0 at the break.While young Belgian Norman Bassette forced Forster to tip over after being released by Rudoni’s superb ball over the top, only for a goal-kick to be given, bizarrely.Ange Postecoglou’s hopes of a trophy this season narrowly avoided a major blowCredit: RexSpence came on for Spurs at the break but Postecoglou’s side got worse.Bassette had a shot well saved by Forster, who then flattened his team-mate Radu Dragusin when racing off his line, leaving Ben Davies to put in a goal-saving block when Haji Wright fired towards an open net.It was a close call but even that did not shake Postecoglou’s side out of their slump – and just after the hour they were behind.Bassette found an unmarked Thomas-Asante with a routine, low cross and the forward did the business by firing past the helpless Forster.It looked all over for Spurs but then up popped Spence, out of nowhere, to poke home a leveller with two minutes to go.A few minutes later, Johnson raced onto a through-ball and cleverly dinked it past the goalkeeper to win the game.It ended a difficult period for him personally on a high note, after the Welshman had deactivated his Instagram account after fan abuse following the North London derby.READ MORE SUN STORIESFor his manager, it must have been sheer relief – knowing he had got away with one here.But then again, fortune favours the brave, right, mate? More

CARLOS BALEBA scored a belter of a goal on a night of firsts for Brighton.The Cameroon ace – who was signed from Lille last summer – beat under-fire keeper Jose Sa from 25 yards out to get them up and running after 14 minutes.Carlos Baleba struck in the first half for Brighton against WolvesCredit: PAFerdi Kadioglu netted the winner at the Amex after the visitors gave the Seagulls a scareCredit: ReutersGoncalo Guedes got Wolves back into the game late in the first halfCredit: GettyAnd Sa was beaten again by a 31st-minute rocket from Simon Adingra.But Goncalo Guedes pulled one back a minute before the break for Wolves before summer signing Ferdi Kadioglu climbed off the bench to score his first goal for the club.Yet Tommy Doyle netted in stoppage time to set up a tense finish after a howler from keeper Jason Steele but Brighton held on.And in doing so it sealed their first-ever win in a cup game against Wolves.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLYankuba Minteh was appealing for a penalty in the opening minutes when he tumbled under a challenge from Matt Doherty but ref John Brooks waved it away. Brighton moved ahead after slack passing from Wolves.Doherty played a ball to Joao Pedro, which put him under pressure. He had the ball taken off him by Baleba 25 yards out before firing a low strike which beat Sa.The Wolves keeper was dropped for the Newcastle loss after some underwhelming performances.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Seagulls thought they had doubled their lead when Ferguson turned and laid a pass forward for Minteh to put the ball into the back of the net.But he had strayed offside.Premier League panel reveal why referee was right to send off Arsenal star Declan Rice against BrightonDoherty almost put Sa into trouble with a hospital back but the keeper managed to round first Ferguson and Minteh before clearing.Wolves finally conjured a chance themselves when Rodrigo Gomes sent in a quality cross but Guedes sent a bullet header over.Guedes then saw an angled effort brilliantly tipped over the bar by Jason Steele.But the Sussex club doubled their lead when Adingra picked up possession 30 yards out on the left.The win puts Brighton in the hat for the fourth roundCredit: ReutersHe ran inside past Pedro Lima before cracking a low drive past Sa from just outside the box into the far right corner.But Wolves pulled one back two minutes before the break.Doherty got beyond the Albion defenders on the left to cut back a pass for Guedes to fire home.And the visitors were denied levelling 15 seconds into the second half.Guedes cut open the Albion defence for Rodrigo Gomes to run through but Steele raced off his line to make a crucial block.Steele made another vital stop as Guedes cut a pass back for Pablo Sarabia, who was set to pounce but was denied by the keeper.Tommy Doyle gave Wolves hope with a stoppage-time strikeCredit: GettyWolves somehow were denied what looked like a certain leveller.Rodrigo Gomes played Nelson Semedo in and his pass into the six-yard box saw the ball bounce off Steele before being unwittingly deflected towards goal by team-mate Adam Webster.But, out of nowhere, Adam Hinshelwood hacked it off the line.And then they wasted yet another chance. This time Semedo and Gomes combined to set up Guedes who shot wide from eight yards.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Kadioglu seemed to put the game to bed when he pounced to convert after Adingra’s effort was parried by Sa.Yet as stoppage time started, keeper Steele gave the ball away to Jorgen Strand Larsen, who laid the ball back for Doyle to fire in off the bar to set up a nervy finish. More

BARNSLEY manager Darrell Clarke accused his team of “ruining” a “proud night” for him at Old Trafford.And he threatened to SLAP his players if he ever heard them criticising Premier League stars.Darrell Clarke was left furious following Barnsley’s 7-0 defeat to Man UtdCredit: GettyThe Barnsley boss claimed his players ‘ruined’ the nightCredit: X @footballheavenThe Tykes suffered a brutal 7-0 defeat to Manchester United on Tuesday following goals from Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, Christian Eriksen and Antony.They subsequently crashed out of the Carabao Cup in the third round, leaving manager Clarke furious.The 46-year-old did not shy away from criticising his players after the match and even claimed they “ruined” the occasion.He said: “I have had a go at them. I wasn’t happy with the performance, I know we have come to Man United, who have world class players, but I wasn’t happy with how we played.Read More in Football”Mael (de Gevigney) was the only player who comes out with credit. Did the occasion get to some of them? Yes probably. We have to understand what it takes to be a top player.”Don’t ever let me hear one of them talking about how bad some Premier League players are. They are miles off. The players were miles off the standards of a top Barnsley player tonight never mind a top Premier League player.”It was a proud night for myself but it’s been ruined by the performance.”In a separate interview with Sky Sports, Clarke added: “If I ever hear one of my players tell me Premier League players when they’re watching a game and they’re saying they’re poor, I’ll be giving them a slap because they’re miles off, we were miles off against a team that can absolutely destroy you when you’re not at it.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe went on to add: “What I will say is, I cannot thank our fans enough. Unbelievable.”I just said to the players, they didn’t deserve that reception after the game.Watch Barnsley boss’ scathing rant after players ‘ruined a proud night for myself’ in 7-0 Man Utd thumping”They paid a fortune to come to this game, backed us in their numbers, sang every minute of the game. I can’t thank them enough.”We need to repay the fans with a proper performance on Saturday. End of.”Barnsley were competitive for the opening 30 minutes of the match but struggled defensively.Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag was thrilled with his team’s performance.He said: “First of all, it was a difficult start but, once we found the shape, it’s not so weird because it’s the first time this team is playing together.”But once we found the shape and the patterns, we scored some great goals, starting with Rashford which was a brilliant goal but I’d also say some other goals were really good.”We played with a lot of speed and we were very ruthless in front of the goal.” More

RYAN LEDSON was the hero as Preston won a record-breaking shootout – after 34 PENALTIES.North End stunned Fulham to beat the previous benchmark in the League Cup, when Liverpool beat Middlesbrough 14-13 on pens in 2014 when 30 were taken.Ryan Ledson netted the 34th penalty of the shootout to send Preston into round fourCredit: GettyFulham’s Timothy Castagne missed his spot-kick after an epic battleCredit: ReutersCottagers star Timothy Castagne blazed his penalty over the bar before skipper Ledson netted to send Fulham out.Reiss Nelson gave Fulham a dazzling glimpse of his big-time promise with a sweet debut goal.The winger, signed from Arsenal on loan, made his first start and set up and finished a slick equaliser in the 62nd minute.Nelson created the space for Ryan Sessegnon to go wide and was in the middle when the cross came to fire home at the near post.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFulham needed that cutting edge after dominating but failing to take their chances. Marco Silva changed his entire team but still had enough big names. But Silva’s defence always looked shaky, with Issa Diop booked after two early badly-timed trips.Keeper Steven Benda clawed away a header from Kaine Kesler-Hayden after Josh Bowler caused trouble with a cross.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBowler started the move that brought the breakthrough goal with another ball that Mads Frokjaer headed into the danger zone.Harrison Reed cleared but North End skipper Ledson returned the ball with interest from the edge of the box – cracking home in the 35th minute.Mum shares thoughts on expensive football shirtsNelson’s leveller should have opened the door for more.But North End dug in well and once again the lack of a final touch frustrated the Craven Cottage men as they were dumped out. More

SOUTHAMPTON piled more pressure on Sean Dyche as Everton blew another lead and were dumped out of the League Cup.It took penalties to settle this one as veteran Ashley Young was the unfortunate victim in the shoot-out.Abdoulaye Doucoure opened the scoring for the Toffees at Goodison ParkCredit: ReutersTaylor Harwood-Bellis powered in the equaliser on the stroke of half-timeCredit: GettyEverton’s Ashley Young misses from the spotCredit: PAIt had started fairly well for the Blues after their two recent two-goal collapses after Abdoulaye Doucoure took over the Everton captain’s armband.He was spotted delivering a final pep-talk to the much-changed Blues XI in a pre-match huddle.And it might just be a lucky omen as, after a turgid opening, it was the Mali midfielder who broke the deadlock.It’s no wonder the usually raucous Goodison was struggling to get rocking after they arrived to see eight changes in the starting XI – including a first start for Harrison Armstrong, 17.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt took until just after the ten-minute mark for them to even make a murmur as Beto’s low near-post shot was pushed wide.But finally, the home faithful did have something to shout when Doucoure headed home from a set-piece.A corner was swung deep to the back post where Jake O’Brien flicked on for Michael Keane to find the 31-year-old to nod home.England No.1 Jordan Pickford was one of those left out after it was reported how Dyche has been unhappy with his form.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe was joined on the bench by fellow stopper Asmir Begovic, with Dyche claiming a sickness bug to three players had left him short on numbers, but neither were called upon even for the shootout.That allowed Portuguese goalie Joao Virginia to make just his seventh start for the club, but the first thing he really had to do was pick the ball out of the net as Everton’s lead lasted all of 12 minutes.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelCharlie Taylor, a former Dyche stalwart at Burnley, delivered an inch perfect set-piece towards Taylor Harwood-Bellis’ head.And despite makeshift left-back Dwight McNeil trying to put the pressure on, he headed the ball into the ground and into the net to level.Jesper Lindstrom had already wasted the first of his two big chances before that, firing straight at Alex McCarthy after being played in by Doucoure, when he did the same after the restart.This time it was Beto’s flick that set him away on goal, but he was unable to beat the Saints ‘keeper again.Finally, the game had come to life, and it was Virginia called into action next to deny Ryan Fraser’s bundled effort from close-range.A loud ‘Dyche, sort it out’ was bellowed from behind the dug-out as the locals started to show their frustration.But there were loud boos when the manager did take action as he opted to take off Beto as part of a double change that saw attacking midfielder Iliman Ndiaye shifted up top.It failed to make the desired impact as it was a Saints sub, Ben Breton Diaz, who did well to hold off the midfielder only to fire straight at Virginia.Then 18-year-old Tyler Dibling embarked on a dazzling run right at the death but blazed over, leaving it to be settled by spot-kicks.READ MORE SUN STORIESMateus Fernandes, Ross Stewart, Brereton-Diaz, Harwood-Bellis, Joe Aribo all converted for the visitors as Keane, McNeil, Ndiaye, Lindstrom and Jack Harrison matched them to send it to sudden death.James Bree made it six for the Saints – and then Alex McCarthy saved from Young to win it. More