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      Man Utd had more players wearing CAPTAIN’S ARMBAND than they had shots on target against Newcastle

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      MANCHESTER UNITED had more skippers than shots on targets in their Carabao Cup humbling against Newcastle – as sorry stats pile up for Erik ten Hag.The Red Devils manager insists he is still “confident” he can turn United around but admits the club are in a “bad place”.
      Casemiro was Man Utd’s first skipper vs Newcastle but went off at half-timeCredit: Rex
      Centre-back Victor Lindelof was perhaps a surprise choice as second captainCredit: Reuters
      Bruno Fernandes was the third and last of United’s skippers on a dismal nightCredit: Getty
      And woeful statistics have engulfed Ten Hag’s squad in the past week.
      Three United players wore the captain’s armband in Wednesday’s 3-0 humiliation – one more than the team’s total number of efforts on target.
      First Casemiro skippered the Red Devils but went off injured at the break.
      Victor Lindelof then took the band – until passing it to Bruno Fernandes when the midfielder came on for the final 25 minutes.
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      Throughout the tie, however, United were armed but far from dangerous as Newcastle strolled into the quarter-finals.
      The Red Devils rarely threatened the injury-hit Magpies, firing ten efforts off-target.
      And although the stat about skippers outnumbering on-target shots is more quirky than damning, it typifies the disarray at Old Trafford.
      Fans called it “shocking” – but it comes amid a string of other facts and figures far more damaging to Ten Hag’s chances of staying in charge.
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      Sunday’s 3-0 loss to Manchester City took the Red Devils to 34 home Premier League defeats in ten years – the same number as Sir Alex Ferguson suffered in his whole reign from 1986 to 2013.
      And the midweek Carabao Cup exit meant United have lost two home games in a row by three goals or more for the first time since 1962.
      It’s also the first time the Red Devils have been defeated in five of their first ten home matches since 1930-31.
      Ten Hag said: “I take responsibility for it. It is my team and they are not performing.
      “I understand when the results are not there it is logical they (fans)  are questioning that.
      “But I am a fighter. I see it as a challenge.” More

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      Declan Rice has classy response after Arsenal star is BOOED by former club West Ham following £105m transfer

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      ARSENAL superstar Declan Rice issued a classy message to former club West Ham despite getting booed by Hammers fans on Wednesday.Rice returned to the London Stadium for the first time since his record £105million move to Arsenal last summer.
      Arsenal star Declan Rice was booed by West Ham fans on his return to the London StadiumCredit: Rex
      Rice, though, issued a classy message to West Ham fans despite the jeersCredit: Reuters
      The star midfielder came off the bench in the 57th minute during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match.
      However, that wasn’t a homecoming to be remembered as he was jeered by many home fans, who still haven’t forgiven him for joining their London rivals.
      However, there was also a section of supporters who haven’t forgotten his eight-year contribution to the club and rose to their feet to applaud their former captain.
      The East Londoners’ manager David Moyes urged the fans to show the 24-year-old the respect that he deserves before the match but there were some who didn’t take his advice.
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      The England international, though, wasn’t daunted by the boos as he took to Instagram after the match to issue a story of him showing appreciation to the West Ham faithful.
      Rice accompanied the pic with the following message: “Despite the result, loved being back at the stadium & seeing so many familiar faces.
      “Thank you West Ham fans for the reception. Will be forever grateful to all of you.
      “Wish you all nothing but the best for the rest of the season. See you soon!”
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      Rice’s homecoming really didn’t go the way he hoped as Arsenal were also knocked out of the Carabao Cup.
      West Ham won 3-1 thanks to an own-goal by Ben White and goals by Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen.
      The North Londoners’ captain Martin Odegaard eased the blow for his team when he hit the back of the net during stoppage time.
      Moyes’ men are now set for another difficult match in the competition as they will visit Liverpool in the quarter-finals on December 19. More

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      Carabao Cup draw ‘rigged’ blast Newcastle fans who say ‘competition is a joke’ after yet another nightmare tie

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      NEWCASTLE fans were left complaining that the Carabao Cup draw was “rigged”.That’s after being paired against Chelsea in yet another nightmare tie.
      Newcastle fans claim the Carabao Cup draw was ‘rigged’ after landing Chelsea
      Wednesday’s last-16 ties saw some epic clashes played out around the country.
      West Ham knocked out Arsenal, Liverpool got the better of Bournemouth and Chelsea made light work of Blackburn.
      But it was Newcastle who secured the biggest result of the round, thrashing Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford.
      The Magpies had already dumped rivals Man City out of the competition in the third round.
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      And fans held their breath for an easy tie as the draw for the quarter-final was made last night.
      However, the Toon army couldn’t quite believe their eyes.
      As Port Vale drew Middlesbrough, West Ham bagged Liverpool and Everton landed Fulham, Newcastle ended up being paired against Chelsea.
      To make matters worse, Eddie Howe’s side also now face a trip down to London after Chelsea were drawn at home.
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      The Magpies have already dumped Man City and Man Utd out of the competitionCredit: Getty
      And many Newcastle fans took to Twitter complaining that the draw was “rigged”, with many claiming the “competition is a joke.”
      There is no suggestion or evidence that the draw was rigged.
      One fan said: “Another rigged draw. This competition is a joke. Scrap the league cup.”
      Another declared: “These draws have to be rigged man. Can’t even get an average team in any one of them.”

      One noted: “Such a fix how the only two non-Prem teams playing against each other.”
      Another added: “Do Chelsea ever get away Cup draws?”  More

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      Fans say Newcastle Twitter admin ‘chose violence’ after savage tweet during Man Utd Carabao Cup mauling

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      FANS claim Manchester United were “cooked on and off the pitch” as Newcastle’s social media team “chose violence” with a taunting tweet.Three days after a 3-0 Prem derby humbling against Manchester City, United departed the Carabao Cup by the same score against the Toon. 
      Man Utd fans booed their team at the end of each half while some in a crowd of 72,484 left Wednesday’s Carabao Cup defeat earlyCredit: Getty

      Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag is under mounting pressureCredit: Getty
      Noting some home supporters exiting early, the Magpies’ admin posted: “Tonight’s attendance at Old Trafford is 72,000. Slightly less now.”
      And the response on X, formerly known as Twitter, was no kinder to the Red Devils.
      “It’s a zinger,” said one fan, and “Total violation,” stated another – apparently with glee.
      United were booed off at the end of each half by disheartened fans.
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      And after the Toon added to the home misery with their online jibe, one supporter mocked Erik ten Hag’s troubled side further by posting: “Cooking them on the pitch. Cooking them on Twitter.”
      Fans, at least from the North East, were even more delighted when one viewer posted what he called “context” – a clip of those United fans leaving before the final whistle.
      Newcastle supporters could be heard chanting in that video: “We can see you sneaking out.” 
      One fan replied online: “Watched like 32 times. I love this so much.”
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      Early sub Miguel Almiron and Lewis Hall, with his first goal for Newcastle, had put the visitors 2-0 up at the break.
      Joe Willock’s solo special then clinched a victory stroll on the hour.
      Old Trafford boss Ten Hag told Sky Sports: “We know this is not good enough. We have to take responsibility for it, so do I. We’re sorry to the fans.”
      And of the jeers from United supporters, the Dutchman added: “We have to recover from it. We have to do it quickly. Saturday (at Fulham) is the next game. We have to raise our standards.”
      In contrast, Newcastle fans could not have been happier with their nightCredit: AP More

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      Chelsea draw Man Utd conquerors Newcastle in Carabao Cup quarter-final in nightmare tie as Liverpool face West Ham

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      CHELSEA, Newcastle and Liverpool found out their fates in the Carabao Cup after progressing into the quarter-finals.The draw for the quarter-final was made on Wednesday night following the conclusion of the last 16 round of games.
      The Carabao Cup quarter final draw was made on Wednesday nightCredit: AFP
      Newcastle run riot at Old Trafford and thrashed holders Man Utd 3-0Credit: Getty
      West Ham upset Arsenal to make it to the last eightCredit: Rex
      Darwin Nunez helped Liverpool book their spot in the quarter finalsCredit: Reuters
      The ties are due to commence on the week commencing December 18.
      Chelsea will face Newcastle in a clash involving the last two season’s beaten finalists.
      Liverpool, who lifted the trophy in 2022, will host West Ham.
      There is another all Premier League clash between Everton and Fulham.
      Meanwhile, one of Middlesbrough or Port Vale will be in the semi-finals after drawing each other.
      Newcastle secured an impressive 3-0 win over holders Manchester United to get into the last eight.
      Meanwhile, the Hammers upset Declan Rice’s Arsenal on his return to the London Stadium with a 3-1 win.
      Chelsea and Liverpool, who played in the final in 2022, both secured their progression with wins over Blackburn and Bournemouth respectively.
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      Everton beat fellow Premier League side Burnley 3-0 to make it this far, while Fulham won 3-1 against Ipswich.
      Lower league clubs Middlesbrough and Port Vale pencilled in their place after winning their respective games on Tuesday against Exeter and Mansfield respectively.
      Full draw:
      Everton vs Fulham
      Chelsea vs Newcastle
      Port Vale vs Middlesbrough
      Liverpool vs West Ham More

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      Carabao Cup draw LIVE: Latest reaction as Chelsea host Newcastle in quarter-final while Liverpool draw West Ham

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      THE Carabao Cup quarter-final draw has concluded and there are some tasty ties in the offing.Chelsea will host last season’s finalists and fellow Premier League giants Newcastle.
      While Liverpool will take on West Ham at Anfield in a tasty quarter-final tie.
      Another all-Premier League tie will also take place with Everton hosting Fulham at Goodison Park.

      Draw time: 10.45pm GMT (approx)
      TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event/ Sky Sports Football
      FREE live stream: Sky Sports Football’s official YouTube channel

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      Carabao Cup quarter-final draw
      Here are the full results of the Carabao Cup draw for the quarter-final stage:

      Everton vs Fulham
      Chelsea vs Newcastle
      Port Vale vs Middlesbrough
      Liverpool vs West Ham

      Non-PL side in the semis
      This draw means we will definitely have a non-Premier League club in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
      Port Vale from League One have drawn Middlesbrough from the Championship.
      One of them will go through to the final four at Wembley after their quarter-final match at Vale Park.
      Credit: Getty
      Big matches ahead
      Newcastle have already eliminated Manchester City and Manchester United from the competition.
      Now the Magpies have the chance to pick up another major scalp in Chelsea.
      Liverpool, on the other hand, are taking on in-form West Ham who just eliminated Arsenal.
      And we could be set for another Cinderella story with Port Vale playing at home against Middlesbrough.
      What this means
      Everton, Chelsea, Port Vale and Liverpool will be facing their opponents at home.
      The games are expected to take place on December 18.
      The winners will go on to compete in the semi-finals at Wembley Stadium.
      Carabao Cup draw in full

      Everton vs Fulham
      Chelsea vs Newcastle
      Port Vale vs Middlesbrough
      Liverpool vs West Ham

      Liverpool vs West Ham
      Port Vale vs Middlesbrough
      Chelsea vs Newcastle
      Credit: Getty
      Everton vs Fulham
      First balls up
      Here we go!
      The stage is set!
      Here comes the Carabao Cup quarter-final draw!
      One final look at ball numbers
      1 – Middlesbrough
      2 – Port Vale
      3 – Liverpool
      4 – Chelsea
      5 – Everton
      6 – Fulham
      7 – Newcastle
      8 – West Ham
      Credit: Getty
      Carabao Cup quarter-finals date
      The Carabao Cup quarter-finals are scheduled to be played on December 18.
      Hopefully the draw will be done by then…
      But seriously, please stay tuned as we promise it won’t take too long…
      Getting close now
      Not too long to go until the Carabao Cup quarter-final draw.
      The stage is being set, who will be the next pairings?
      Stay tuned!
      David Moyes speaks out
      West Ham boss David Moyes reckons his side is becoming “quite a good cup team” after their dominant 3-1 win over Arsenal.
      A solid team performance. I thought the forward players did a really good job.
      Then good defensive organisation and shape. I thought for the most of it we coped well.
      Maybe we’re becoming quite a good cup team. I want to be a good league team.
      You don’t get any trophies for [this win tonight] but you can only take the game and see what’s going to come next. The draws are hugely important.David MoyesSky Sports
      Credit: Alamy
      Mikel Arteta reacts
      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta took responsibility for the 3-1 loss to West Ham at London Stadium.
      I’m very disappointed. I am responsible for that, we’re out of the cup and we wanted to play a very different game.
      We wanted to compete in a game like this, which we discussed for 48 hours, in a very different way.
      The game took a direction because of the first goal and we can discuss that but we have to see much more from the team to earn a result at a place like here.
      If there is VAR there’s no [first] goal, that’s for sure. I understand it’s difficult for the referees because of the angle and the amount of people there.
      I don’t want to use that as an excuse but that takes something in the game that is very important which is momentum.Mikel ArtetaSky Sports
      Tonight’s Carabao Cup results
      West Ham 3-1 Arsenal
      Chelsea 2-0 Blackburn
      Bournemouth 1-2 Liverpool
      Everton 3-0 Burnley
      Ipswich Town 1-3 Fulham
      Manchester United 0-3 Newcastle
      Gary Neville on Man Utd loss
      Manchester United legend Gary Neville is concerned about what’s next for Erik ten Hag’s men after their loss to Newcastle.
      Well done to Newcastle. They made changes and took a chance but they fully deserved this tonight.
      But for Man Utd, I’m not quite sure how Ten Hag lifts them for the weekend because the Manchester derby on Sunday was bad and tonight has just cemented what we’ve seen in the last few days.
      Lacking in ideas and Ten Hag’s got some real thinking to do.Gary NevilleSky Sports
      Credit: PA
      Carabao Cup draw start time
      The Carabao Cup draw is expected to start at around 10:45pm in the UK.
      Fans can find out the quarter-final pairings on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.
      But this time they’re also in for a treat as they can watch it for free on Sky Sports Football’s official YouTube channel.
      Carabao Cup ball numbers UPDATED
      1 – Middlesbrough
      2 – Port Vale
      3 – Liverpool
      4 – Chelsea
      5 – Everton
      6 – Fulham
      7 – Newcastle
      8 – West Ham
      Newcastle in the hat!
      Newcastle have officially made it to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.
      The Magpies destroyed Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford thanks to goals by Miguel Almiron, Lewis Hall and Joe Willock.
      The Toon get some revenge for last year’s final that saw them losing to United.
      That means they could finish the job this season…
      Credit: Getty
      What could be next?
      The Carabao Cup quarter-finals could see some strong fixtures.
      We could have a Merseyside Derby between Liverpool and Everton.
      There is also a chance of west London rivals Fulham and Chelsea going head to head.
      West Ham could also draw one of the above London giants.
      Mason Mount slammed
      Manchester United fans blasted Mason Mount for a disastrous first-half performance against Newcastle.
      United hosted the Magpies at Old Trafford and found themselves trailing 2-0 at half-time after goals by Miguel Almiron and Lewis Hall.
      And it was Almiron’s opener in the 28th minute that led to some intense criticism for Mount.
      Tino Livramento won the ball back in the Toon’s own half, before going past the playmaker with absolute ease.
      Livramento then played the Paraguay international a perfect ball at the back post from where his team-mate hit the back of the net.
      United legend Gary Neville was so stunned he claimed the full-back went past Mount “like he’s not there”.
      Credit: Reuters
      Carabao Cup ball numbers
      1 – Middlesbrough
      2 – Port Vale
      3 – Liverpool
      4 – Chelsea
      5 – Everton
      6 – Fulham
      7 – Manchester United or Newcastle
      8 – West Ham
      Man Utd 0-3 Newcastle
      Looks like last season’s Carabao Cup winners are about to be eliminated from this term’s competition.
      Newcastle are beating Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford shortly after chucking Manchester City out.
      Miguel Almiron, Lewis Hall and Joe Willock have all been on target for the Magpies.
      Follow SunSport’s live blog coverage HERE More

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      Man Utd 0-3 Newcastle LIVE RESULT: Magpies run riot at Old Trafford as Carabao Cup holders United go OUT – reaction

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are OUT of this season’s Carabao Cup after Newcastle thrashed the Red Devils at Old Trafford.Miguel Almiron slotted past Andre Onana for Toon’s opener before Lewis Hall doubled the Magpies’ lead minutes later.
      Joe Willock added a third on the hour mark for Eddie Howe’s men as Newcastle ran riot on another disastrous night for Man Utd.

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      Another defeat to blame on the Glazers
      Man Utd fans up and down the country will no doubt be calling out their owners and blaming them for all that is wrong at Old Trafford about now.
      You have to question so much more than that realistically.
      Since their tenure, Man Utd have one the highest transfer spends in European football.
      They are not getting it right and it seems to be a revolving door of players who are just not a good fit for the club.
      Manager after manager comes in and cannot get the club back to where it wants to be.
      In modern football, no club has a divine right to success but given the history of Man Utd, this will be a bitter pill to swallow.
      Pressure mounts on United manager
      Erik ten Hag will be left wondering whether he is on a sinking ship in Manchester with no land in sight.
      Every week he convinces the media, and himself, that they will turn it around.
      The future looks bleak for the manager, judging by performances, you have to wonder whether he has lost the dressing room.
      Man Utd fans would be more than entitled to question whether many of these players are even fit to wear the shirt, let alone receive over-inflated wages.
      Credit: AP
      Credit: PA
      Howe to empty out Old Trafford
      It is a ground they have only won at three times in their club’s history.
      Eddie Howe made eight changes to the side that played in the Premier League at the weekend.
      Despite this, his side were well worth their victory and could have scored more.
      They head into the quarter-final draw and after beating both Man City and Man Utd in the Carabao Cup, they will not fear anyone.
      By the final whistle, the home end was so empty it looked like the ground did during the pandemic.
      FT: Man Utd 0-3 Newcastle
      Erik ten Hag trudges down the tunnel applauding the fans.
      Newcastle’s players do not want to leave the pitch as they celebrate this win with their fans.
      Eddie Howe’s side will be in that quarter-final draw later.

      FT: Man Utd 0-3 Newcastle
      The referee brings the misery to an end for the few Man Utd fans who have decided to stay until the end.
      Newcastle’s fans are still here and singing loud and proud.
      It has been a brilliant win for Eddie Howe’s side.
      Man Utd 0-3 Newcastle
      90+2. Erik ten Hag must be wondering about his position right now.
      Football owners to not tend to show much patience with poor form.
      Tino Livramento has been awarded the ‘man of the match’ award.
      Credit: Reuters
      Man Utd 0-3 Newcastle
      90. The away fans are shouting ‘ole’ every time they touch the ball.
      It has not been a night to be a Man Utd fan this evening.
      Old Trafford is looking pretty empty right now.
      We are going to have an additional four minutes.
      Man Utd 0-3 Newcastle
      88. Trippier whips a free kick into the box.
      Guimaraes’ header is weak and easily saved by Onana.
      Man Utd come forward but Antony’s cross is wayward and goes out for a goal kick.
      Man Utd 0-3 Newcastle
      86. Fernandes whips a good ball into the back post.
      The experienced Kieran Trippier knocks it behind for a corner.
      Rashford really should have been attacking that area more.
      Man Utd 0-3 Newcastle
      84. Reguilon looks to cross from the byline and falls to the floor screaming, holding his ankle.
      The referee gives a goal kick and the defender leaps back to his feet.
      What a miraculous recovery that was.
      Man Utd 0-3 Newcastle
      82. Joelinton robs Wan-Bissaka of the ball all too easily.
      He seems to then get fouled but the referee does not agree.
      There are plenty of empty red seats scattered around the ground.
      The away fans start singing ‘is there a fire drill?’
      Credit: AP
      Man Utd 0-3 Newcastle
      80. Man Utd are getting sloppy again now like at the weekend.
      Constantly fouling Newcastle’s players and picking up cards.
      The referee may still have to give someone their marching orders in this game.
      Man Utd 0-3 Newcastle
      78. Longstaff chips the ball into the box.
      The Man Utd defence are like statues and no one reacts and the keeper doesn’t come for it.
      Krafth gets his head to it but cannot beat Onana.
      Man Utd 0-3 Newcastle
      76. Almiron gets forward and cuts the ball back to Wilson.
      He looks to shoot first time but it is deflected wide for a corner.
      Another goal for the visitors would see this stadium empty out quicker than if there were a fire drill.
      Man Utd 0-3 Newcastle
      74. Antony slides the ball through into the path of Fernandes.
      He slices the ball well wide of the goal.
      Should have done better.
      Dan Burn and Kieran Trippier are joining the action.
      Man Utd 0-3 Newcastle
      72. Halll is down injured, feeling his hamstring.
      Burn is warming up for the visitors.
      Another hit and hope ball forward runs out harmlessly for a goal kick.
      Credit: Getty
      Man Utd 0-3 Newcastle
      70. The ball breaks to Mason Mount outside the box and he thunders a shot into row S.
      He may be one of the most overrated English talents right now.
      Had Man Utd paid £6m for him the jury would still be out.
      Man Utd 0-3 Newcastle
      68. Man Utd need a miracle to stay in the Carabao Cup.
      For all their passing and possession they are not really threatening the Newcastle goal at all.
      The travelling Magpies’ fans are enjoying their night in Manchester.
      Man Utd 0-3 Newcastle
      66. Hall is penalised for a foul on Antony.
      Man Utd are throwing numbers forward now.
      Newcastle are happy to just drop deep and let them see if they can break them down.
      Man Utd 0-3 Newcastle
      64. Fernandes, Rashford and Hojlund come on for Man Utd.
      Newcastle bring on Guimaraes and Wilson.
      Bad news for Man Utd, 3-0 down and Newcastle have decided to bring on a striker.
      Just who you want on the pitch when the chips are down, Bruno Fernandes, not.
      Man Utd 0-3 Newcastle
      62. Amrabat loses the ball on the halfway line to Joelinton.
      He feeds the ball to Willock who strides towards goal and passes it into the bottom corner from just outside the box.
      Things have gone from bad to worse for Erik ten Hag.
      Credit: Getty
      Goal – Joe Willock (Newcastle)
      Man Utd 0-2 Newcastle
      60. Amrabat plays it to Garnacho who hits a first time cross.
      He was looking for Martial but he does not get anything on it.
      Disappointing end to a decent move.
      Man Utd 0-2 Newcastle
      58. Garnacho shows a good turn of pace and looks to cross.
      It is well blocked by Livramento at the expense of a corner.
      Newcastle find it all too easy to head the ball clear.
      Man Utd 0-2 Newcastle
      56. For all their huffing and puffing, Dubravka has had little to do.
      Antony cuts inside from the right wing and tries his luck.
      It was a good effort if it were a rugby conversion. More

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      Chelsea 2 Blackburn 0: Carabao Cup offers Blues fans glimmer of hope as they show their class to reach quarter-finals

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO’S hobbling heroes helped Chelsea take a cautious step towards Wembley in his first season as boss.Benoit Bediashile put them ahead in his first appearance of the season following a frustrating hamstring injury.
      Chelsea booked their place in the Carabao Cup quarter-final with a 2-0 win over BlackburnCredit: Getty
      Benoit Badiashile gave Chelsea the lead in the first halfCredit: PA
      Benoit Badiashile celebrated his goal with ex-Monaco pal Axel DisasiCredit: Reuters
      Raheem Sterling settled Chelsea fans’ nerves with his sides second goalCredit: Getty
      And skipper Reece James made his first start since the opening game of the campaign thanks to a similarly dicky leg and added much-needed steel to the soft-touch Blues.
      It was a long way from a classic Chelsea steamrollering of yesteryear – even against lower league opposition. 
      But Pochettino still finds himself in the quarter finals of a major tournament just four months after taking over the reins as head coach.
      As with most things at this transitional club right now, the one goal lead looked fragile until old soldier Raheem Sterling curled in a peach of a second bang on the hour to seal the win.
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      This young squad is still feeble in the very frontline with striker Nicolas Jackson gradually fading from the game after a promising start.
      Having been urged to wake up by a heckler at the weekend, the Senegalese forward had two shots on goal inside the first ten minutes but was unable to add to his three goals this season.
      And despite enjoying superiority in almost every department, it took a misjudgement by Rovers’ keeper Leo Wahlstedt to hand Chelsea the lead on half hour.
      Conor Gallagher clipped a cross into the six yard box from a short corner and Wahlstedt managed only to paw at the ball instead of land a decisive punch into clear space.
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      It was a gift to advancing Chelsea defender Badiashile who stepped up and lamped a shot into the back of the net from among a crowd of defenders.
      Pochettino made four changes to his team that was sunk 2-0 at home by Brentford at the weekend as his battle to construct a sense of consistency took a backward lurch.
      With James hopefully back long term now there is a definite feel of added physicality and pace to Chelsea. 
      The captain reminded everyone of his speed by latching onto a ball from Enzo Fernandes and lashing a shot straight at keeper Wahlstedt. 
      In the 24th minute he let rip with a precise diagonal shot across goal that fired narrowly wide.
      Blackburn love the freedom of a cup tie and scored 17 goals in previous rounds of this competition prior to kick off. One of those was an 8-0 stuffing of League Two Harrogate.
      Yet Rovers are a patchy mid-table Championship side and luckily for chelsea the visitors brought their league form with them to West London.
      Two minutes into the second half, young forward Harry Leonard was put clean through but outstripping the Chelsea defence for pace sent his shot well wide and fluffed his big chance on the big stage.
      Even so, Rovers can regard themselves desperately unlucky not to have been awarded a penalty in the first half when Blues’ midfielder Conor Gallagher handled a cross hit at pace by Callum Brittain.
      Gallagher’s back was turned but his left hand was certainly flapping in an unnatural position. The absence of VAR made for a more flowing game but at cost to Rovers.
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      Likewise, Chelsea could lay claim to a spot kick in the first half when Raheem Sterling appeared to be felled by Rovers skipper Lewis Travis in the 10th minute.
      Sterling’s classy goal was the trigger for Pochettino to take James off with a good hour under his belt but with Monday’s visit to Tottenham very much in mind. More