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      Chelsea player ratings: Cole Palmer looks a snip at £40m but don’t be fooled by Robert Sanchez’s clean sheet

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      CHELSEA punched their ticket to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup after beating Brighton 1-0 at Stamford Bridge.The Blues really needed a victory after a run of poor results that saw them losing three out of all seven matches, of which they won only two, across all competitions this season.
      Chelsea made it to the fourth round of the Carabao after beating BrightonCredit: Getty
      Nicolas Jackson scored the winner following a lovely attack from an otherwise nervous Chelsea side.
      Ian Maatsen found Cole Palmer on the edge of the box and the ex-Manchester City ace passed to Jackson who beat Bart Verbruggen with a fine finish on 50 minutes.
      The Senegal international also scored the West Londoners’ first goal of the month.
      Jackson and Palmer thought they got another goal and assist respectively but the former was caught offside.
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      Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rates the performance of Mauricio Pochettino’s players:
      Robert Sanchez – 5
      Gave the ball away horrendously in the first half twice, to give Brighton two or three golden opportunities. He was very poor with his feet, but made a few good saves with his hands. Somehow kept a clean sheet, but still the weakest Chelsea player on the field. 
      Axel Disasi – 5
      Didn’t do anything too wrong or too right either. Bang average.
      Levi Colwill – 8
      Solid at the back against his old side, and played some really classy passes out from the back. Definitely the best at the back for Chelsea and his best showing under manager Mauricio Pochettino so far. 
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      Marc Cucurella – 6
      Got caught in possession a few times and looked nervous as he played his first minutes under Mauricio Pochettino. Improved massively in the second half and looked far more comfortable from the 50th minute onwards. 
      Ian Maatsen – 6 
      Did well to close down Kaoru Mitoma and to deal with Pervis Estupinian for large parts of the game, but failed to impact the game in an attacking sense as we saw him do in pre-season. 
      Ben Chilwell – 5
      Showed some signs of danger on the left hand side, but failed to create anything serious for the Blues. Not a captain’s showing.
      Moises Caicedo – 6
      Disruptive in midfield and looked better than his ‘replacement’ Carlos Baleba in the Brighton midfield. Was industrious and looked like he had a point to prove to Mauricio Pochettino. 
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      Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson scored the winner against BrightonCredit: Getty
      Robert Sanchez didn’t have his best performance against his former teamCredit: Getty
      Lesley Ugochukwu – 6
      Good in patches, but went missing for chunks of the game and failed to be too involved in the midfield at times. Fortunate to escape a red card for a lunging tackle. Definitely potential there, as for most of this Chelsea side, but looks raw and undeveloped at this point. 
      Cole Palmer – 8
      Creative and direct for Chelsea, had his side’s best chance of the first half just before the whistle went and played some nice passes too, none better than his brilliant play to assist Nicolas Jackson’s opener. 
      Mykhailo Mudryk – 7 
      Caused lots of problems for the Brighton defence and won a number of free kicks for the Blues. Clearly a very talented player who is just yet to be unleashed or reach his full potential. Another good showing from the start, and received a standing ovation when he was subbed for Raheem Sterling. 
      Nicolas Jackson – 7
      Ice in his veins for the Chelsea opener. Was fairly poor in the first half, but seemed a different player in the second period and much more lively. Could have had a hat-trick on another day, as he missed a 1v1 and had a second goal ruled out for offside. 
      Cole Palmer stood out for Chelsea at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty
      SUBS
      Raheem Sterling – 5  (For Mykhailo Mudryk, 69′) Decent performance after coming off the bench, saw the game out nicely for Chelsea and used his experience well. 
      Conor Gallagher – 5 (For Cole Palmer, 76′) – Didn’t have much time to make a real impact, worked hard as usual. 
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      Enzo Fernandez – 5 (For Ian Maatsen, 76′) – Saw the game out nicely for Chelsea, but didn’t have many minutes to impact the game too much. 
      Armando Broja – 5 (For Nicolas Jackson, 87′) – Didn’t have enough time to impact the game.  More

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      Chelsea 1 Brighton 0 LIVE: Jackson’s superb strike fires Blues into Carabao Cup fourth round – latest

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      CHELSEA are back to winning ways after beating Brighton in their epic Carabao Cup clash.The Blues are struggling in the Premier League and they are now winless in three league fixtures after the Villa defeat.
      However, Nicolas Jackson’s strike has given them some hope that they can go far in the Carabao Cup.

      RESULT: Chelsea 1-0 Brighton
      TV/Live stream: Not televised
      Chelsea XI: Sanchez, Disasi, Levin Colwill, Cucurella, Maatsen, Ugochukwu, Caicedo, Chilwell, Mudryk, Palmer, Jackson
      Brighton XI: Verbruggen, Julio, Lampatey, Dahoud, Joao Pedro, Baleba, Mitoma, Van Hecke, Estunpinan, Fati, Buonanotte

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      That’s all from us!
      Thank you as always for reading with us, we look forward to seeing you again next time.
      If you still haven’t got your footballing fix, you can catch more top stories from us here.
      Have a lovely night!
      Jackson off the naughty step
      It has been a tough start to the season for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, made worse by the fact he is serving a suspension in his next game for accumulating FIVE yellow cards.
      However, he looked sharp in the second half tonight, and could have had a hat-trick on another night.
      A bright showing from the Senegalese forward, and he will be looking to prove a point when he returns to Premier League action.
      Man of the match
      What a game we just saw, with some great performances from the Chelsea players in a very hard fought win.
      Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill were the two standout performers, but it is the former who takes the SunSport man of the match award tonight.
      His assist for the winning goal was absolutely sensational and he looked to drag the team to victory with his second half showing.
      If that is a sign of things to come for the Blues, he looks to be a bargain for Todd Boehly and co.
      Cole Palmer was Chelsea’s man of the match tonightCredit: Getty
      Chelsea 1-0 Brighton and Hove Albion
      FT. That is all she wrote, and Chelsea have FINALLY won a game.
      They will move onto the next round of the Carabao Cup, having dumped Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton out of the competition.
      Nicolas Jackson’s goal made all the difference, and masterful performances from Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill lit up Stamford Bridge.
      Great game, and finally some good news for Chelsea fans.
      Chelsea finally won a game, against Brighton in the Carabao Cup 1-0Credit: Getty
      Chelsea 1-0 Brighton and Hove Albion
      90+5. Ben Chilwell’s night is over, as he leaves the pitch.
      Chelsea have used all three of their substitution opportunities, so will have to see the game out with ten men on the pitch.
      Conor Gallagher has gone out to the right hand side, and Marc Cucurella has moved to the left side of defence.
      Chelsea 1-0 Brighton and Hove Albion
      90+4. HUGE chance for Brighton.
      A foul is not given against Ben Chilwell as Chelsea go forward.
      Brighton then counter, and a chance falls to Joao Pedro who just misses.
      Very, very close for Brighton, who could still get back into this…
      Chelsea 1-0 Brighton and Hove Albion
      90+3. Armando Broja is flagged for offside, but it bizarrely looks as though he is inside his own half.
      Mauricio Pochettino is yellow carded for remonstrating with the officials, and you can see why he is not happy!
      Chelsea 1-0 Brighton and Hove Albion
      90. There will be SEVEN minutes of added time at the end of this one.
      Estupinian fires a cross into the box, but it goes straight out for a throw-in on the other side of the pitch.
      A long way still to go.
      Chelsea 1-0 Brighton and Hove Albion
      87. Nicolas Jackson is replaced by Armando Broja with three minutes to go until the full-time whistle.
      Lots of applause for this change, and it could be Jackson’s goal that proves to be the difference.
      Chelsea 1-0 Brighton and Hove Albion
      84. Chelsea free kick on the halfway line after some good work from Raheem Sterling.
      Chelsea 1-0 Brighton and Hove Albion
      82. Nicolas Jackson is off the pitch injured, and then back on once again for the second time tonight.
      It seems to be a wrist injury for the striker.
      He continues for now.
      Chelsea 1-0 Brighton and Hove Albion
      80. Change for Brighton.
      Adam Lallana is on as they look to try and save their Carabao Cup status.
      Sterling lays off a pass for Nicolas Jackson, who seems to be fouled but it is not given.
      Chelsea 1-0 Brighton and Hove Albion
      77. Two changes for Chelsea.
      Enzo Fernandez and Conor Gallagher are on for Cole Palmer and Ian Maatsen.
      Brighton win themselves a corner.
      Chelsea 1-0 Brighton and Hove Albion
      75. Huge save from Robert Sanchez to deny Solly March at the back post.
      The Spanish stopper has been very poor with his feet tonight, but there is no denying he has been safe with his hands.
      Chelsea 1-0 Brighton and Hove Albion
      73. THEY THINK IT IS TWO!
      It’s not…
      Nicolas Jackson scores for the second time tonight, and he took it so well, but the flag goes up for offside.
      It is impossible to tell if he is off or not, but it is very, very close.
      The score remains 1-0.
      Chelsea 1-0 Brighton and Hove Albion
      71. Cucurella has been much better in the second half of this game.
      Still somewhat reckless, but seems to be enjoying a tough night against his former club so far.
      Chelsea 1-0 Brighton and Hove Albion
      69. Raheem Sterling comes on for Mykhailo Mudryk, and the Ukrainian gets a standing ovation as he leaves the pitch.
      Chelsea 1-0 Brighton and Hove Albion
      67. Carlos Baleba comes off for Brighton, and he is replaced by Billy Gilmour, who gets warm applause from the Stamford Bridge faithful.
      Danny Welbeck is replacing Karou Mitoma, and the Japanese maestro looks disappointed with his performance.
      Chelsea 1-0 Brighton and Hove Albion
      64. Danny Welbeck is being gestured to by Roberto De Zerbi, and he has haunted Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the past.
      He could cause the Blues some real problems if he is to come on.
      Chelsea 1-0 Brighton and Hove Albion
      62. Another chance for Nicolas Jackson who takes a touch and fires a shot at the Brighton keeper who makes a good save.
      Jackson misses the 1v1…
      Chelsea 1-0 Brighton and Hove Albion
      60. A foul by Tariq Lamptey gives Chelsea a free kick, but it is wasted by Mykhailo Mudryk, and the ball is over-hit past the back post.
      Chelsea put real pressure on Van Hecke and are making a bit of luck for themselves in this second half.
      Chelsea 1-0 Brighton and Hove Albion
      57. Chelsea seem to be trying to come alive in this game since Nicolas Jackson opened the scoring.
      All of a sudden there are a few more tricks and flicks from the Chelsea forwards, and Cole Palmer is lighting up Stamford Bridge.
      Chelsea 1-0 Brighton and Hove Albion
      55. Chelsea have switched off again and Brighton have another spell on the ball here.
      There is no pressure on Mahmoud Dahoud who plays a nice pass, but it ends up going out of play.
      Chelsea 1-0 Brighton and Hove Albion
      53. Handball from Van Hecke for Brighton, and he is lucky to escape a card.
      Chelsea 1-0 Brighton and Hove Albion
      50. NICOLAS JACKSON OPENS THE SCORING!It’s a goal for the Blues after a tough start to the second half.
      Chelsea win the ball high up the pitch, great play from Cole Palmer sets up Jackson and he slots home.
      Excellent from Palmer and Jackson.
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      Brentford 0 Arsenal 1: Reiss Nelson nets as Ramsdale helps Gunners grind out Carabao Cup win with defensive display

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      AARON RAMSDALE silenced the abuse of the Brentford fans as Arsenal edged their way into the last 16 of the Carabao Cup.The England international keeper was taunted as a “s*** David Raya” on his return to first-team action for the Gunners.
      Arsenal kicked off their Carabao Cup campaign away to BrentfordCredit: ALAMY
      Reiss Nelson put the Gunners 1-0 up in the eighth minuteCredit: REX
      The 23-year-old was all smiles after breaking the deadlockCredit: AFP
      But it was Ramsdale who had the last laugh as his stunning second-half save from Yoane Wissa was enough to see his team over the line courtesy of Reiss Nelson’s early strike.
      Mikel Arteta always claims that the aim for Arsenal is to win every competition they play. But we all know that’s not strictly true.
      The reality is that no one really gives a toss about the Carabao Cup at the Emirates because they have bigger fish to fry these days.
      But it remains a useful opportunity to give some of the fringe players a run-out…even if most of them know it’s like a glorified reserve match.
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      So this was the perfect time for Emile Smith Rowe to step out of the shadows and end 499 days without a first-team start for the Gunners.
      This was the midfielder’s 100th appearance for the club and it was immediately apparent that he was out to show Arteta what he has been missing.
      The former England international was one of the eight changes to the team which had drawn with Spurs in Sunday’s North London derby, with 19-year-old Charles Sagoe Jr making his debut on the right wing in place of Bukayo Saka.
      Brentford stuck pretty much with the team which had lost 3-1 at home to Everton and if Thomas Frank was hoping to see a reaction to that dismal display he was to be sorely disappointed.
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      Aaron Ramsdale was back in the starting XI for the trip across LondonCredit: Reuters
      The England stopper made a crucial save to preserve the Gunners’ 1-0 leadCredit: REX
      Having been opened up by the worst attack in the Premier League at the weekend, it was no surprise that it took them just eight minutes to fall behind again last night.
      And once again they were the architects of their own downfall when Zanka’s wayward back pass was picked off by Eddie Nketiah before Nelson calmly rolled his shot past Mark Flekken.
      The visitors were passing the ball around for fun and almost doubled their lead in the 30th minute when Smith Rowe swapped passes with stand-in skipper Jorginho before his shot was saved by Flekken with an outstretched leg.
      Brentford’s only response was to go quick and long and it almost paid off when Vitaly Janelt’s powerful shot was blocked by Takehiro Tomiyasu.
      And they should have been level in the 34th minute when Yoane Wissa found himself completely free in the Arsenal area with only Ramsdale to beat but somehow managed to drag his shot wide.
      It was a welcome let-off for Ramsdale, who was desperate to mark his return to the starting line-up with a clean sheet.
      He was serenaded throughout the night with chants of “England’s number one” from the travelling Arsenal fans making it clear that he remains deep in their affections.
      But no one made him feel more comfortable than the wayward Brentford attack which failed to test him with a single shot on target until the 66th minute.
      And when Wissa finally found his range, Ramsdale responded with a splendid full-length save to tip the ball against the base of his far post.
      It was the kind of match-winning contribution Ramsdale had been dreaming of, so it was no surprise when he celebrated his act of defiance in front of the Brentford fans who had been questioning his ability.
      But with Brentford pushing harder and more powerfully in search of an equaliser, Arteta was forced to send on the big guns of Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Martin Odegaard to see his team over the line.
      Nelson should have put the tie to bed in the 70th minute when he was teed up by Kai Havertz but rolled his shot wide when he should have scored.
      That made for a nervous last 20 minutes for Arteta as Ramsdale was forced back into action to push away Frank Onyeka’s shot before Tomiyasu applied another important block to deny Saman Ghoddos.
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      Ramsdale was finally beaten in the 84th minute when Keane Lewis-Potter was left completely free to pick his spot, but Jakub Kiwior raced back to pull off a stunning goal-line clearance.
      And that was just about enough to see Arsenal into the fourth-round draw for another Carabao Cup tie which they really could do without.
      Jakub Kiwior made a crucial goal-line clearance in the 84th minuteCredit: Rex More

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      Brentford 0 Arsenal 1 LIVE: Nelson’s first-half strike sends Gunners into Carabao Cup fourth round – latest

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      ARSENAL have progressed into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup after beating Brentford in west London.Mikel Arteta opted to go with a heavily rotated side from the eleven who drew with bitter rivals Tottenham at the weekend.
      And Reiss Nelson became man of the moment as his first-half strike sealed the deal for the Gunners.

      RESULT: Brentford 0-1 Arsenal
      Live stream/TV: Not televised in the UK
      Brentford XI: Flekken, Roerslev, Collins, Zanka, Pinnock, Hickey, Norgaard, Janelt, Onyeka, Mbuemo, Wissa
      Arsenal XI: Ramsdale, Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, Kiwior, Jorginho, Havertz, Smith-Rowe, Nelson, Sagoe Jr, Nketiah

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      Gunners need to compete for trophies
      Having invested heavily in the squad, it is important that Arsenal challenge for every trophy they play in this season.
      While the Carabao Cup is often seen as the lesser trophy, it is all about having silverware in that trophy cabinet at the end of the season.
      Mikel Arteta will always be judged on his trophy haul and not points tallies or league positions.
      If you’re not first, you’re nowhere.
      Ready Eddie wins the plaudits
      Eddie Nketiah put in a man of the match performance despite not getting on the scoresheet himself.
      His hold up play brought others into the game and he unselfishly squared the ball to Nelson for the winning goal.
      Nketiah covered a lot of ground and gave the Brentford defenders a torrid evening.

      Calm finish proves the difference
      When the ball came to Reiss Nelson with only the keeper to beat, he struck his shot first time into the bottom corner.
      For a player who does not see as much game time as he would like, it was an assured finish from Nelson.
      Enjoyed getting on the scoresheet, even more so when it proved to be the winner.
      Credit: Alamy
      FT: Brentford 0-1 Arsenal
      Arsenal will be pleased to bounce back with a win after drawing the North London derby on the weekend.
      Mikel Arteta needs to win a trophy to show progress for all the money spent in the summer.
      The most important thing is that they are in the draw for the next round later this evening.
      FT: Brentford 0-1 Arsenal
      Reiss Nelson has a habit of when he scores for Arsenal, they tend to be winning goals.
      Arteta was able to shuffle his pack tonight and still come away with the victory.
      Would have liked to see his side threaten more in the final third but it was the result that was the most important thing in this cup tie.
      FT: Brentford 0-1 Arsenal
      Over the course of the 90 minutes it was quite an even game.
      Brentford proved too wasteful when they created chances.
      It was a mistake that led to an Arsenal goal and proved costly.

      FT: Brentford 0-1 Arsenal
      Mikel Arteta’s side hold on for the victory.
      Brentford tries to throw the kitchen sink at them towards the end but Arsenal dug deep.
      Reiss Nelson’s goal is the difference between the two sides this evening.
      Brentford 0-1 Arsenal
      90+4. Brentford are looking to knock the ball route one now.
      Tomiyasu is covering but the ball is put out for a corner.
      Flekken comes up for the corner but as the cross finds the head of Wissa, his looping header is an easy catch for Ramsdale.
      Brentford 0-1 Arsenal
      90+2. Arsenal hit Brentford on the counter attack.
      The ball is worked out wide to Havertz.
      As they manage to find Odegaard he tries a shot from some twenty-five yards out but it deflects wide for a corner.
      Brentford 0-1 Arsenal
      90. Brentford play the ball up to Wissa, as he takes the ball on the chest, it is well won by Tomiyasu.
      Arsenal have been solid for most of the game in defence but then The Bees have not been very productive in the final third.
      It is all about game management now for The Gunners.
      There is going to be five additional minutes added.
      Credit: Getty
      Brentford 0-1 Arsenal
      88. Nketiah comes of for Soares as The Gunners look to see this one out.
      He has been Arsenal’s best player tonight with his hold up play and bringing other players into the game.
      A mature performance by the young striker.
      Brentford 0-1 Arsenal
      86. Arsenal are playing some good football in the final third but much like their opponents, cannot find that killer pass.
      As a result they pass it all the way back to their centre backs.
      It works well being one-nil up but in another game, this would be an issue.
      Elneny tries a shot from distance but it was never troubling the goal.
      Brentford 0-1 Arsenal
      84. If Arsenal do concede in these closing stages of the game, the finger will be pointed once again at their inability to kill games off.
      The ball comes to Lewis-Potter at the back post and a goal seems certain.
      As he shoots, with the ball past Ramsdale, somehow Kiwior gets his body in the way to block the effort.
      Brentford 0-1 Arsenal
      82. Elneny and Odegaard come on for Arsenal.
      Arteta seems to think if they can retain possession now they will see this game out.
      Odegaard whips a free kick into the box but Flekken collects with ease.
      Brentford 0-1 Arsenal
      80. Brentford are just lacking that final pass.
      They are doing well to get near the Arsenal penalty area but then seem to be short of ideas.
      The Gunners are holding a good line and keeping them at bay, Ramsdale has still had so little to do in this game.
      Credit: Reuters
      Brentford 0-1 Arsenal
      78. If they can pile the pressure on Arsenal for the final fifteen minutes they can put the visitors under some pressure.
      The ball drops to Mbuemo in the box and he fires high and wide.
      Sums up how things have been going since he hit this dry patch.
      Brentford 0-1 Arsenal
      76. Thomas Frank makes two more changes, looking to change the game.
      Time is starting to run out for his side now.
      They have the ball in the back of the net but the assistant referee has his flag up for offside.
      Brentford 0-1 Arsenal
      74. Arsenal are trying to suck the life out of Brentford by retaining possession.
      Happy to pass the ball around and make Thomas Frank’s team chase shadows.
      Nketiah makes a run into the box and gets a shot away but Flekken makes a good block.
      Brentford 0-1 Arsenal
      72. Brentford are caught dwelling on the ball in defence but Jesus cannot make them pay.
      He tried to muscle his way into the box but it was hacked clear.
      Brentford are getting more desperate at the game goes on, they need to commit more players up field now.
      Brentford 0-1 Arsenal
      70. This is still a tight game, as long as only one goal is the difference between the two sides, anything is possible.
      Havertz attacks down the left and plays a pass to Nelson on the edge of the box.
      He tries a left-footed shot that narrowly misses the near post.
      Credit: Alamy
      Brentford 0-1 Arsenal
      68. Jensen is booked for a challenge on Gabriel.
      Brentford are spending a lot more time in the Arsenal half now.
      As a result, Arteta brings Zinchenko and Jesus on.
      Brentford 0-1 Arsenal
      66. The ball breaks to the Brentford attack, he cuts inside onto his right foot and gets a shot away.
      Ramsdale seems to get a slight touch on it and it ricochets off the post.
      That is the closest Brentford have come to scoring this evening.
      Brentford 0-1 Arsenal
      64. It could be a long run to January for the Brentford fans.
      The lack of firepower they have at their disposal is worrying.
      Wissa just does not look potent in the box at all.
      Brentford 0-1 Arsenal
      62. Hickey finds himself in space down the left and he heads towards goal and tries to bend one into the far corner.
      White does well to stand his ground and block the shot.
      Ghoddos and Jensen have come on for The Bees.
      Brentford 0-1 Arsenal
      60. This has been all too easy for Arsenal this evening.
      Ramsdale has had very little to do with Brentford still yet to register their first shot on target.
      The Bees are struggling to keep the ball when they have it in the final third.
      Credit: Reuters
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      Pep Guardiola produces ‘excuse of the season’ as he claims trip to Newcastle for Carabao Cup could cost Man City title

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      PEP GUARDIOLA has made the “excuse of the season” as he moaned about Man City’s travel plans to Newcastle.Rivals fans have blasted Guardiola for his outcry about not flying to and from his side’s Carabao Cup game against the Magpies on Wednesday.
      Pep Guardiola has produced the ‘excuse of the season’Credit: Getty
      City are set to travel up North to Newcastle for their Carabao Cup clash – but they will take a coach there and back.
      Unfortunately for City no trains were available and they were also unable to fly.
      Speaking ahead of the game City boss Guardiola was fuming about the situation.
      He said: “After the game, we cannot come back by plane because of a problem – something for the planes.
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      “We don’t have a plane to travel back, so we have to take a bus.
      “It’s two or three hours later that we will arrive here – so, so late, arriving on Thursday.
      “The day after, Friday, we travel to Wolves, so that’s what you have to think about.
      “Then we go to Germany to play RB Leipzig in the Champions League next week.
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      “That’s a really important game for us, because we know what it means to be able to win there to qualify for the next stage.
      “I don’t know what happened with the aeroplane. The team manager told me.
      “It happened with the previous one, I think in London. It’s not a problem with the bus, but we will arrive much, much later than we expected, but it is what it is.”
      The journey time by road from St James’ Park to the Etihad Stadium is 2hrs and 39mins.
      One rival fan responded to Guardiola’s comments by calling it “the excuse of the season.”
      While another rival fan said: “2-3 hours isn’t a long ride😂.”
      A third added: “Pep’s playing the sympathy game again.”
      City have enjoyed an exceptional start to the new season, as Guardiola’s side look to defend their Treble victory last year.
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      The defending champions are six for six in the Premier League, and they got their European campaign off to the perfect start with a win against Crvena Zvezda. More

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      Casemiro and Andre Onana doing surprisingly well in Dream Team amid criticism of Manchester United pair’s form

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      DREAM TEAM managers should know by now not to underestimate the additional competitions.The Premier League will always be the bread and butter of our beloved fantasy game but points scored in Europe and the domestic cups often prove pivotal.
      Take last night’s Carabao Cup action as a prime example.

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      The numbers don’t lieCredit: Dream Team
      Manchester United strolled to a welcome 3-0 victory at home to a second-string Crystal Palace in a result that has changed the complexion of Dream Team rankings.
      Casemiro (£4.2m) scored one goal and assisted another to take the Eagles for 13 points by the final whistle.
      The five-time Champions League winner’s form has been subject to criticism at the start of this season with several pundits suggesting he doesn’t have the necessary mobility or running power at 31 years old to play as the Red Devils’ lone defensive midfielder.
      While there may be some truth to that notion, the Brazilian deserves praise for his unexpectedly effective contribution in the final third.
      Casemiro has scored four goals and provided one assist already, putting him above the likes of Martin Odegaard (£5.1m), Bryan Mbeumo (£3.7m), Luis Diaz (£4.1m) and team-mate Bruno Fernandes (£6m) in terms of goal involvements.
      His decisive display at Old Trafford on Tuesday night took him to 57 Dream Team points overall – only three midfielders boast a greater total at the time of writing.
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      Casemiro cashed in against a much-changed Palace XICredit: AP
      Similarly, Andre Onana (£3.5m) has taken his fair share of flak this season.
      The Cameroon international fronted up to the media after his howler against Bayern Munich but that fixture wasn’t the only time his shot-stopping has come under microscope since his summer transfer.
      Things were looking bleak for the ex-Inter custodian in the realm of Dream Team too as he mustered just seven points in five games between Gameweeks 2 and 5.
      However, Onana has produced a dramatic turnaround in Gameweek 6 with back-to-back clean sheets.
      He registered 17 points from his fixtures against Burnley and Palace – the second best Gameweek haul this season among assets in his position.
      Suddenly Onana has 34 points overall and is within three of Nick Pope (£4.1m), Dream Team’s outright best keeper at this stage.
      Things are looking up for Onana after consecutive clean sheetsCredit: Getty

      Granted, the rankings will probably change again once Wednesday night’s cup fixtures have been completed but it’s remarkable that Casemiro and Onana are currently among the best performers in their respective positions given the public perception of the pair’s form.
      The lesson here is two-fold:

      Justified real-world criticism doesn’t always mean a player is a flop in Dream Team
      Don’t neglect the Carabao Cup – there’s plenty of points on offer

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      Man Utd 3-0 Crystal Palace LIVE RESULT: Erik ten Hag’s side comfortably through to Carabao Cup fourth round – reaction

      by

      CARABAO CUP holders Manchester United have begun their title defence with a comfortable 3-0 win over Crystal Palace.Alejandro Garnacho gave the Red Devils the lead inside 21 minutes after finishing off a superb move before Casemiro headed in to make it 2-0 minutes later.
      Anthony Martial scored Man United’s third early on in the second half as the Red Devils cruised into the hat for the fourth round.

      Match result: Manchester United 3-0 Crystal Palace
      Man United team: Onana, Amrabat, Maguire, Varane, Dalot, Casemiro, Hannibal, Mount, Pellistri, Garnacho, Martial.
      Crystal Palace team: Henderson, Clyne, Holding, Richards, Mitchell, Doucoure, Riedewald, Schlupp, Rak-Sakyi, Ayew, Mateta

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      Follow our live blog below…
      New partnership could be key to success
      While it was an easy night for Man Utd against Crystal Palace, one thing we can take from this game is the potential of their new midfield duo.
      Casemiro and Amrabat could really be a force to be reckoned with.
      They will give them more protection defensively and the ability to break up the opponent’s attacks, something they have been missing so far this season.
      Both players have a range of passing that can be key in the transition from defence to attack.
      Credit: Getty
      Goals flowing again in Manchester
      You cannot win games unless you are turning pressure into goals.
      This has been a struggle for Man Utd this season but certainly not against Crystal Palace tonight.
      Erik ten Hag’s side can take confidence from this and look to take it into their forthcoming games.
      ten Hag pleased with side’s dominance
      After getting an important win at Burnley on the weekend, Erik ten Hag would not have wanted to lose momentum with anything but a win this evening.
      It is important that United get back into the habit of winning games and they backed up their manager’s thoughts this evening.
      Crystal Palace made it easy for them but you can only beat what is put in front of you.
      Brazilian masterclass from Red Devils
      Casemiro controlled the game in the centre of the park.
      His range of passing, always directly to feet, was sublime.
      He topped off his performance by getting a goal also.

      FT: Man Utd 3-0 Crystal Palace
      It was a very one-sided affair this evening.
      Crystal Palace need to give a far better showing than this when they return to Old Trafford on the weekend.
      Man Utd progress to the fourth round of the EFL Cup.

      FT: Man Utd 3-0 Crystal Palace
      The referee brings the game to an end, putting the visiting fans out of their misery.
      I would say all of the fans but the Man Utd fans are probably halfway home by now.
      Solid win for Erik ten Hag’s side but they will have far more challenging games than what Crystal Palace have offered in terms of resistance this evening.
      Man Utd 3-0 Crystal Palace
      90+2. Casemiro deservedly wins the man of the match award.
      The Brazilian has been the stand-out player on the pitch tonight.
      Even the Man Utd fans have had enough of this now as all you can see is empty seats in the home end.
      Credit: AP
      Man Utd 3-0 Crystal Palace
      90. They should make the Crystal Palace players travel back on the coaches with the fans to London.
      Try and give their travelling support something out of this wasted evening in Manchester.
      We are going to have three minutes added on.
      Man Utd 3-0 Crystal Palace
      88. Credit to Man Utd they are still coming forward looking for another goal.
      Palace are just about keeping them at bay, this time at the expense of a corner.
      As the corner is punched away, it comes to Lindelof on the edge of the box who hits it first time and forces another save out of the Crystal Palace keeper.
      Man Utd 3-0 Crystal Palace
      86. Pellistri cuts inside and feeds it to Hojlund in the box.
      He cannot keep the ball and is tackled.
      Palace struggle to retain possession and United just forward once again.
      Man Utd 3-0 Crystal Palace
      84. Van de Beek is penalised for a foul on Eze.
      Roy Hodgson looks bemused on the touchline.
      Mateta gets a shot away which draws a save from Onana, the rebound is dragged well wide of the United goal.
      Man Utd 3-0 Crystal Palace
      82. Let’s hope there is not much time added on this one.
      It has become a bit of a non-entity of a game now.
      Like watching two drunks fight outside a pub without a single punch landing.
      Credit: Reuters
      Man Utd 3-0 Crystal Palace
      80. Man Utd seem content just passing the ball around now.
      They will want to ensure that they keep a clean sheet to make a good night at the office.
      Although there is not much danger with the attacking intent we have seen from Roy Hodgson’s side tonight.
      Man Utd 3-0 Crystal Palace
      78. It would be nice for Man Utd to employ some sort of ‘chant co-ordinator’.
      They have been singing the same song for the last 57 minutes.
      If the Crystal Palace fans had not slipped into a coma watching their team it would be time for a rendition of ‘is that the only song you know?’
      Man Utd 3-0 Crystal Palace
      76. Hojlund will be hoping to get on the scoresheet this evening.
      He has one goal to his name since his arrival, although you could argue that was an own goal with the deflection it took.
      Plenty of time for him to change those stats still this evening.
      Man Utd 3-0 Crystal Palace
      74. Hojlund is ready to come on for Man Utd.
      Meanwhile Ayew tries to get into the box but goes down all too easily.
      Martial makes way for the Danish striker.
      Man Utd 3-0 Crystal Palace
      72. Evans looks to spread the ball out wide but Clyne gets a head to it, at the cost of a throw in.
      Crystal Palace seem resigned to defeat now in their approach.
      That said, they have looked like that since the first goal went in.
      Man Utd 3-0 Crystal Palace
      70. ten Hag finally makes the substitution of Hannibal.
      He is replaced by Donny Van de Beek.
      Dalot swings in a corner and Evans wins the header and Johnstone makes a good save to deny him.
      Credit: AP
      Man Utd 3-0 Crystal Palace
      68. Stop the press! Palace have their first shot on target.
      Onana saves it with an outstretched leg.
      It has taken 68 minutes for Hodgson’s side to register their first shot on target in this game, shocking.
      Man Utd 3-0 Crystal Palace
      66. Crystal Palace looked like they could play for 180 minutes and not score a goal against Fulham on the weekend.
      It is nice to see that they have brought that league form into this game.
      One way traffic at Old Trafford still.
      Man Utd 3-0 Crystal Palace
      64. Eze looks to switch the ball from right to left.
      There was such pace on the ball, Nathaniel Clyne would have needed to a time machine to go back to when he was ten years younger to catch up with that one.
      Palace look devoid of ideas in the final third still.
      Man Utd 3-0 Crystal Palace
      62. Gore bursts through the centre of the midfield.
      He tries to thread it through to Martial but it is cut out.
      United win back possession and look to come forward once again.
      Man Utd 3-0 Crystal Palace
      60. Casemiro plays another sublime long pass to Garnacho, who does well to control it.
      He drops his shoulder and beats Richards but then weirdly turns back to try and take him on again and is tackled.
      Gore and Evans come on for Amrabat and Varane.
      Strange that ten Hag has left Hannibal on the pitch, he is a red card waiting to happen.
      Credit: Getty
      Man Utd 3-0 Crystal Palace
      58. Hodgson looks set to bring Hughes and Eze on.
      It is all too little too late now.
      He could bring on Zidane and Ronaldo and it is unlikely they would be able to turn this one around for the Londoners.
      Man Utd 3-0 Crystal Palace
      56. The visitors are getting what they deserve here tonight.
      Their defending has been very poor and they are getting caught out ball watching all too often.
      Casemiro plays a ball into the back post and Clyne does not react to the run of Martial who strokes it home.
      Load more entries… More

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      I’m penalty-saving expert with secret plan.. West Ham won’t put me off in Carabao Cup shootout after Sheff Utd dark arts

      by

      LINCOLN keeper Lukas Jensen has warned West Ham not to try any dirty tricks to stop him producing another heroic Carabao Cup performance.The Hammers travel to Sincil Bank on Wednesday for a third-round tie against the League One Imps, who have already taken a Premier League scalp this season.
      Lincoln keeper Lukas Jensen is a specialist in saving penalties
      Jubilant scenes as Lincoln players celebrate with hero keeper Lukas Jensen
      Jensen kept a clean sheet before starring in the penalty shootout win at Sheffield United in the last round by saving two penalties … but only after Blades keeper Adam Davies tried to ruin his masterplan.
      The Imps ace, 24, told SunSport: “I had all the names of the Sheffield United players and which way they usually shoot on a piece of paper wrapped around my water bottle.
      “But their keeper kicked it into the stands so I couldn’t see!
      “Luckily, though, my goalkeeper coach Scott Fry and the other goalie Jordan Wright were there to let me know instead.
      Most read in Football
      “I ended up saving the ones from Louis Marsh and Benie Traore and then Jon Egan put their last penalty over the bar to give us a 3-2 win.
      “The Sheffield United goalkeeper coach came to me afterwards to apologise and say he was the one who had instructed for the bottle to be kicked into the stands.
      “He told me the story about Brice Samba. He had done the same as me with the notes on the water bottle a couple of seasons ago and saved three penalties for Nottingham Forest against them in the Championship play-offs— so they didn’t want a repeat. 
      “West Ham can do what they like tonight as it won’t affect me. I have a good penalty technique. My size being 6ft 6in helps me, I can look intimidating for someone about to take a kick.
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      “If I look as big as possible and choose the right side when they shoot, I’ll have a great opportunity to save them. And to be honest I don’t really practice them. I’m natural.”
      Jensen signed for Lincoln in the summer after four years on the books at Burnley.
      And it is no surprise he has developed into a good keeper, given he worked with three England internationals Nick Pope, Tom Heaton and Joe Hart during his time at Turf Moor.
      Also he worked alongside Northern Ireland stopper Bailey Peacock-Farrell and Welsh ace Wayne Hennessey.
      So it was no wonder that he did not get much of a look-in at Burnley, apart from being on the bench for three Premier League games and being involved in the squad on a dozen occasions.
      Nick Pope was a huge help for Jensen at Burnley
      Joe Hart gave Jensen plenty of tips when they were together at Turf Moor
      He said: “I enjoyed working with Nick because we’re similar in size. I could learn everything from him.
      “From how he moves in the goal and it’s the same with Joe because he’s a big guy too. I’m only a few centimetres taller than him.
      “They both told me loads and I’m grateful for everything they’ve taught me because although it seems a bit stupid when they tell you something at that moment, a few months or years later you can use it.
      “They also taught me things like how to talk to people. I was new at the time coming to England from Denmark. So it was how to interact, how to greet people when you meet them. It was simple stuff like that.
      “But going into goalkeeping specifics, it was how to move around in goal, how to deal with certain situations, all that kind of stuff. All very technical.
      I have a good penalty technique. My size being 6ft 6in helps me, I can look intimidating for someone about to take a kick.LUKAS JENSEN
      “And I used every moment of it when I went out on loans because I was meeting new staff, new team-mates and that has been very helpful to me.”
      Jensen had loans with Bolton, Kórdrengir in Iceland and Carlisle before his breakthrough campaign last season at Accrington where he made 29 League One starts and six in cup competitions.
      And he saved two penalties AGAINST Lincoln in the Papa Johns Trophy, which brought him to their attention.
      Jensen said: “I had a chance to stay at Burnley for another year but would’ve only been loaned out again so we decided it was best I leave and here I am now at Lincoln.
      “We’ve got a talented squad who can achieve things this season. Against West Ham, we’ll try to get through the first half hour and then anything is possible.
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      Lukas Jensen is getting ready for a huge game against West Ham
      “I’ve a lot of respect for Lukasz Fabianski. If he plays tomorrow, I’ll certainly be wanting to chat with him after all the great years he’s had in the Premier League and with Poland.
      “But if it goes to penalties, I’m going to be hoping to be the happier keeper at the end!” More