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      Man Utd ratings: Wout Weghorst and Marcus Rashford star against Forest in Carabao Cup but night to forget for Malacia

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      MANCHESTER UNITED took a huge stride towards the Carabao Cup final with a 3-0 win at Nottingham Forest.Marcus Rashford wasted no time putting the Red Devils in front, waltzing through the Forest defence and firing in on just seven minutes.
      Manchester United saw off Nottingham Forest with ease in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-finalCredit: Getty
      Sam Surridge thought he had levelled – and even copied Cristiano Ronaldo’s celebration – but the goal was chalked off by VAR for offside.
      Wout Weghort grabbed his first United goal just before half-time with a fine finish on the rebound.
      And Bruno Fernandes drilled in a late third to seal the win in the first-leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
      The result means United know they are well in control of the tie and, barring a collapse at Old Trafford next week, will book their place in the Wembley showdown.
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      Here’s how SunSport’s Graeme Bryce rated Erik ten Hag’s men…
      David de Gea – 7
      Made a decent fist of it, electing to punch whenever danger arose – most notably an instinctive jab to divert Gustavo Scarpa’s well-struck first-half volley. Got down well to smother a Danilo attempt after the break. Neat and tidy.
      Aaron Wan-Bissaka –  6
      Rode his luck, leaving Lindelof in the lurch when Sam Surridge netted – only for VAR to spare his blushes by ruling the striker offside. Redeemed himself with a timely block to prevent Scarpa giving Forest a lifeline to cut United’s lead at 2-0 down.
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      Victor Lindelof – 7
      Flapped at times when Forest turned the screw after United’s opener. But regained his composure to shine after the break.
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      Lisandro Martinez – 7 
      Another confident and combative display from the Argentine defender who showed a good turn of pace early on to snuff out one Forest attack and rarely had to break sweat afterwards.
      Tyrell Malacia – 5
      Was given a torrid time early on by Brennan Johnson and Morgan Gibbs-White. Seldom seen further forward and generally had a quiet night.
      Casemiro – 7
      Looked unusually on edge early on when Gibbs-White’s runs from the point of the midfield diamond appeared to unsettle United’s midfield structure. But got on top of the job and was impressive surging forward.
      Christian Eriksen – 7
      Came close to ending this tie as a contest with a third for United. But his on-target effort from 18 yards took a nick off a Forest body and bounced off the crossbar.
      Marcus Rashford opened the scoring with a superb solo effortCredit: Getty
      Antony – 7
      Kept getting into scoring positions but was left frustrated by some sloppy finishing and Wayne Hennessey’s outstretched left leg. Will console himself with the fact it was his shot which led to Weghorst’s goal.
      Bruno Fernandes – 7
      Blew hot and cold at times in front of Portugal’s new head coach Roberto Martinez.But his passing improved as the game progressed and he provided the killer touch to polish off Forest with a brilliant drilled finish late on. 
      Marcus Rashford – 8 
      The hottest hitman in Europe on current form maintained his red hot streak with his 10th goal in 10 post World Cup matches. Burst from his own half and left Worrall and Freuler for dead before beating Hennessey at his near post to give United the lead. 
      Came off with a rib injury after an hour in front of watching England boss Gareth Southgate. 
      Wout Weghorst – 8
      His big boys’ battle with Scott McKenna wasn’t for the faint-hearted. Displayed a poacher’s instinct to open his United account, pouncing to tuck home an Antony rebound with the outside of his right boot. Held up play well and gave United a real focal point up front.
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      Alejandro Garnacho – 6
      Replaced Rashford just before the hour and stretched Forest with his pace and enthusiasm.
      Fred – 5 
      Came on for Eriksen after 71 minutes to snuff out any late Forest threat.
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      Facundo Pellistri – 5
      Kept United ticking over nicely when he replaced Antony.
      Anthony Elanga – 5 
      Came on with five minutes remaining to allow Weghorst the deserved ovation he had earned.
      Wout Weghorst turned in his first Red Devils goalCredit: Rex More

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      Moment advertising hoarding COLLAPSES during Man Utd fans’ wild celebrations against Nottingham Forest

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans celebrated thumping Nottingham Forest so much that the advertising hoardings COLLAPSED – sending them tumbling to the ground.The travelling Red Devils fans rejoiced as Bruno Fernandes drilled in their third goal to all but seal United’s place in the Carabao Cup final at half-time in the two-legged semi-final tie.
      Supporters tumble over each other as the boards give wayCredit: Reuters
      Manchester United fans were celebrating their third goalCredit: AFP
      Supporters and stewards were stunned when the barrier collapsedCredit: PA
      But as the Portuguese playmaker ran across to take in the adulation, the United supporters pushed forward so much that the barrier gave way.
      And that prompted all the fans on the front row of the away end to stack it – before one steward also went flying over the top.
      The fans still managed to stay off the pitch – despite the sheer excitement – before the Forest stadium staff helped stand the board back up again.
      Gary Neville was on commentary for the clash in the East Midlands and was concerned about the safety of the stadium.
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      He said: “It’s not pleasant to watch that for a moment or two, but it looks like everyone is OK.”
      And plenty of viewers on social media shared similar worries.
      One said: “Bloody hell are they taking the p*** with those advertising hoardings? Could have been nasty that.”
      Another wrote: “That advertising board collapsing could’ve gone a lot worse than it did.”
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      And a third added: “Away end rocking, advertising board gone.”
      Fernandes’ fine low finish capped a perfect night for Erik ten Hag.
      Marcus Rashford and Wout Weghorst scored either side of Sam Surridge’s disallowed goal to make it 2-0 by the break.
      And any slim hopes Forest had of getting back into the tie in the second leg at Old Trafford were dashed when skipper Fernandes sealed the deal.
      Bruno Fernandes drilled his shot low and hard into the bottom cornerCredit: Getty
      The Portuguese star made it 3-0 to UnitedCredit: PA
      Supporters were understandably delighted as their team scored againCredit: Getty
      Stewards tried their best to prevent the fallCredit: Reuters
      Supporters were left on their hands and knees behind the pitch More

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      ‘He’s not having that’ – Erik ten Hag rages at Bruno Fernandes after Man Utd star’s wayward shot against Forest

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      ERIK TEN HAG could not hold back his anger after a wayward shot from Bruno Fernandes against Nottingham Forest.The Manchester United manager saw his side win 3-0 in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final, taking an early lead through star man Marcus Rashford.
      Erik ten Hag was left raging with Bruno Fernandes
      The Man Utd midfielder fired a wayward shot wide against Nottingham Forest
      But some sloppy play allowed Sam Surridge to equalise for the hosts before VAR ruled it out for offside.
      And Ten Hag was not in the mood for further mistakes after suffering title heartbreak with defeat at Arsenal on Sunday.
      His anger boiled over near the end of the first half when Fernandes found himself with time on the ball outside Forest’s box
      The Portuguese maestro was unable to produce a disciplined effort.
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      And he instead smashed a wild shot over the bar to a chorus of groans from the travelling fans.
      But Ten Hag reacted in a much more angry manner, appearing to go ballistic at his playmaker from the sideline.
      It prompted pundit and ex-United star Gary Neville to gasp: “He’s fuming. He’s absolutely right, he’s not having that.”
      Fans also reacted to the incident, with many siding with Ten Hag.
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      Fernandes looked sheepish after his dismal effort
      Ten Hag was not happy despite seeing his side score moments later
      One supporter declared: “Ten Hag not happy with Bruno there! Rightly so!”
      Another said: “Ten Hag needs to be tough on Bruno. His lack of discipline is so frustrating.”
      One noted: “Even Ten Hag’s provoked by that useless Bruno shot.”
      Another added: “I know the first thing Ten Hag is going to talk about in the dressing room is that Bruno shot.”
      Fortunately for United, they did manage to hit the target for a second just moments later through new loan striker Wout Weghorst.
      Fernandes then put his horrendous effort behind him by firing in United’s third goal late on.
      The Red Devils are now in total control of their semi tie.
      And provided there are no mistakes in next week’s return leg at Old Trafford, United are likely to battle either Newcastle or Southampton in Wembley’s final. More

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      ‘Bit awkward’ – Sam Surridge left red-faced as he does Cristiano Ronaldo celebration before goal vs Man Utd is ruled out

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      SAM SURRIDGE trolled Manchester United by copying Cristiano Ronaldo’s celebration – then saw his goal ruled out.The Nottingham Forest striker was left red-faced when VAR chalked what would have been his equaliser off.
      Sam Surridge thought he had levelled for Nottingham Forest against Manchester UnitedCredit: PA
      He did the ‘meditating pose’ made famous by Cristiano Ronaldo
      NO GOAL! ❌A ruthless counter-attack from Nottingham Forest is brilliantly finished by Sam Surridge but it’s ruled out for offside after a VAR check! 📺 pic.twitter.com/hmxGrND99v— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) January 25, 2023

      Surridge, 24, thought he had brought his side level in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final at the City Ground.
      Morgan Gibbs-White led the rapid counter-attack at United’s exposed defence on 22 minutes.
      He slipped in Surridge, who coolly curled the ball into the bottom corner past David De Gea.
      The ex-Bournemouth man – who scored an equaliser at the Vitality on Saturday – raced away to celebrate in front of the travelling Red Devils supporters as the home end of the stadium erupted.
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      And he chose to recreate the ‘meditating pose’ made famous by ex-United star Ronaldo and also performed by United star Alejandro Garnacho before his Forest team-mates mobbed him.
      However, Forest’s joy was cut short when the VAR looked at the replays and proved Surridge was just offside when the pass was played.
      And plenty of fans took to social media to mock the unfortunate forward – describing the incident as a “bit awkward”.
      One said: “Surridge with the Ronaldo celebration. Only to be called for offside. In your face.”
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      Another wrote: “Man United have to bury Forest now lol. Sam Surridge really disrespected them like this with that Ronaldo celebration.”
      A third added: “That disappointing ending to the Surridge goal is really a homage to Ronaldo’s ending at United.”
      And a final user commented: “And he hit with a Ronaldo celebration against Man Utd this Surridge guy 😭😭😭. Nice try tho.”
      United led 1-0 at the time of Surridge’s blooper moment thanks to Marcus Rashford’s early opener to continue his red-hot form.
      On-loan striker Wout Weghort made it 2-0 to Erik ten Hag’s side just before half-time before Bruno Fernandes completed a dominant 3-0 win.
      Forest supporters were gutted to see the goal ruled outCredit: PA More

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      Watch Marcus Rashford score wondergoal for Man Utd against Nottingham Forest after bamboozling defence with amazing run

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      MARCUS RASHFORD continued his red-hot form with another stunning strike for Manchester United.The 25-year-old needed just six minutes to break the deadlock against Nottingham Forest in the first-leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
      Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford (R) celebrates after his strike at ForestCredit: AFP
      The star produced a brilliant solo strike to break the deadlockCredit: Getty

      Rashford received the ball 10 yards inside his own half close to the left touchline.
      He then accelerated forward at the Forest defence, squeezing his way past several opponents into the box, before smashing the ball past Wayne Hennessey.
      That was his 10th goal in 10 matches since he returned to United from England duty at the World Cup.
      And it led on from his impressive displays for the Three Lions in Qatar, where he scored three times in five outings.
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      His latest strike took his tally at club level to 18 for the campaign so far, and fans quickly took to Twitter afterwards to hail the in-form hitman.
      One fan asked: “Rashford is the first player from a top-five European league to reach 10 goals across all competitions since the end of the World Cup.
      “The best player in the world right now?”
      Another said: “Good Lord. I actually can’t recall the last time a United player was in the form that Rashford is in. Lethal.”
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      A fellow fan wrote: “Marcus Rashford is an incredible run of form. Respect.”
      Another labelled him “Mr Incredible” while a fellow tweet said: “Rashford is a cheat code atm!”
      And another declared: “Rashford’s the best player in the world rn…you can’t chat to me.” More

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      Fans LOVE Jacob Murphy’s ‘top class ‘s***housery’ as Newcastle star hilariously taunts Saints’ Caleta-Car after red card

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      FOOTBALL fans were left in hysterics after Newcastle’s Jacob Murphy cheekily waved goodbye to Southampton defender Duje Caleta-Car following his red card.The Croatian defender, 26, was dismissed in the 86th minute of his side’s 1-0 Carabao Cup semi-final first leg defeat at St Mary’s on Tuesday evening.
      Jacob Murphy waved Duje Caleta-Car off the pitch following his red cardCredit: Reuters

      Caleta-Car did not look impressed as Murphy waved him off the pitchCredit: Rex
      As he trudged off the pitch, the cameras caught Murphy sarcastically waving at him.
      And plenty of viewers quickly flocked to social media to react to the moment.
      One person said: “Like every other fan I’ve given Murphy the worst stick imaginable but give the man a contract for life after that! The finest s***housery I have ever seen! 🤣”.
      Another added: “Absolute top class s***housery that lol 😂”.
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      And a third said: “Jacob Murphy, get in lad! Top class s***housery!! 👋🏻”.
      A Saints fan then replied: “It’s only one goal, and if (very big IF with us 🤣) we turn it around, I have a feeling Murphy will have 11 Saints players and a few fans ‘waving’ at him”.
      Joelinton’s 73rd-minute goal has handed Newcastle a slender lead to take back to St James’ Park for the return fixture in seven days’ time.
      The Brazilian forward, 26, spared his own blushes after missing a huge chance earlier in the second half.
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      Miguel Almiron’s cross found its way through to Joelinton, only for him to blaze over from four yards out.
      But he then made up for his mistake by finishing off substitute Alexander Isak’s fine run to secure the win.
      Newcastle will now be confident of seeing out the tie and progressing through to the final.
      If they do make it to Wembley, Eddie Howe’s side will face either Nottingham Forest or Man Utd. More

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      Southampton 0 Newcastle 1 LIVE RESULT: Magpies close in on Carabao Cup final as Joelinton’s strike sinks 10-man Saints

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      NEWCASTLE will take a one goal advantage to St. James’ Park after beating Southampton in the first leg.Joelinton’s close range strike was enough for the Magpies to secure the win.
      And their life was made easier when Duje Caleta-Car got himself sent off for a reckless challenge on Allan Saint-Maximin.

      RESULT: Southampton 0-1 Newcastle
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      TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event
      Southampton XI: Bazunu; Walker-Peters, Lyanco, Caleta-Car, Salisu; Diallo Alcaraz; Ward-Prowse, Djenopo, Orsic; Mara
      Newcastle XI: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Willock; Almiron, Wilson, Joelinton

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      Goodnight from St Mary’s
      Newcastle were heavy favourites to win the game and they finally made their quality count late on following Joelinton’s goal.
      Southampton gave as good as they got in the second half and will be devastated not to go to St James’ Park at least on level terms.
      Not only because their disallowed goal but also because of Adams’ great chance at 0-0.
      But Howe’s side continue their exceptional season and will have a full week to recover before the second leg next Tuesday.
      Until then, goodnight.
      Howe pleased with the result
      Eddie Howe refused to get carried away despite Newcastle moving a step closer to reaching the Carabao Cup final.
      He said: “It was a tough game, both teams had their moments. I’m pleased to win the game, but we know it’s only half-time.
      “We created chances today, we weren’t clinical until Jo’s goal, but it happens, I can’t be critical.
      “Nick made some saves at the end, but there’s still a lot to play in the tie.”
      Reaction from Bruno and Pope
      Bruno said: “We played very well, we controlled the game but we missed some chances we can’t miss.
      “I’m proud of the team today. One goal is important, of course we could score more.
      “I would like to say thank you to Nick Pope for saving us, I think he’s the best goalkeeper in the world.”
      Pope said: “A lot of work goes into the clean sheets. That aspect of our game we put a lot of hard work into that.”

      FT. Southampton 0-1 Newcastle
      Following a poor opening 45 minutes, the game burst into life midway through the second half.
      Ultimately, Joelinton’s goal puts Newcastle in pole position to reach their first major final for 24 years.
      But Southampton will feel aggrieved after Armstrong’s equaliser was chalked off.
      Regardless, with 10 clean sheets in their last 11 games, Howe’s men will be confident of making it to Wembley next month.

      FT. Southampton 0-1 Newcastle
      Newcastle pushed hard for a second goal with Murphy hitting the side netting late on while Isak also missed a fine chance with the last kick of the game.
      But Howe’s side weren’t able to double their lead and have to settle for a 1-0 victory.

      Southampton 0-1 Newcastle
      90. We’re into five minutes of added time.
      Newcastle going all out to score a second and potentially put this tie to bed.
      Southampton hoping for no further damage.
      Southampton 0-1 Newcastle
      87. Southampton are down to ten men.
      Saint-Maximin goes on a trademark run and Caleta-Car brings him down and receives his second yellow card.
      Bruno is furious with the tackle and he’s also booked for descent.
      Fourth change for Southampton sees Bednarek replace Walker-Peters as Saints look to keep it at 1-0.
      Southampton 0-1 Newcastle
      84. Newcastle are pushing for a second and their travelling fans are loving it.
      Meanwhile, Lyanco is booking for bringing down Bruno.
      Saint-Maximin defends his team-mate and is also carded.
      Southampton 0-1 Newcastle
      75. Southampton think they’re level as they go straight up the other end and Armstrong’s deflected effort beats Pope.
      But it comes off Burn and hits his hand.
      Following a lengthy VAR check, the goal is disallowed.

      Southampton 0-1 Newcastle
      73. Totally against the run of play Newcastle take the lead.
      Isak turns Caleta-Car and makes his way into the box at ease.
      The Sweden international then squares for Joelinton, who this time can’t miss.
      It’s harsh on Southampton.

      Southampton 0-0 Newcastle
      72. Another superb Ward-Prowse delivery almost creates a chance for Alcarez but he just can’t get his head on it.
      Up the other end, Longstaff has half a chance from Burn’s shot.
      We’re into the final 20 minutes and both sides are searching hard for a winner.
      Southampton 0-0 Newcastle
      68. Southampton are really on top now and Howe looks to his bench to change things up.
      The Newcastle boss introduces Saint-Maximin and Isak in place of Willock and Wilson.
      Southampton 0-0 Newcastle
      67. Chances keep on coming for Southampton.
      This time Ward-Prowse’s free-kick finds its way to Adams who swerves and volleys towards goal but Pope is there again to palm away.
      Southampton 0-0 Newcastle
      65. Best chance of the game for Southampton!
      Adams is sent through and is one-on-one with Pope.
      But the Saints striker never looked confident and Pope saves with his legs.

      Southampton 0-0 Newcastle
      62. The game is becoming end to end.
      Edozie gets away from Trippier but can’t pick out Armstrong, much to the frustration of the home fans.
      Then straight away an excellent run and cross from Walker-Peters picks out Ward-Prowse, but he can’t guide his effort on target.
      Southampton 0-0 Newcastle
      59. Huge shout for a Southampton penalty as Walker-Peters and Willock collide.
      Despite the coming together, Stuart Attwell waves their appeals away.
      Southampton 0-0 Newcastle
      57. Newcastle should really be ahead but Southampton are continuing to get forward themselves.
      Armstrong beats a couple of challenges and fires over.
      Saints make a double change as Diallo and Orsic are replaced by Edozie and Adams.
      Southampton 0-0 Newcastle
      53. Wow! A massive miss from Joelinton.
      It’s Almiron the creator once again.
      He plays a one-two with Longstaff and his deflected cross lands at the feet of the Brazilian who has to score from six yards out.
      But he somehow blazes over with the goal gaping.
      Seconds later Newcastle have another chance as another Almiron cross causes problems, but Botman can only fire into the side netting.

      Southampton 0-0 Newcastle
      49. Southampton have made a promising start to the half and are on the front foot with Armstrong causing problems.
      Mara tries an acrobatic effort but he strike fires over.
      Southampton 0-0 Newcastle
      47. Another chance for Newcastle but it once again falls to the wrong man.
      Almiron does great down the left and picks out Longstaff who comes onto the ball on the edge of the box but like Willock in the first half, he can’t keep his effort down.

      Kick-off: Southampton 0-0 Newcastle
      We are back underway at St Mary’s.
      No changes for either side.
      HT: Southampton 0-0 Newcastle
      Quite a poor first 45 minutes of this tie.
      Newcastle have been on top with Trippier and Almiron looking a real danger down the right.
      But the away team haven’t been ruthless enough when they’ve got into good positions, which is why they’ve only tested Bazunu once.
      Southampton enjoyed a decent spell late in the half with Alcarez testing Pope from distance.
      All to play for after the break.

      HT: Southampton 0-0 Newcastle
      That brings a relatively uneventful opening period to an end.
      Newcastle have been the better side, but they’ve struggled to turn their dominance into chances.
      Joelinton saw his effort ruled out for handball just before the break.

      Southampton 0-0 Newcastle
      45+3. Djenepo heads down the tunnel and isn’t going to be able to continue.
      On in his place is former Newcastle striker Adam Armstrong, who’s a boyhood Magpies supporter.
      Southampton 0-0 Newcastle
      45. We’ve just entered four minutes of added time at the end of the first half and Southampton have a free-kick in a decent position on the right after Pope races out of his goal and clatters into Djenepo.
      The Southampton man is down receiving treatment.

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      Saints 0 Newcastle 1: Joelinton has goal disallowed and misses sitter before FINALLY sending Toon step closer to final

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      FOR a while, we had witnessed vintage Joelinton – the one from the Mike Ashley era who played at centre-forward and couldn’t hit a cow’s backside with a banjo. The big Brazilian bungled one close-range chance by handling before he found the netted –  and then produced a miss-of-the-season contender by Row-Zedding it from six yards. 
      Joelinton was the man of the hour as Newcastle beat SouthamptonCredit: Reuters

      The Brazilian scored the only goal of the Carabao Cup semi first-leg tieCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      But, finally, the new Joelinton – the impressive model from the ultra-efficient Geordie Arabia era – emerged, finding the net with a two-yard tap-in sending the massed ranks of Toon Army foot soldiers into rapture. 
      They were telling their Ma they don’t want no tea, they were going to Wembley. 
      And next Tuesday, at an expectant St James’ Park, Eddie Howe’s men will surely fulfil that prophet by wrapping up this Carabao Cup semi-final in the second leg. 
      Saints, rock-bottom of the Premier League, had an equaliser ruled out because of an Adam Armstrong handball but had centre-half Duje Caleta-Car sent off late on as Newcastle’s superior class began to tell.
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      Eddie Howe’s side will surely be at Wembley on February 26, to face Manchester United or Nottingham Forest – and they will fancy their chances of a first domestic trophy since the long gone days of Wor Jackie Milburn.  
      Given the 18-year hiatus since their last semi-final appearance, and their 54-year wait for any major trophy, the 644-mile trip from Tyneside would have felt like a trip to the local for the Toon Army. 
      Their team have been solid, professional but actually rather boring of late, yet after more than a decade of shambolic, amateurish and actually rather boring under Ashley, this season has represented a major uplift. 
      Among the home support, there wasn’t the same sense of occasion. The threat of relegation and a dismal Premier League record at St Mary’s saw to that.  
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      Saints star Moussa Djenepo went off early after colliding with Nick PopeCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun

      Joelinton missed a sitter and then had a strike ruled out for handballCredit: Getty
      Nick Pope – dressed in fluorescent orange like a steward – has had a similar none-shall-pass attitude to his work of late. 
      He has not conceded a goal since a late Saints consolation in a 4-1 win here on November 6 – a run of ten straight clean sheets for the puritan Pope. 
      Newcastle ought to have gone in front in the second minute whe Miguel Almiron went on a scamper and squared for Joe Willock but the midfielder, in glorious isolation, skied his shot. 
      The Saints were clearly struggling for confidence and rhythm, their central defenders, Lyanco and Caleta-Car, consistently passing to Newcastle players and inviting pressure on the hosts. 
      Caleta-Car clattered Almiron with a horrible clumsy challenge which earned him a booking. 
      When Newcastle broke soon after, Almiron on a bandy-legged dribble, Kieran Trippier with a trademark whipped centre, Willock was at it again, ballooning his volley. 
      The midfielder finally hit the target in the 73rd minuteCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun

      Newcastle are just 90 minutes away from the Carabao Cup finalCredit: Getty
      Howe’s men thought they had scored five minutes before the break when Willock cut in from the left and forced a save from Gavin Bazunu.
      As Mohammed Salisu hacked clear, there were a queue of Newcastle players waiting but Joelinton seemed to control with his arm before his shot found the net and ref Stuart Attwell ruled it out. 
      Pope was soon forced into an improvised save from a fizzing, swerving low drive from Carlos Alcaraz. 
      And Pope, suddenly busy, had to dart out of his area to clear from Moussa Djenepro, thudding into the Saints winger as he did so but escaping punishment despite the howls of the home players and supporters.
      After the break, Almiron was leaving scorched earth down the left flank again but when he cut back, Sean Longstaff cleared the bar, the theme for Newcastle’s evening.
      After Alcaraz – the Argentinian midfielder making his full debut – had nutmegged Dan Burn, Sekjou Mara sent a scissors kick just wide. 
      Adam Armstrong saw a late equalised also ruled out for handballCredit: Getty
      DISALLOWED! ❌Southampton have the ball in the back of the next but after a VAR check it’s ruled out for handball from Adam Armstrong! 😮 pic.twitter.com/b3TP5SM54a— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) January 24, 2023

      Duje Caleta-Car picked up a second yellow at the deathCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun

      But then came an extraordinary miss, which seemed to sum up Newcastle’s recent form.
      Almiron’s pace and trickery bewildered the Saints defence but after his low centre located Joelinton six yards out, the Brazilian somehow shot over despite attempting to side-foot, rather than blast it.
      Alcaraz, who can definitely play a bit, released Che Adams but the sub almost had too much time to think and shot too close to Pope, who stuck out a foot to save. 
      This was more like it from Southampton and soon Adams forced a sprawling save from Pope. 
      But then Alexander Isak, just on for Callum Wilson, beat his man down the right and centred low for Joelinton to finally end his frustration from two yards as the Geordies cavorted behind him.
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      Saints thought they had equalised almost immediately but Armstrong had handled, as he and Dan Burn fell over each other, as he applied the finishing touch to Samuel Edozie’s hooked centre.
      Caleta-Car suffered his second booking for chopping down Allan Saint-Maximin late on and the Geordies will have sung as they de-iced their motors for the long journey home.  More