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      Arsenal verdict: Carabao Cup exit a blessing in disguise with one less distraction for Arteta in bid to end Prem drought

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      THERE were groans around the Emirates when Karl Hein made his fatal error in the 27th minute.The debutant’s slip and trip on Brighton’s Danny Welbeck began Arsenal’s descent into Carabao Cup despair.
      Arsenal’s Carabao Cup exit can only be a blessing in disguise for Mikel ArtetaCredit: Reuters
      And the night ended in a 3-1 defeat with Mikel Arteta’s men being dumped out of the competition earlier than expected.
      But is the result really the end of the world for Arsenal?
      Playing (mostly) top-class football, thumping rivals like Chelsea and Spurs, and competing for a first Premier League title since the Invincibles of 2004?
      The answer is simply no.
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      In fact, tonight’s exit can only be a blessing in disguise for Arteta, who almost certainly won’t be shedding any tears tonight.
      That’s because he now has one less distraction to deal with.
      And Arsenal no longer have to worry about a competition many see as meaningless.
      Yes, it’s always nice for potential league champs to kick-start things by landing the first trophy of the season.
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      But at the end of the day, Arteta will not be remembered nor championed for winning the Carabao Cup.
      He already has an FA Cup in the bank.
      And every diehard Gooner only has eyes for the Premier League this term.
      Arteta can now forget having to prep for eight or nine changes ahead of a random midweek fixture.
      He can also rule out further long trips away from London, making his already-knackered players even more tired.
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      Now Arsenal can fix their sights almost completely on the title, with the Europa League and FA Cup a nice sideshow.
      And nobody can be surprised if Arteta cracks a wry smile on his drive home tonight. More

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      Chelsea verdict: Potter will wish World Cup break could start now as Blues’ season at risk of completely crumbling

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      GRAHAM POTTER must wish he could start the break for the World Cup now.Because his team’s season is in danger of unravelling and there is a chance it could get worse still by Saturday evening.
      Chelsea have now lost three out of their last fourCredit: Reuters
      The Blues were beaten 2-0 by Manchester City at the EtihadCredit: PA
      The former Brighton manager’s selection here indicated he had one eye on the trip to St James’ Park this weekend.
      After a dismal few days, that’s a game they need to go and win now.
      Chelsea came into this game on the back of four domestic games without a win – including damaging defeats against Brighton and Arsenal.
      That sees them back in seventh place in the Prem and a whopping 13 points behind the leaders with little more than a third of the season gone.
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      With second placed City also 11 ahead of them, some will believe the Blues’ title hopes are already over.
      But the trip to the Toon has suddenly become a huge one for Potter’s regime.
      Lose that one and they would find themselves 10 points behind the Geordies in the race for the top four.
      Perhaps it was no surprise that his team selection here reflected the importance of that long trip to Tyneside.
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      Raheem Sterling was on the bench for his return to his old club, alongside Mason Mount, Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, Kai Havertz and Cesar Azpilicueta.
      With so many changes it was inevitable there was a disjointed look to Potter’s team at times in the opening half.
      They had opportunities with Christian Pulisic and youngster Lewis Hall both going close but the big chances came at the other end.
      But nobody could say it was deserved when City took the lead through Riyad Mahrez and doubled their lead soon afterwards thanks to Julian Alvarez.
      Some of the first team regulars were thrown on in a quadruple substitution midway through the second half.
      They improved – but found City’s understudy keeper Stefan Ortega in inspired form when they did get a sight of goal.
      Potter will hope the break will allow him to get some of his methods across to his players – even though many will be away at the World Cup.
      It should also give key players such as Ben Chilwell, Ngolo Kante and Reece James chance to recover from their injuries.
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      Maybe he can organise a bit of shooting practice too on last night’s evidence.
      Two months in and the honeymoon is well and truly over for Potter. More

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      Derby 0 Liverpool 0 (2-3 pens): Young Reds survive shootout scare with Kelleher the Carabao Cup hero for reigning champs

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      CAOIMHIN KELLEHER must feel like he owns the Carabao Cup after another incredible hands-on display.Last February it was the young Republic of Ireland goalkeeper who won the trophy for Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool.
      Kelleher was the penalty hero as he saved multiple Derby pensCredit: Reuters
      He didn’t save one of the 10 penalty kicks fired at him by Chelsea, but he slotted from the spot himself to grab the glory of the 11-10 drama.
      Last night he saved three times in a dramatic shoot-out before Harvey Elliott finally ended opposite number Joe Wildsmith’s crazy night – the having himself saved from Stefan Bajetic.
      In the end most of those with Anfield breathed a huge sigh of relief after Klopp’s men just – but only just – saved themselves from humiliation.
      Kelleher, 23, first made a name for himself almost two years ago, keeping a clean sheet in a 1–0 Champions League win over Ajax with No 1 Alisson injured.
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      The Brazilian was rested for the third round clash with the Rams – Kelleher part of Klopp’s all – change side from the one that beat Tottenham 2–1 on Sunday.
      And he again showed why the German believes he would already be his side’s first chice were it not for the presence of Alisson.
      He reacted brilliantly to deny Connor Hourihane, Craig Forsyth and Lewis Dobbin – and he had to.
      For apart from Wildsmith’s save from Bajetic, substitute Roberto Firmino fired wildly over the bar.
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      David McGoldrick and Louie Sibley scored for Paul Warne’s battlers, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Darwin Nunez countered before Elliott finally sent Klopp’s men through.
      The German tried his own hand at further education in the clash – and mostly it didn’t work out.
      Yet of the five youngsters given their full debuts, Calum Ramsey did come through with flying colours.
      There has been quiet excitement within Anfield since the Scottish right back arrived from Aberdeen for £6million in the summer.
      And his first start suggested boss Klopp and his coaches are right to believe they have their hands on a new star.
      Ramsey, given his first taste of the big time in a three – minute sub appearance in last week’s 2 – 0 Champions League win over Napoli, looked like he was born to play at Anfield.
      On an otherwise scrappy night amidst Klopp’s Liverpool-lite, the right back was the stand-out performer.
      It can surely only be a matter of time before he is tapping on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s shoulder. And guess what?
      Even if he was only up against Paul Warne’s League One doughty battlers, he showed that he can defend as well as, like TAA, power forward.
      Ramsey, 19 was one of five youngsters to be given full debuts by Klopp as well as Layton Stewart (20), Bobby Clark (17), Melkamu Frauendorf (18) and Stefan Bajcetic (18).
      There were part of an all – change side from that which offered hope of a Prem renaissance with Sunday’s 2–1 win over Tottenham.
      Other than Ramsey, however, the kids showed that they were not quite alright yet.
      Stewart should have put away a 32nd minute chance carved out for him by the more experienced but equally youthful Fabio Carvalho.
      What had been a pretty tepid clash warmed up considerably after the break – a bit like Wildsmith’s hands would become.
      The Rams goalkeeper had hardly been over-worked but as Liverpool lite began to get the taste for the action he reacted brilliantly to keep out one of the older bods in Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
      The 29-year-old let fly from 25 yards and his shot looked like missing the target but a deflection forced a fine parry from Wildsmith.
      He also got down well to deal with a strike from Fabio Carvalho.
      Paul Warne’s men fought right to the end but could not pull off an Anfield shockCredit: PA
      Roberto Firmino, Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott came on as a triple change in the 66th minute yet the Rams – and especially Wildsmith, were not for folding.
      Indeed Wildsmith almost put his shoulder out reacting to a shot from Elliott – having dived one way then arching back to get a crucial touch on the 82nd minute effort.
      And all the way through the Rams fans roared their heads off. The holders hadn’t lost a tie in the competition since a defeat to Arsenal on October 1, 2020 and were facing a side fighting that lies seventh in the third tier of English football.
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      Derby also gave up a two-goal lead to National League Torquay United in Saturday’s 2–2 FA Cup first round tie.
      Yet the away section was a 5, 567 sell – out of those who saw a real shaft of light after all the dark times the club has been through over the past couple of years. More

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      Arsenal ratings: Nketiah impresses but keeper Hein suffers nightmare debut as he makes huge error in Brighton defeat

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      ARSENAL were knocked out of the Carabao Cup as Brighton came from behind to win 3-1 at the Emirates and book their place in the fourth round.Eddie Nketiah broke the deadlock in the 20th minute when he whipped a wonderful strike into the top corner.
      Nketiah gave Arsenal the lead with a delightful finishCredit: AP
      Former Arsenal striker Welbeck levelled from the penalty spotCredit: AFP
      But Brighton levelled things up seven minutes later as Arsenal’s keeper for the night, Karl Hein, slipped and then brought Danny Welbeck down for a penalty.
      Ex-Gunners striker Welbeck stepped up to slot the spot kick into the bottom corner to level things up.
      And the visitors then went in front shortly before the hour mark as substitute Kaoru Mitoma curled home a superb effort.
      Brighton extended their advantage with 19 minutes remaining as Tariq Lamptey fired home, with Roberto De Zerbi’s men comfortably seeing out the game to advance into the last 16.
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      Here is how SunSport’s Dylan Terry saw the performances of the Arsenal players.
      KARL HEIN – 3/10
      His first task of the entire season led to a moment he will not want to be reminded of.
      Hein slipped and allowed Welbeck to beat him to the ball, only for the keeper to then rashly bring him down for a penalty – which the ex-Arsenal striker tucked away.
      Conceding two more only added insult to injury in what was a difficult debut for the 20-year-old Estonian.
      Hein slipped and then brought Welbeck down for a penaltyCredit: Reuters
      CEDRIC SOARES – 5
      Looked exposed when up against Enciso and Sarmiento as Brighton targeted Arsenal’s right side.
      If it wasn’t for Saliba coming across to help him out, Cedric could have had a brutal night. As it turned out, it was merely somewhat underpar.
      WILLIAM SALIBA – 5
      Was clearly struggling when Welbeck sprung the offside trap to run in behind and win the penalty.
      Looked a yard or two off the pace compared with his brilliant form so far this season.
      Replaced by Gabriel in the 63rd minute.
      ROB HOLDING – 5
      An experienced head and a good back-up centre-half, but does lack that bit of quality on the ball that Gabriel gives Arsenal.
      Also looked vulnerable for the second goal as he was sucked in and punished by the creativity of Sarmiento and Mitoma’s finish.
      KIERAN TIERNEY – 6
      Most of Brighton’s attacks seemed to come down the other side in the first half, so Tierney enjoyed a rather quiet time from a defensive side of things.
      Going forward he was always an outlet for Nelson, although he rarely received a pass.
      Came off for Zinchenko with 18 minutes remaining.
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      MOHAMED ELNENY – 6
      A solid performance from Elneny – who had played just 66 minutes of football since August coming into this one.
      He was a calming presence alongside the more erratic Lokonga and picked out some nice passes to set Arsenal on their way in attack.
      SAMBI LOKONGA – 4
      Was definitely the more underwhelming of the two defensive midfielders for Arsenal.
      Was guilty of giving the ball away in dangerous areas and was made to look silly by Sarmiento and Enciso when they dropped into pockets of space in between the lines.
      Replaced by Xhaka in the 80th minute.
      Lokonga had a tough evening in the Arsenal midfieldCredit: Reuters
      REISS NELSON – 4
      Looked dangerous the few times he had the ball, but they were simply not often enough.
      Set up the goal and then drifted out of the game for large periods.
      Skewed a poor effort wide in the closing stages. An underpar display.
      FABIO VIEIRA – 5
      Fluffed a couple of really good opportunities – one on his left foot and the other with his head.
      Clearly has the quality to pick a pass, but lacks a ruthlessness in front of goal.
      Made way for Jesus in the 72nd minute.
      MARQUINHOS – 4
      Really struggled to have any sort of positive impact on the first half. Resorted to needless fouls and poor crosses.
      Understandably looked well short of minutes. The Arsenal fans were getting increasingly frustrated with his lack of decision-making in the final third.
      Did produce one decent moment when he crossed for Vieira, only for the header to be denied by Steele.
      Replaced by Martinelli in the 63rd minute.
      Marquinhos really struggled to make an impact on Wednesday nightCredit: AP
      EDDIE NKETIAH – 7
      Curled in a delightful opener, showing the sort of finishing which has been missing in the Premier League so far this season.
      Caused Brighton one or two more problems, before he fired against the inside of the post as the woodwork narrowly denied him a brace.
      Nketiah scored his third goal of the season to add to his two in the Europa LeagueCredit: Getty
      GABRIEL MARTINELLI (FOR MARQUINHOS, 63) – 5
      Missed a great chance to pull one back, firing into the legs of Steele from close range.
      GABRIEL (FOR SALIBA, 63) – 6
      Brought fresh legs and for a brief moment some stability, before Brighton then scored their third.
      Should have really replaced Holding.
      GABRIEL JESUS (FOR VIEIRA, 72) – 6
      Linked the play well when he came on. Struggled to have a real noticeable impact due to Brighton keeping possession.
      OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO (FOR TIERNEY, 72) – 5
      His delivery into the box was simply not good enough. A tame one into the arms of Steele late on was met by angry groans from the home fans.
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      GRANIT XHAKA (FOR LOKONGA, 80) – 5
      Failed to really give Arsenal any more authority in the midfield – something they were crying out for.
      That being said, the game had gone by the time he came off the bench.
      Unused subs: White, Partey, Odegaard, Turner. More

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      Man City 2 Chelsea 0: Last year’s finalists OUT in third round as Mahrez and Alvarez score in comfortable Etihad win

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      THE divorce papers are hardly being drawn up, but the honeymoon is most definitely well and truly over for Graham Potter.Of course there can never be too much shame in defeat at the Etihad.
      Riyad Mahrez curled home a free-kick to open the scoringCredit: AFP
      Mahrez celebrates after breaking the deadlockCredit: AFP
      Julian Alvarez settled the game just before the hour markCredit: Getty
      After all, most visitors are sent packing with their tail between their legs.
      But when it’s a loss that makes it five domestic games without a win, against a distinctly second string City side, it does become something of a slap in the chops.
      And unfortunately for manager Potter, it’s a feeling he is becoming worryingly familiar with. 
      A toothless draw with Brentford, a caning at old club Brighton, a home loss to Arsenal.
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      Now this… and a trip to Newcastle to come in 48 hours.
      Suddenly he’s not so much looking like the new Messiah as just a very naughty boy.
      Yes, Potter can claim Chelsea had their moments last night.
      To be fair, they were always going to enjoy the odd one.
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      But the bottom line is they did nothing with them, either through wasteful finishing, or the odd flash of inspired goalkeeping.
      Yet they were few and far between. Most of the game was spent on the back foot. 
      A night of desperate defending, last ditch tackles, and the odd lunatic one thrown in as well.
      Like the stupid, headstrong lunge from Trevor Chalobah which sent Riyad Mahrez tumbling on 54 minutes, before the Algerian picked himself up to whip in the resulting free kick.
      Although Armando Broja should get an unwelcome assist, for the way he jumped sideways and actually made himself smaller in the wall.
      Not that it wasn’t a lead City didn’t deserve.
      They should already have been well ahead, probably already out of sight.
      As it is, they only had to wait another four minutes until they all but were, after the longest one-two you’ll see all season.
      Well, after a fashion at least.
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      Julian Alvarez, wide on the left wing, floated a ball to Mahrez right on the other flank.
      He cut inside and had Edouard Mendy diving low to beat out his drive, before Alvarez was lively while defenders lounged, and he swept in the rebound.
      At times City were as bright as the pre-match light show.
      And that was so impressive you half expected Pink Floyd to emerge from the tunnel, not a couple of football teams.
      Oh, and as for Pep Guardiola admitting he couldn’t blame any of his players for having half an eye on the World Cup, with Qatar now so close?
      Well Jack Grealish clearly took that as a challenge.
      Maybe it was because he was the only sure-fire Three Lion in the line-up and he relished the chance to take centre stage.
      Jack Grealish wasn’t afraid to put himself aboutCredit: Getty
      Grealish starred for City, with less than two weeks to go until the World CupCredit: Getty
      Maybe it was just the opportunity to stick two fingers up at the James Maddison fan club, who insist the Leicester man is a better prospect.
      Whatever the reason, Grealish was a real box of tricks last night and if anyone deserved a goal, it was him.
      At least Chelsea got what they deserved though… another defeat.
      For while they may well have enjoyed a few second half moments, all City had to do by then was see it out.
      To that point Potter’s men hadn’t raised pulses beyond the odd first half breakaway.
      Like the one which ended with such a weak shot from Christian Pulisic that the deflection off defender back Rico Lewis was more of a threat to keeper Stefan Ortega, who saved with his legs.
      If Pulisic is as lethal for the USA when they face England in Qatar in a couple of weeks, that’s pretty much three points in the bank already for Gareth Southgate’s men, then.
      Ortega used his legs again when young Lewis Hall kept his cool and cut inside Lewis, the German stopper leaving his right foot trailing to block the danger.
      By the time he produced a genuine wonder stop – again to deny teenager Hall – City had more than enough breathing space and Chelsea had none.
      Although we should have come to realise by now that while most view the League Cup as a footballing trophy to scrape off the bottom of their shoe, Guardiola never has.
      Sure, he may give his second stringers a chance, but considering they’d walk into pretty much every other team in the land, they are hardly makeweights.
      That’s why City have lost only once in this competition in the past five years. 
      That’s why it will clearly take something special to beat them again this time, too.
      If only Potter had that problem…
      It was another miserable night for Graham PotterCredit: Reuters More

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      Chelsea player ratings: Teenager Lewis Hall jumps into the spotlight while Koulibaly frustrates as Chelsea suffer defeat

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      CHELSEA suffered their third successive domestic defeat with a 2-0 loss to in-form Manchester City on Wednesday evening.Goals from Riyad Mahrez and new boy Julian Alvarez fired Pep Guardiola’s side into the fourth round, leaving the Blues with a bitter taste of defeat once again.
      Chelsea suffered a 2-0 defeatCredit: Reuters
      Potter was left frustrated with the performanceCredit: Reuters
      Chelsea put on a fairly positive display throughout the first half, but their fate was sealed as soon as City broke the deadlock in the second half.
      Here’s how SunSport’s Emillia Hawkins rated the performance.
      Edouard Mendy – 7
      Mendy responded well whenever he was called upon throughout the game, making some fantastic saves.
      Marc Cucurella – 6
      The Spaniard put on a solid defensive display, contributing with some crucial blocks.
      His fantastic last-ditch tackle prevented Riyad Mahrez from breaking the deadlock early in the second half.
      Kalidou Koulibaly – 5
      He was largely at fault for Man City’s opening goal by not even attempting to block Mahrez’s free kick.
      Koulibaly was also susceptible to a few defensive mistakes throughout.
      Trevoh Chalobah – 6
      Chalobah made some excellent blocks throughout the first half, but ultimately City’s opener came from the free kick he gave away on the edge of the box.
      Lewis Hall – 8
      The youngest player on the pitch just so happened to be the best player on the pitch this evening.
      Despite having made just one first team appearance prior to this evening’s fixture, Hall looked at home in the Chelsea squad.
      Every time he received the ball he looked to create for the Blues while also being defensively solid.
      Denis Zakaria – 6
      The Juventus loanee did the simple things well and was effective while linking up with Kovacic.
      He could perhaps be more confident at times, but that will undoubtedly come with more game time.
      Mateo Kovacic – 6
      Took control of the midfield and attempted to create with some fantastic passes.
      He also worked well in a pivot alongside Zakaria.
      Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 6
      He did well to cover Grealish throughout the clash – partly with thanks to the protection that Ziyech helped to provide.
      Christian Pulisic – 7
      Pulisic provided a huge boost for Chelsea going forward, linking up well with both the midfield and Ziyech on the right.
      But, he did miss a fair few chances.
      Armando Broja – 5
      Broja was very quiet throughout and he struggled to create many goalscoring opportunities for himself.
      One of his best chances came early in the game when he gambled with a long-range strike, but his effort was off-target.
      Hakim Ziyech – 7
      Arguably one of Chelsea’s better players on the day, Ziyech looked to increase the tempo of the Blues’ play every time he got on the ball.
      Going forward, he sent some fantastic passes into the box, linking up well with Pulisic in the process.
      He also made an impact defensively, dropping back to cover Loftus-Cheek, who was being kept busy by Jack Grealish for much of the evening.
      Substitutes

      Conor Gallagher (For Zakaria, 68) – 5
      Raheem Sterling (For Ziyech, 68) – 6
      Mason Mount (For Broja, 68) – 6
      Cesar Azpilicueta (For Chalobah, 69) – 5
      Kai Havertz (For Hall, 75) – 6

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      Arsenal 1 Brighton 3: Hosts crash out of Carabao Cup after goalkeeper howler as Danny Welbeck returns to haunt Gunners

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      KARL HEIN will never forget his Arsenal debut – for all the wrong reasons.The Estonian keeper’s first half blunder allowed Brighton to equalise and then go on to take the wind out of Mikel Arteta’s high-flying side with a stunning comeback victory.
      Arsenal are out of the Carabao Cup after a 3-1 defeat at home to BrightonCredit: Rex
      Danny Welbeck returned to haunt his old side as the Seagulls mounted a valiant fightbackCredit: PA
      Hein, 20, was a shock inclusion in the starting line-up for the Premier League leaders as they looked to build on a three game winning streak in the Carabao Cup.
      And the Emirates Stadium was bouncing when Eddie Nketiah fired Arsenal ahead in the 20th minute with a classy right foot finish from just inside the box.
      A powerful run by Reiss Nelson split the Albion defence before a perfectly-weighted lay off fell for the striker to bend a shot past Jason Steele.
      But the lead was short-lived and Hein was lucky to stay on the pitch after his unlucky slip as he raced off his line to meet Danny Welbeck’s run towards his goal.
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      Arsenal got off to a flyer when Eddie Nketiah hit a great finish after 20 minutesCredit: Reuters
      The Gunners looked well on their way to storming to victoryCredit: PA
      Hein stumbled and in his recovery tugged the Brighton striker to the floor.
      Welbeck turned in the penalty to equalise and from then on it was all revitalised Brighton as they rocked Arsenal with two second half goals to secure a thrilling win.
      Hein was squarely beaten as Albion sub and Japan winger Kaoru Mitoma bent a shot beyond him on 58 minutes to claim his second goal in as many matches.
      And full back Tariq Lamptey sealed a memorable night for The Seagulls with number three 19 minutes from time – his first goal for more than two years.
      Things changed minutes later when Karl Hein fouled Danny Welbeck for a penaltyCredit: Reuters
      Ex-Gunner Welbeck put Brighton back on level terms from the spotCredit: Getty
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      Kaoru Mitoma fired Brighton ahead in the 58th minuteCredit: AFP
      The ace celebrated by leaping into the crowdCredit: AFP
      The deflating defeat is Arsenal’s first at home since April which was ironically a Premier League reverse against Brighton. 
      Arteta’s rejuvenated Arsenal had won 12 games on their own turf in a row prior to last night’s surprise setback.
      Eager to maintain impressive runs of form, both bosses named relatively strong sides but with a hint of experimental flavour.
      Arteta had keeper Turner on his bench even though the USA’s number one was named in his country’s squad for the World Cup prior to kick off, was not starting.
      Tariq Lamptey made sure of the result with a 71st minute strikeCredit: Reuters
      Brighton held out to see off Arsenal for the winCredit: Getty
      Turner has been injured recently suggesting he is not quite there yet in terms of fitness with the Group B game against England just 15 days’ away now.
      Arsenal hit the post in the second half through Nketiah but Arteta had hoped to give some of his bigger stars a night off ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash at Wolves – their last game before the World Cup.
      But with the tie slipping away from him he was forced to bring on striker Gabriel Jesus in a bid to break down Brighton and stay in a competition that is much-criticised from the outside but which is hugely popular with fans.
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      Arsenal will now be able to fully focus on their title challenge and European hopesCredit: Rex
      Mikel Arteta cut a quiet figure on the sidelineCredit: AP
      With the 60,000 capacity Emirates Stadium rapidly emptying, Nelson managed a shot with three minutes left only for it to drift harmlessly wide.
      Brighton manager Robert De Zerbi is now toasting a hat-trick of wins which now includes the current best team in the country and Champions League contenders Chelsea. More

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      Nottingham Forest 2 Tottenham 0: Spurs’ trophy drought rages on as Conte and Co fall at first hurdle in Carabao Cup

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      ENGLAND forgotten man Jesse Lingard was 10-man Nottingham Forest’s Carabao Cup hero as they stunned Tottenham.Lingard scored his FIRST Forest goal since his summer arrival, having already made the other for Renan Lodi, on a night to forget for Spurs.
      Jesse Lingard scored his first goal for Nottingham ForestCredit: Rex
      Lingard expertly steered home a headerCredit: Rex
      Renan Lodi had earlier opened the scoring for the hostsCredit: PA
      Their patchy form under Antonio Conte continued on a night where the biggest positive – for Gareth Southgate at least – was England skipper Harry Kane coming through 59 minutes unscathed the night before the Three Lions’ World Cup squad is announced.
      That ship has surely sailed for Lingard but this was a display which will give him and Premier League bottom side Forest cause for optimism.
      Victory here made it four games unbeaten for them at home, while Spurs have now won just TWO of their last seven games.
      And Forest even had to finish the job with 10 men after Orel Mangala saw red late on.
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      Forest made nine changes from Saturday’s team that drew with Brentford – but they still made the brighter start.
      And they almost took a ninth-minute lead in bizarre circumstances.
      Taiwo Awoniyi twisted to work space for a shot, only for Davinson Sanchez to get a toe in ahead of him.
      But the defender’s clearance rebounded off the Forest striker and struck the left post with Fraser Forster flat-footed.
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      Spurs had their keeper to thank when he showed fine reflexes to deny Joe Worrall from close range.
      Out-of-sorts Spurs offered little threat in what was a tame opening half hour in which Kane barely broke sweat.
      But they did offer more as the break approached, with Ivan Perisic their chief creator.
      First, Eric Dier headed over a corner from the Croatian.
      And soon afterwards the ex-Inter Milan man’s teasing cross found Matt Doherty, who saw a drilled effort beaten away by Wayne Hennessey.
      It was a miserable night for Harry KaneCredit: Getty
      Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg suffered a Wold Cup scare when the Denmark midfielder was replaced at half-time – minutes after a collision with Forest duo Lingard and Lodi.
      Forest were once again quick out of the blocks with Lingard seeing a fiercely struck effort beaten away by Forster.
      And the goal they’d been threatening finally arrived in the 50th minute.
      Lingard has come in for some justifiable flak for his Forest form since his much-feted summer arrival.
      But he looked like a man with the bit between his teeth here.
      First, he claimed an assist when Forest worked the ball from left to right with Lingard sliding to toe possession into Lodi’s path.
      The on-loan defender then left Sanchez for dead as he cut inside superbly before wrapping his foot around a wonderful curling effort inside the right post.
      And seven minutes later Lingard had a goal of his own.
      Ex-Spurs man Serge Aurier found Sam Surridge at the back post and he headed back across goal for Lingard to nod home.
      It was no more than Forest deserved for their efforts.
      Kane was hooked just before the hour mark – prompting some ironic cheers from the home support.
      Djed Spence – a Forest promotion hero last season before he joined Spurs in the summer – was given a warm reception by the home crowd when he was introduced as Conte tried to turn the game around.
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      But it was one-way traffic by that point with Reds sub Brennan Johnson denied by Forster’s legs after he raced through.
      The only negative for Cooper was the dismissal of midfielder Mangala after he picked up his second yellow for a scissor tackle on Richarlison.
      Antonio Conte’s side were lacklustre at the City GroundCredit: PA More