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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

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      Arsenal star Karl Hein in howler to give away penalty on debut after Nketiah & Nelson combine for sensational goal

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      ARSENAL youngster Karl Hein had a debut to forget as he slipped to give away a penalty in Wednesday’s 3-1 Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton.That’s minutes after the Gunners stormed into the lead thanks to Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson’s fine combination.
      Karl Hein slipped on his Arsenal debut to give Brighton a penalty minutes after Eddie Nketiah’s openerCredit: Reuters
      Hein is consoled by Rob Holding after his blunder
      Despite Arsenal eventually falling to defeat, the duo linked up in attack with some scintillating play at the Emirates.
      And it took Nketiah just 20 minutes to fire Arsenal ahead with a sublime curled effort, having been played in by Nelson following a terrific dribble by the winger.
      Gunners fans rejoiced as their heavily-changed team look to press home their advantage against Roberto De Zerbi’s side.
      But things quickly took a turn for Mikel Arteta’s title chasers as Hein committed a cardinal sin on the field.
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      As Brighton sliced Arsenal’s backline apart with a long ball from deep, Hein was caught out in a bad way.
      Attempting to quickly move forward, he instead slipped and fell to the ground.
      The Estonian, on loan at Reading last season, then scrambled up to reach a hand out as Danny Welbeck charged towards goal.
      But in doing so, Hein instead wrapped his arm around the ex-Gooner’s legs, dragging him to the ground and giving away a spot-kick.
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      Arsenal fans groaned as Hein was left to rue his mistake.
      And Welbeck made sure he took full advantage by netting Brighton’s equaliser from the spot for 1-1.
      Supporters quickly took to Twitter bemoaning Hein’s error, with some suggesting he may not get the chance to impress ever again.
      One said: “Sadly Karl Heinz’s Arsenal debut will be his only appearance. His career at Arsenal is over, Arteta won’t play him again.”
      Another joked: “Maybe he is Steven Gerrard’s cousin.”
      One declared: “Yikes, poor guy.”
      Another added: “Rubbish keeper sell him.”
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      Arsenal’s night went from bad to worse when Kaoru Mitoma fired Brighton ahead in the second half.
      And the results was confirmed later on when Tariq Lamptey made it 3-1 to the visitors. More

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      Fans all say same thing as Harry Kane bizarrely starts Carabao Cup clash vs Nottingham Forest just days before World Cup

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      FANS fear for Harry Kane’s World Cup wellbeing after the Tottenham star was named in tonight’s Carabao Cup XI against Nottingham Forest.Kane will lead England out at Qatar 2022 this month against Iran, USA and Wales.
      Spurs and England fans fear for Harry Kane after he started the Carabao Cup game against Nottingham ForestCredit: Reuters
      The striker’s goals will surely prove key to the Three Lions’ success, having fired Gareth Southgate to a World Cup semi and Euros final in the past.
      However, Antonio Conte decided to infuriate the English public on Wednesday by including Kane in his Spurs side at Forest.
      The Carabao Cup third round clash is the second-to-last game in the calendar before teams break for the World Cup.
      And many England and Tottenham fans had been convinced that Kane would play no role against the Prem’s bottom side.
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      They were indeed left shocked when Conte put forward a strong XI, including Kane up top.
      And it led to almost all supporters saying the same thing on Twitter, with everyone hoping and praying Kane will avoid injury at the Forest Ground.
      One fan declared: “Appreciate the gesture Harry Kane but it’s genuinely fine if you want to take this one at walking pace.”
      Another yelled: “So are we taking this seriously? This line-up seems like we are. Kane hasn’t had a break in how long?!”
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      One gasped: “I know we have injuries but we are running Kane into the ground, every minute of every game.”
      Another boomed: “Risking Kane! World Cup we need him!”
      One added: “Not happy. Kane on the verge of tearing a hamstring. Played every game since October.” More

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      Man City 2 Chelsea 0 LIVE NREACTION: Mahrez and Alvarez goals seal Carabao Cup fourth round berth against Blues

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      CHELSEA lost 2-0 to Manchester City in their Carabao Cup third round clash. The Blues had been holding on for most of the game before Riyad Mahrez put City ahead with a beautiful free-kick.
      Julian Alvarez then made it 2-0 soon after with a tap-in.

      RESULT: Man City 2-0 Chelsea
      Man City XI: Ortega Moreno, Lewis, Dias, Laporte, Gomez, Rodrigo, Gundogan (C), Palmer, Mahrez, Grealish, Alvarez
      Chelsea XI: Mendy, Chalobah, Koulibaly, Cucurella, Loftus-Cheek, Kovacic, Zakaria, Hall, Ziyech, Pulisic, Broja

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      That’s all from us
      Thanks for joining our coverage of Man City vs Chelsea.
      Man City ran out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Riyad Mahrez and Julian Alvarez.
      Jack Grealish and Stefan Ortega both put in wonderful displays to help secure passage into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
      However, on another night Chelsea could have easily scored three, with Lewis Hall and Christian Pulisic having the best chances of the night.
      There will be questions around Kalidou Koulibaly’s place in the team going forward as he put in a very below-par display.
      Nevertheless, City will want to reclaim their title in this competition, and they have taken the first steps to ensure that.
      From everyone at SunSport, have a good night!
      Pep on Haaland vs Alvarez
      Guardiola has declared Haaland and Alvarez can play together, but has named Haaland as “perhaps the best striker in the world.”
      Alvarez scored once again to help City past Chelsea and is knocking on the door of the City first xi.
      However, Haaland’s incredible form would put any other striker on the bench.
      Pulisic called up by America.
      The US Men’s National Team announced there World Cup squad, and it includes Chelsea star Pulisic.
      It’s some welcome good news for him after tonight’s result.
      Though Pulisic himself played fairly well.
      London falling
      After tonight’s results and Brentford being knocked out yesterday, League One side Charlton are the only team left in the competition from London.
      There might be a few shouts from The Valley about who the real “pride of London” are.
      Results elsewhere
      Well to say the London clubs have had a nightmare this round would be an understatement.
      Here are the full-time readings from elsewhere tonight.
      Arsenal 1-3 Brighton
      Newcastle 0-0 Crystal Palace (Newcastle win 3-2 on pens)
      Nottingham Forest 2-0 Tottenham
      Southampton 1-1 Sheffield Wednesday (Southampton win 6-5 on pens)
      West Ham 2-2 Blackburn (Blackburn win 9-10 on pens)
      Wolves 1-0 Leeds
      Liverpool 0-0 Derby (Liverpool win 3-2 on pens)
      How about player ratings?
      You can see SunSport’s Chelsea player ratings here.
      Missed any of the action?
      You can read SunSport’s full match report here.
      Full-time thoughts
      It was simply not Chelsea’s day.
      Chelsea created more than enough big chances to win this game, but the lack of a killer instinct is something they are really missing up front.
      It was a theme of Potter’s time at Brighton, and it seems to be coming over into his time now.
      There were strong performances from Pulisic, Cucurella, Mendy and Hall, but others really didn’t turn up.
      Meanwhile, City saw their early second-half blitz pay dividends with goals from Mahrez and Alvarez.
      The performance from Grealish was simply superb however, he dominated the midfield and was a key component of everything City did that was positive this evening.
      When Guardiola has said they didn’t sign Grealish for his goals or assists – this is exactly the type of performance that showcases it.
      However, it wasn’t the one for trying as Mendy denied him with a number of good saves.
      Deputy City keeper Ortega should also be mentioned for high praise. He just simply refused to be beaten.
      Full-time: Man City 2-0 Chelsea
      It’s all over as last season’s finalists are beaten.
      Man City 2-0 Chelsea
      90. Even when they put it in the net they cannot score.
      A laughable sequence sees the ball go from almost being turned in by a City player to Chelsea somehow managing to bundle the ball in through a crowd of bodies, only for the offside flag to go up.
      Man City 2-0 Chelsea
      89. Ooooh some handbags between Grealish and Azpilicueta there.
      The Chelsea man left a little something on Grealish that was far from appreciated.
      The pair went chest to chest and the ref brandished a card a piece.
      Man City 2-0 Chelsea
      88. Same old story for Chelsea.
      A corner is whipped in that finds its way to Gallagher.
      He scuffs his effort but somehow directed the ball to Mount, who then turned and whipped the ball towards goal.
      Only to see the ball go just wide of the post again.
      Man City 2-0 Chelsea
      86. Cucurella just did so well to win it back only for Havertz to kill the move – inside the City area – with a woeful pass into no one.
      Man City 2-0 Chelsea
      85. Well that sums up the evening for Chelsea.
      They’ve looked bright but have lacked a killer instinct.
      And once again that was displayed as a ball was swung into the far post where two Chelsea players tried to get the ball but either could not make supplementary contact or direct it towards goal.
      Man City 2-0 Chelsea
      80. Ake comes on for Laporte as City make their third change of the night.
      Man City 2-0 Chelsea
      78. Havertz drags a shot well wide of the post after a sharp turn.
      He has haunted City in the past, most notably with his goal in the Champions League final.
      But he won’t be doing anything like that tonight if he keeps that up.
      Man City 2-0 Chelsea
      75. Chelsea make their final sub.
      Hall makes way for Havertz, but it has to be said that Hall enjoyed an impressive game at The Etihad tonight.
      The first half particularly showed off a bright light for Chelsea.
      He has led his team in a number of metrics, including duels won and shots taken.
      He did fade second half so his substitution does make some sense.
      Man City 2-0 Chelsea
      72. Ortega again prevents a goal, but the flag goes up anyway.
      Cucurella bypasses the City press with a good pass infield to find Mount.
      He then spreads the play and finds Loftus-Cheek down the right who then manages to find a Pulisic in the area.
      He then manages to crack a shot off but Ortega keeps the ball out of the net once again.
      However, the flag goes up so it wouldn’t have counted anyway.
      Man City 2-0 Chelsea
      69. Wow, FOUR changes for Chelsea just now.
      Chalobah makes way for club captain Azpilicueta while Gallagher replaces Zakaria in midfield.
      Ziyech comes off for Raheem Sterling too, while Broja also comes off for Mount.
      A disappointing evening for Broja it has to be said. He was largely anonymous throughout the performance.
      Man City 2-0 Chelsea
      67. Cucurella with another big block.
      City once again explode into a lighting quick tempo as Grealish bursts through the lines and into the penalty area.
      He beats one, two and three players before Cucurella is able to match him and block his shot.
      Man City 2-0 Chelsea
      66. Chelsea are now preparing a pair of changes as City work the ball between themselves in front of the Chelsea block.
      Man City 2-0 Chelsea
      63. WHAT A SAVE FROM ORTEGA
      Ortega produces a stunning save to deny Hall once again.
      That entire move came from a wonderful Berba-spin from Ziyech right at the byline.
      The Moroccan then found Hall in the middle who fired a shot at goal, but Ortega was just about able to keep it out with a superb reflex save.
      Man City 2-0 Chelsea
      60. Another save from Mendy.
      Palmer drives forward unopposed by Chelsea’s defence and drives a low shot towards the goal.
      Mendy is able to save it, but it now seems he is working overtime for them.
      Alvarez is sharpest on the rebound
      58. Chelsea have been caught napping again there.
      Palmer takes a quick free-kick that sets Grealish away.
      He then finds Mahrez who fires a curling shot that Mendy is able to push away at full stretch.
      But Alvarez is lurking at the far post to poach home the second and double the lead.
      Man City 2-0 Chelsea
      GOALLLLL
      Another goal at The Etihad
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      Arsenal 1 Brighton 3 LIVE REACTION: Gunners KNOCKED OUT of Carabao Cup as Seagulls stun Arteta’s side at Emirates

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      ARSENAL are out of the Carabao Cup after losing 3-1 at home to Brighton. Eddie Nketiah put the Gunners ahead in the first half but a Danny Welbeck penalty evened things up before Karol Mitoma and Tariq Lamptey won the game in the second period.

      RESULT: Arsenal 1-3 Brighton
      Arsenal XI: Hein, Cedric, Saliba, Holding, Tierney, Elneny, Lokonga, Vieira, Marquinhos, Nelson, Nketiah
      Brighton XI: Steele, Lamptey, Dunk, Colwill, March, Sarmiento, Enciso, Caicedo, Gilmour, Veltman, Welbeck

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      FULL-TIME: Arsenal 1-3 Brighton
      That’s it! Goals from Danny Welbeck, Kaoru Mitoma and Tariq Lamptey have handed Brighton a brilliant win over Arsenal at the Emirates.
      Eddie Nketiah’s opener looked to have set the hosts on their way to victory, but now they have been dumped out of the Carabao Cup in the third round for the first time since 2015.
      Arsenal 1-3 Brighton
      90+3 mins: A high cross comes into Nketiah but he tamely heads down for Steele to claim.
      Seconds remaining at the Emirates.
      Arsenal 1-3 Brighton
      90 mins: A woeful Zinchenko cross is straight into the arms of Steele.
      That will just about do it for Brighton as four minutes of stoppage time are added on.
      Arsenal 1-3 Brighton
      88 mins: The obvious “Is there a fire drill” rings out from the Brighton end as a hush descends over the Emirates.
      This has been a thoroughly underwhelming night for the Gunners.
      Arsenal 1-3 Brighton
      86 mins: A tame header is straight into the arms of Steele.
      The Arsenal fans are flooding out now. The hope seems to have gone from the home contingent.
      Arsenal 1-3 Brighton
      84 mins: Great chance for Arsenal!
      They work the ball well and find Martinelli completely unmarked at the back post, but his low effort is straight at the feet of Steele who makes the stop.
      Arsenal 1-3 Brighton
      82 mins: Brighton continue to use possession as their best form of defence. It is an effective weapon.
      Lamptey is caught late by Zinchenko and that’s another little break in play for the visitors.
      Some Arsenal fans see that as their cue to leave.
      Arsenal 1-3 Brighton
      80 mins: Undav replaces Sarmiento as De Zerbi runs down the clock a little more.
      Jesus is found inside the Brighton penalty area and he lays it off to Nketiah, but Webster – on for Dunk – ushers him out of play.
      Another sub for Arsenal now. Xhaka on for Lokonga.
      Arsenal 1-3 Brighton
      78 mins: A clipped ball over the top finds Lokonga but Gilmour gets back to make a brilliant last-ditch challenge just as the Arsenal midfielder sets his body to have a shot.
      Brighton have defended so impressively tonight. They’ve dominated for large periods, but when Arsenal have come forward they have been thwarted by a brilliantly organised team.
      Arsenal 1-3 Brighton
      76 mins: Enciso has made way for Pervis Estupinan. Lamptey has pushed into an attacking role on the right side now as Estupinan takes up the left-back role.
      Nketiah is found in some space down the left channel but his tame cross is safely into the arms of Steele.
      Arsenal 1-3 Brighton
      76 mins: There’s a scramble in the Brighton box as the ball gets stuck under a host of blue and white shirts, but Lamptey eventually clears.
      Brighton then go up the other end and earn themselves a corner, but Welbeck lashes over on the half-volley.
      Now Enciso has gone down injured. The Arsenal fans aren’t happy but this is playing even more into Brighton’s hands.
      Arsenal 1-3 Brighton
      73 mins: More changes for Arsenal. Jesus and Zinchenko are on for Tierney and Vieira.
      Can they do anything to salvage this?
      GOAL! Arsenal 1-3 Brighton (Lamptey, 72)
      72 mins: That could be the match for Brighton!
      The nippy wingback uses his pace to storm beyond the Arsenal defence and cooly slot into the far corner.
      It’s bedlam in the away end now!
      Arsenal 1-2 Brighton
      71 mins: Martinelli fouls Veltman on the halfway line. More groans from the Arsenal fans.
      “Top of the league, you’re having a laugh” rings out from the away end. The Brighton fans are loving this right now.
      Arsenal 1-2 Brighton
      69 mins: Mikel Arteta is in constant conversation with his backroom staff. They must be wondering what they have to do to get the ball off Brighton right now.
      Roberto De Zerbi is very animated in the other technical area. And his side seem to be listening at the moment.
      Arsenal 1-2 Brighton
      67 mins: The Arsenal supporters are doing their best to get behind their team, but right now it’s Brighton who look more like getting a third.
      The Seagulls are keeping the ball incredibly well. This is frustrating for the hosts.
      Arsenal 1-2 Brighton
      65 mins: Arsenal give the ball away again and Brighton have a throw-in midway inside the Gunners’ half.
      Veltman takes about as long as you can possibly take with a throw before eventually releasing it. I imagine they’ll be a lot of that between now and the final whistle.
      Arsenal 1-2 Brighton
      63 mins: Here come the Arsenal changes.
      Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel on for Saliba and Marquinhos.
      Arsenal 1-2 Brighton
      61 mins: When will Arteta look to his bench? De Zerbi brought Mitoma and Gross on at half-time for March and Caicedo. And now it has paid off.
      Arsenal have a huge amount of firepower waiting on the bench. Surely it’s only a matter of time before the Spaniard turns to them?
      GOAL! Arsenal 1-2 Brighton (Mitoma, 58)
      59 mins: There is a goal but it’s not for Arsenal!
      Out of nowhere, Brighton are ahead and it’s half-time substitute Mitoma that has hit the back of the net.
      Sarmiento is played in behind the Arsenal defence. He assesses his options and feeds the onrushing Mitoma who bends a delightful effort into the top corner.
      Very similar finish to Nketiah’s in the first half.
      Brighton have come from behind to lead at the Emirates.
      Arsenal 1-1 Brighton
      58 mins: Brighton keeper Steele has had enough. He thumps the ball aimlessly upfield with no blue and white shirt in the same postcode as his pass.
      The Arsenal fans can sense this might be the moment they go and win the tie.
      Arsenal 1-1 Brighton
      56 mins: Arsenal come again and Nelson tries to slide a pass in for Nketiah but Dunk ushers it out of play.
      Brighton need to regroup or you have to think Arsenal will be ahead very shortly.
      Arsenal 1-1 Brighton
      54 mins: Arsenal are growing in confidence now and Brighton are beginning to drop deeper and deeper.
      Nelson cuts inside and into the area but Brighton have enough bodies back to deal with the danger as the Arsenal forward is forced to go backwards.
      The Emirates is alive now, though. Maybe they have heard Tottenham are losing 2-0 to Nottingham Forest?
      Arsenal 1-1 Brighton
      52 mins: Close for Arsenal!
      Marquinhos produces his first decent bit of quality this evening as he crosses for Vieira, but Steele denies him with a good save.
      Nketiah then fires wide from close range.
      Arsenal 1-1 Brighton
      49 mins: SO CLOSE FOR ARSENAL!
      Nketiah drifts in from the left and tries a low strike which creeps beyond Steele but cannons off the inside of the post and dribbles out.
      So unfortunate. Nketiah thought he had his second of the night.
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