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    Solskjaer hints Cristiano Ronaldo wanted to play Man Utd’s Carabao Cup clash vs West Ham and reveals secret friendlies

    MANCHESTER UNITED boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hinted Cristiano Ronaldo WANTED to play against West Ham on Wednesday. The 36-year-old scored on Sunday when the two sides met at the London Stadium, helping United to a 2-1 victory.
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed Cristiano Ronaldo wanted to play against West Ham on SundayCredit: GETTY IMAGES
    Ronaldo netted the equaliser in the 2-1 win over the Hammers on SundayCredit: GETTY IMAGES
    But Ronaldo was rested for the Carabao Cup third round fixture at Old Trafford.
    And Manuel Lanzini’s first half strike knocked the Red Devils out of the competition, leaving Solskjaer’s side chasing silverware in just three competitions: the Premier League, Champions League and the FA Cup.
    Solskjaer has revealed that Ronaldo wanted to play against West Ham, but the boss felt it wasn’t ‘possible’.
    The Norwegian told Sky Sports: ” We decided more or less before Sunday [to make changes].
    “We need more players to get match fit. Alex Telles is back and has been training for a week. It will be a long season.
    “Cristiano has come in and made a difference already, he wants to play as much as possible but I don’t think it is possible.

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    “If you are going to be successful at the end, you need the whole squad and minutes to be shared out.”
    Solksjaer also revealed that the Red Devils have played some games behind closed doors in the hope his team find their rhythm.
    He added: “A risk making so many changes but we have played some games behind closed doors and hopefully we find the rhythm.”
    Ronaldo is keen to win silverware with United once again, but he believes the team needs to build up a winning mentality.
    He told MUTV: “As I told you before, we have huge potential.
    “We have fantastic players, a good coach, a good team. We need to build up the mentality to win the Premier League and even the Champions League.
    “So I am here to help the team. I think we have the 11 that are playing and those on the bench that can help as well.
    “We have a good team, as I told you, and the spirit is there.”

    Up next for the Red Devils is Dean Smith’s new look, Jack Grealish-less Aston Villa on Saturday.
    The Villans are coming off the back of an impressive 3-0 win over Everton.
    Ronaldo will almost certainly come back into Solskjaer’s starting XI as he looks to score for the fourth game in a row.
    ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
    Solskjaer says the Man Utd squad are settling in to having Ronaldo in the team More

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    Solskjaer equals run of form that saw Moyes SACKED as ex-Man Utd manager piles pressure on boss in West Ham defeat

    OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has equalled the run of form that saw David Moyes SACKED as Manchester United boss.The current man in the hotseat lost to the Chosen One’s West Ham on Wednesday night as the Red Devils crashed out of the Carabao Cup thanks to Manuel Lanzini’s finish.
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has won just five of his last ten games in charge
    The current Old Trafford boss was beaten by David Moyes on Wednesday nightCredit: Reuters
    United have now won just five of their last ten matches in all competitions – enough for the board to wield the axe and get rid of Moyes back in 2014.
    The current streak includes Premier League victories over West Ham, Newcastle, Wolves and Leeds this season – as well as Wolves in the final game of last term.
    But they drew with Fulham back in May, then lost the Europa League final on penalties to Villarreal.
    This term they had a stalemate with Southampton and suffered shock cup losses to Young Boys and now West Ham to jeopardise their hopes of silverware in the New Year.
    And ironically, the latest flop result came with Moyes in the away dugout last night as he piled the pressure on the Norwegian.
    Compared to three draws and two defeats from Solskjaer’s last ten games, Moyes had four losses and a draw.
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    Those costly defeats – between March and April 2014 – came in crunch clashes with Liverpool, Manchester City, Bayern Munich and his former club Everton.
    The draw was the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final with Bayern.
    Louis van Gaal, meanwhile, won an impressive seven of his last ten games – including the FA Cup final – but it was not enough to keep his job in May 2016.
    United are back in Premier League action on Saturday as they host Aston Villa at 12.30pm knowing they can go top of the league by bettering Chelsea’s result against City in the other early kick-off.
    The Red Devils game has been brought forward due to The Courteeners playing at the Old Trafford cricket ground down the road that evening.
    But Solskjaer is confident his stars will be singing from the same hymn sheet with a strong performance at the weekend.

    He said: “We’ve got lots of games and we’ll just keep on doing what we’re doing and trying to get results.
    “We’ve started the season OK, apart from we’re out of this cup which is not great, and we haven’t had a great result away in Europe.
    “But we’ll be focused, we’ll be ready for Saturday.”
    ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reacts to Man Utd’s home defeat to West Ham in the Carabao Cup More

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    Man Utd star Matic escapes three-match ban for kneeing West Ham’s Coufal in the privates after referee spotted incident

    NEMANJA MATIC will NOT face any FA action despite kneeing Vladimir Coufal in the privates.Manchester United star Matic aimed a shot at the midriff of Coufal after a challenge during West Ham’s Carabao Cup win on Wednesday night.
    Nemanja Matic kneed Vladimir Coufal in the groin in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday
    But the Serbian has avoided a three-match ban

    It appeared referee Jon Moss had failed to spot the incident, leaving fears the Serbian would be hit with a retrospective violent conduct charge from the FA.
    But SunSport understands Moss’ report landed at Wembley on Thursday morning where he made it clear he had seen what happened.
    And because the match officials saw and dealt with the clash in real time, FA regulations mean no further action can be taken so Matic will escape a three match ban.
    The Serb lashed out at the Hammers right-back as United lost 1-0 – with fans assuming it was missed because VAR wasn’t being used.
    Manuel Lanzini’s early goal gave the East Londoners their first win at Old Trafford since 2007.
    But the Argentine had to leave the pitch after the Coufal incident thanks to ANOTHER bad challenge from Matic.

    Czech Coufal did not make a meal of it but it looked a painful one
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    The United holding midfielder’s first lucky escape came just before the hour mark.
    Coufal – who came off the bench to replace injured Ryan Fredericks early on – had the ball by the sideline as Matic tried to shut him down.
    The Czech quickly tried to move the ball on and played it off Matic’s shins and out of play.
    But the midfielder followed through and lashed out by kneeing the right-back in the groin.
    Coufal went down and appealed to the nearby fourth official – though he did not make a meal of it.
    Matic ran off as if nothing as happened and appeared to get away with it because there was no VAR for the Carabao Cup tie.
    However Moss has since confirmed he saw it during the game.
    Matic doubled down on his good fortune with a nasty tackle on matchwinner Lanzini later in the game.
    The former Chelsea man raked his studs down the Argentine’s ankle after a late challenge and the ref missed it again.
    Lanzini was subbed off injured as a result soon after.
    Fans online were furious Matic got away with both challenges but particularly his sneaky knee on Coufal.
    ‘SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RED’
    After Aouar claimed it wasn’t even a foul, Pete replied and wrote: “I’ll come and knee you in the b******s and then see what you think.”
    Brendan tweeted: “VAR wouldn’t have done anything anyway.
    “You must be forgetting it goes blind whenever a United player does anything wrong.”
    Batesy said: “If that happened to Fernandes he would’ve been rolling around on the ground for at least five mins.”
    Chris asked: “Why would you need VAR to spot that, surely one of the four officials would have spotted that.”
    Michael simply added: “Should have been a red.”
    Before Dylan chimed in with: “Yet United fans constantly cry about referees ‘hating’ them and giving them no decisions.
    ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
    “VAR could easily see that as violent conduct.”
    David Moyes recorded his first win over United since being sacked as their manager with the victory.
    But the Hammers’ bubbles were slightly faded soon after the final whistle as they were drawn at home to perennial Carabao Cup winners Manchester City in the next round.

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    West Ham’s Manuel Lanzini’s early strike dumps Man Utd out of the Carabao Cup More

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    Harry Redknapp and Micah Richards conduct Carabao Cup draw… from a bowls club in Bedfordshire

    HARRY REDKNAPP starred alongside Micah Richards at Potton Bowls Club in Sandy, Bedfordshire for the Round Four of the Carabao Cup draw last night. Carabao energy drink tends to do things a little differently when it comes to the League Cup draw.
    Micah Richards and Harry Redknapp met Garry Gunn at a bowls club for the Carabao Cup Round Four draw
    And last night former Tottenham manager Redknapp met with 58-year-old Arsenal fan Garry Gunn, who won a competition to host the draw at his local bowls club.
    Redknapp told SunSport: “This takes it to the people where the game belongs. 
    “It’s great to be at a bowls club, it just shows anyone can be a part of football so I think it’s marvelous especially after the pandemic to do fun things like this.
    “After the lockdown, we all suffered for such a long time so it is wonderful seeing crowds back in the football stadiums to bowls clubs. It’s brilliant.”
    West Ham’s reward for knocking out Manchester United is a home tie with serial League Cup winners Manchester City.
    Preston North End welcome Liverpool, otherwise known as the Ben Davies derby.

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    TOWIE star Mark Wright also put on his whites to play bowls
    Manchester City are looking to retain the Carabao Cup for a fifth year in a row
    Leicester will have to get past high-flying Brighton to add to their FA Cup trophy heroics.
    Redknapp added: “I think Brighton could be the dark horses.
    “It’s going to be a good competition, I just get disappointed when people put too many weak teams out.
    “It doesn’t kill you to play a Cup game and then at the weekend as well.
    “They go out in pre-season and play all over the world in China to Australia.
    “We have a fantastic competition like this and sometimes we don’t take it seriously as we should do and it’s a terrible shame.”
    FOURTH ROUND DRAW
    Chelsea v Southampton
    Arsenal v Leeds
    Stoke v Brentford
    West Ham v Man City
    Leicester v Brighton
    Burnley v Spurs
    QPR v Sunderland
    Preston v Liverpool

    At only 63 calories per can, a sugar content far lower than major competitors and a range of delicious fruity flavours, Carabao Energy Drink is a great option for those looking for healthier alternative energy drinks. The brand has extended its sponsorship of the Carabao Cup until 2024.
    Full Carabao Cup fourth round draw including West Ham v Man City More

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    Man Utd ratings: Van de Beek and Co miss chance to impress before late Fernandes show fails to spark comeback

    MANCHESTER UNITED were dumped out of the Carabao Cup after shock defeat by West Ham.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s much-changed side failed to create enough chances to trouble the Hammers at Old Trafford.
    Manchester United fell to a shock Carabao Cup final defeat on WednesdayCredit: Getty
    Manuel Lanzini’s early strike did the damage and extended the United manager’s wait for a major trophy.
    Here, SunSport’s George Moore delivers his verdict on the Red Devils’ performers.
    Dean Henderson – 6
    Nothing he could have done about Lanzini’s goal and a couple of really good saves late on gave his side a chance.
    A decent return to the Man Utd side for Dean Henderson.
    Diogo Dalot – 5
    Saw a lot of the ball and was as industrious as ever down the right flank but couldn’t make a real impact on his return to the side.
    Tried to get forward when he could, but looked a little bit out of sorts.
    Victor Lindelof – 5
    Looked a little bit short of confidence after being displaced as a starter by Raphael Varane and didn’t make as many forward passes as he normally does.
    Didn’t do much wrong, but was less than his best in a team that needed some leadership.
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    Eric Bailly – 5
    Didn’t do too much wrong but gave the ball away once or twice and wasted a few headers from attacking set-pieces.
    Will be having nightmares about Jarrod Bowen tonight.
    Alex Telles – 4
    Was skinned for Lanzini’s opener and hooked in the second-half. A difficult return to Old Trafford for Telles.
    For a full-back known for his attacking contributions, he offered very little tonight.
    West Ham took a 1-0 win in the Carabao Cup third roundCredit: Getty
    Nemanja Matic – 5
    The 33-year-old Serbian made a telling contribution with his assist for Jesse Lingard on Sunday, but was not able to make any real impact today.
    Donny van de Beek – 5
    Should have been tracking Lanzini when he scored.
    Struggled to link play between defence and attack and had a couple of shots from distance that he’ll want to forget.
    Jesse Lingard – 6
    Was Man Utd’s best player until he came off and was sacrificed for Bruno Fernandes.
    Combined well with Sancho and Martial at times and had a couple of decent shots, but just didn’t have luck on his side.
    Jesse Lingard was unable to score again past his old clubCredit: Reuters
    Juan Mata – 5
    Struggled to get into the game and looked a bit off the pace on the right wing.
    Masuaku had a good night for West Ham, but Mata will be disappointed not to contribute more.
    Jadon Sancho – 6
    Showed more attacking threat than most of his teammates but was unable to get past the solid West Ham backline.
    Another frustrating night for Sancho.
    Anthony Martial – 4
    Did himself no favours trying to get back into the team tonight. Really struggled to make an impact and looked totally out of his depth playing through the middle.
    Had a difficult night up against the West Ham back three.
    Even Bruno Fernandes couldn’t spark United into a comebackCredit: AP
    Substitutes
    Mason Greenwood – 6
    Was dangerous from the moment he came on and nearly levelled things up straight away but couldn’t quite find a breakthrough.
    Had a decent chance from the edge of the area which went well wide, summing up Man Utd’s night.
    Bruno Fernandes – 6
    Was instantly as dangerous as ever and looked like he could have helped his side find an equaliser if he’d come on sooner.
    Wasn’t his night as he struggled to combine with his attackers as well as normal, mainly due to solid West Ham defending.
    Anthony Elanga – 5
    Didn’t really have an impact at all when he came on and struggled to get involved in the play.
    Was isolated out of position at left-back after replacing Telles.

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    Man Utd star Dean Henderson pushing for January loan transfer after David de Gea reclaimed No1 spot amid Covid battle More

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    Man Utd 0 West Ham 1 LIVE REACTION: Hammers knock United out of Carabao Cup thanks to Lanzini goal – latest updates

    MAN UTD were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by West Ham thanks to Manuel Lanzini’s early half-time goal at Old Trafford.
    RESULT: Man Utd 0-1 West Ham
    Man Utd XI: Henderson, Alex Telles, Lindelof, Bailly, Dalot, Mata, Matic, Van De Beek, Lingard, Martial, Sancho
    West Ham XI: Areola, Fredericks, Johnson, Diop, Dawson, Masuaku, Kral, Noble, Lanzini, Yarmolenko, Bowen

    Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…

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    EYES ON THE PRIZE
    That’s all from us tonight, folks.
    Thank you for keeping up with our live coverage of Man Utd vs West Ham in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
    The Hammers came out 1-0 winners on the night and will face Man City at the Olympic Stadium in round four, with some other tasty fixtures in the draw including Arsenal vs Leeds and Chelsea vs Southampton.
    Disappointment for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but he’ll be quickly turning his attention to the Premier League as his side take on Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Saturday.
    West Ham face Leeds at Elland Road on Saturday, but fans will already be looking forward to welcoming Rapid Wien to east London for their first home Europa League game of the season next Thursday.
    Here’s the rest of the draw for round four after tonight’s fixtures. Goodnight from us.

    CAPTAIN FANTASTIC
    Hammers skipper Mark Noble could barely contain his delight at the final whistle to have put things right after his penalty miss on Sunday and was candid in his interview with Sky Sports post-match.
    “Obviously the last couple of days have been a bit tough, but what do you do? You know, you put your boots back on and you come out and play.
    “I thought the players tonight were fantastic. You’re going to get knocked while you’re a football player, I’m old enough now to realise that. I’ve missed penalties in the past.
    “At the end of the day, you’ve got to be brave enough to step up and take responsibility and I missed.
    “But tonight, I’ve come out here at Old Trafford, one of the greatest places in the world to play and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it.”

    SLOW BURNERS
    Solskjaer spoke to Sky Sports after the game and claims that the team’s slow start and West Ham’s early goal was the main reason for their disappointing result.
    “Poor start, slow start again and that needs addressing. We started slowly and they got the goal.
    “After that I thought we played well for long periods. We gave it a good go. Stats don’t mean anything, but when you’ve got 27 shots, you know that the boys have given it a good go.
    “We didn’t create big chances, but we built pressure but sometimes that pressure doesn’t come to anything.”

    SHOOT BUT DON’T SCORE
    Man Utd had 27 shots on goal but only 6 on target, creating only one clear cut chance despite having 61% of the possession.
    A frustrating night for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who had entrusted his squad players to get the job done and was ultimately let down.
    The home side looked far brighter and more dangerous with Mason Greenwood and Bruno Fernandes on the pitch, with Anthony Martial largely absent.
    Solskjaer will be counting down the days until Marcus Rashford and Edinson Cavani are fit enough to return to his matchday squad.

    UNITED VS CITY
    It’s United vs City… West Ham United, that is.
    West Ham will take on Man City at the Olympic Stadium in what is set to be a difficult tie for the Hammers, but they’ve shown tonight they’re not afraid of anyone.
    Man Utd knocked out of the Carabao Cup in the third round for the first time since 2018 when they were beaten on penalties by Derby.
    West Ham got their revenge against the Old Trafford club tonight and progress to the next round.
    Delight for the David Moyes, but real disappointment for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who will consider this a missed opportunity to potential win his first trophy at the club.
    Credit: Getty
    FOURTH ROUND DRAW
    CHELSEA VS SOUTHAMPTON
    ARSENAL VS LEEDS
    STOKE VS BRENTFORD
    WEST HAM VS MAN CITY
    LEICESTER CITY VS BRIGHTON
    BURNLEY VS TOTTENHAM
    QPR VS SUNDERLAND
    PRESTON VS LIVERPOOL
    DRAMA CLUB
    Some very good games tonight and interesting results with West Ham upsetting Man Utd at Old Trafford and Spurs beating Nuno’s old team Wolves on penalties.
    Chelsea also go through on penalties after a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa.

    ALL EYES ON ROUND FOUR
    We’re waiting for the draw for the next round now and here are the teams that will be involved…

    SAME AGAIN
    West Ham have made it to the fourth round for the fourth year running, but that’s as far as they’ve got since 2016.
    Stick around to find out who they’ll face in the final 16…

    PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEPPPPP!!!!!
    THAT’S IT! WEST HAM HAVE DONE IT!
    THEY’VE GOT REVENGE FOR THEIR DEFEAT ON SUNDAY AND PUT MAN UTD OUT IN THE THIRD ROUND OF THE CARABAO CUP
    FULL-TIME: MAN UTD 0-1 WEST HAM
    MAN UTD 0-1 WEST HAM
    90+2 – Henderson comes up for a corner and it’s everyone in the West Ham half.
    The goalkeeper thinks he’s a midfielder for a moment and tries to spray the ball forward to Van de Beek but it goes way over his head.
    That could be it…
    MAN UTD 0-1 WEST HAM
    90 – Four minutes added on here. West Ham looking to strangle the game now but Man Utd won’t give them a moment’s piece.
    The Old Trafford crowd get behind their side for one last big push at the end.
    MAN UTD 0-1 WEST HAM
    88 – CLOSE AGAIN! Bowen once again finds himself closing in on goal and has a shot at Henderson’s near post but the goalkeeper does really well to keep it out again.
    West Ham should be out of sight from those chances in the last couple of minutes.
    MAN UTD 0-1 WEST HAM
    87 – CLOSE! Jarrow Bowen and Mark Noble are two on one and Bowen squares it wide for Noble who somehow manages to hit it straight at Henderson.
    West Ham should have put the game to bed by now.
    MAN UTD 0-1 WEST HAM
    85 – CLOSE! Yarmolenko HAS to score. He’s six yards out with a practically open goal and cannons the ball off the post.
    He can’t believe it, the crowd can’t believe it. That would’ve been curtains for Man Utd.
    MAN UTD 0-1 WEST HAM
    84 – Another Man Utd counter attack from deep as Elanga breaks away but he’s fouled cleverly by Kral before he can really break free.
    The Slovakian has had a solid night in midfield, deputising very well for Declan Rice.
    MAN UTD 0-1 WEST HAM
    81 – Greenwood gets the ball on the edge of the box and cuts in on his left foot but by standards it’s poor and goes well wide of the goal.
    Man Utd running out of time here and the crowd are getting more and more nervous.
    MAN UTD 0-1 WEST HAM
    79 – West Ham are causing Man Utd all sorts of problems on the counter-attack and breakaway after a Man Utd chance but a superb tackle from Bruno Fernandes quickly snuffs it out.
    He then puts Greenwood in on the right flank who bamboozles Johnson to get into the box and gets a shot off but it’s well saved by Areola.
    MAN UTD 0-1 WEST HAM
    76 – Elanga and Sancho combine on the left wing and it’s the directness of Sancho that wins the hosts a corner.
    It’s taken short by Fernandes and comes to nothing, to the frustration of the home fans.
    MAN UTD 0-1 WEST HAM
    74 – Man Utd instantly look to have more attacking threat with Bruno Fernandes on the pitch, but with only fifteen minutes to go there’s not long left to turn this around.
    Just one goal for the home side and this goes to penalties.
    MAN UTD SUBSTITUTIONS
    72 – It’s a very attacking change from the hosts and not a minute too soon. One player that Man Utd fans are very excited about for the future and one player they worship in the here and now.
    OFF: Alex Telles, Jesse Lingard.
    ON: Anthony Elanga, Bruno Fernandes.
    MAN UTD 0-1 WEST HAM
    71 – Lingard does well to break away at speed on the left and floats one into the box.
    It goes above everyone but lands to Diogo Dalot, who tries to hit it back across goal but it goes out for a corner.
    Dalot takes the corner, but Bailly heads it well over.
    MAN UTD 0-1 WEST HAM
    69 – BLOCK! Man Utd break away with Sancho and Lingard not for the first time tonight and Lingard finds himself in a shooting position outside the box.
    He looks to have struck it very sweetly but it’s well blocked and West Ham breathe a sigh of relief.
    WEST HAM SUBSTITUTIONS
    68 – Two attacking changes from David Moyes, who isn’t happy to just sit back and let the home side attack them.
    OFF: Arthur Masuaku, Manuel Lanzini.
    ON: Nikola Vlasic, Pablo Fornals.
    MAN UTD 0-1 WEST HAM
    66 – Telles and Lingard combine well on the left but Kral does well to break up the move again.
    West Ham fans are angry that Manuel Lanzini is down injured but the home team refuse to put the ball out.
    There was a coming together with Matic who looks to have stood on the Argentine’s ankle accidentally.
    Pablo Fornals is getting ready to come on.
    Load more entries… More

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    EFL Carabao Cup 4th round draw LIVE REACTION: Chelsea vs Southampton, Arsenal host Leeds, Liverpool get Preston

    THE Carabao Cup is back with Man City looking to win the trophy for the fifth straight year.In last year’s competition, Pep Guardiola’s side ran out 1-0 winners over Tottenham in the final.

    Start time: 10pm BST
    TV/Live stream: Sky Sports Football

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    Follow ALL the draw with our live blog below…
    GOODNIGHT
    That concludes the draw for both the fourth round of the Carabao Cup and tonight’s coverage, and so we’ll be back in a month’s time to cover the eight contests now on the card.
    Preston’s game against Liverpool and Arsenal’s match with Leeds look the standout picks from a very competitive League Cup draw, although this will all seem futile come February when Manchester City lift the trophy again.
    Or perhaps they’ll be a twist in this season’s tale with a QPR or Brighton tasting glory. You won’t miss a penalty shootout or cup shock with our coverage so make sure you join us in October to follow the next stage on the road to Wembley.
    HAMMER BLOW
    Having gone to Old Trafford and won for the first time in 14 years, West Ham’s reward for knocking out Manchester United is a home tie with serial League Cup winners Manchester City.
    Carlton Cole was less than impressed with the draw. Speaking on Sky Sports, the former West Ham striker couldn’t hide his frustration:
    “It knocked me right off my perch! I was on a real high and then all of a sudden, I saw that. I don’t agree with Harry Redknapp [who conducted the draw], he said it’s going to be an entertaining game. It’s going to be a hard game!”
    FOURTH ROUND DRAW
    Here’s the full draw for the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.

    Chelsea v Southampton
    Arsenal v Leeds
    Stoke v Brentford
    West Ham v Man City
    Leicester v Brighton
    Burnley v Spurs
    QPR v Sunderland
    Preston v Liverpool

    The ties are due to take place on either Tuesday October 26th or Wednesday October 27th.
    PRESTON V LIVERPOOL
    Last out, it’s an all north-west affair as Preston North End welcome Liverpool, otherwise known as the Ben Davies derby.
    QPR V SUNDERLAND
    There will be one team from the Football League in the quarter-finals as the Championship takes on League One.
    BURNLEY V SPURS
    Meh. It’s a repeat of the 2009 League Cup semi-final.
    LEICESTER V BRIGHTON
    Can Leicester add the League Cup after their FA Cup heroics this year? They’ll have to get past high-flying Brighton first.
    WEST HAM V MANCHESTER CITY
    It will have to be a Manchester double for West Ham if they are to win their first trophy since 1980.
    STOKE V BRENTFORD
    Stoke on a Tuesday night? That’s the task for Brentford after smashing Oldham for seven last night.
    ARSENAL V LEEDS
    After defeating AFC Wimbledon this evening, Arsenal have been rewarded with a home tie against Leeds.
    CHELSEA V SOUTHAMPTON
    It’s an all Premier League tie to start.
    DRAW TIME
    It’s not time for the fourth round draw of the Carabao Cup so coverage has switched to the exotic setting of Potton Bowls Club in Bedfordshire.
    Sky Sports’ Michelle Owen, one of the best reporters in the game, is anchoring the action, and she’s been joined by Harry Redknapp and Micah Richards.
    Here we go…
    PREMIER CLASS
    The 16 teams that will take part in the fourth round are now know, and it’s heavily weighted with those from the top flight.
    In total, 12 Premier League teams will be involved including newcomers Brentford and the winners of the last four League Cups, Manchester City.
    Preston North End, Queens Park Rangers and Stoke City from the Championship are also in the hat while Sunderland are League One’s sole representative after AFC Wimbledon’s exit this evening.
    BALL NUMBERS
    Here are the ball numbers for the draw this evening:
    1 – Brentford
    2 – Burnley
    3 – Leeds United
    4 – Liverpool
    5 – Man City
    6 – Preston
    7 – QPR
    8 – Southampton
    9 – Stoke
    10 – Sunderland
    11 – Arsenal
    12 – Brighton
    13 – Chelsea
    14 – West Ham
    15 – Leicester
    16 – Spurs

    HAPPY HAMMERS
    West Ham head into the Carabao Cup’s fourth round after dispatching Man United at Old Trafford.
    A 1-0 win courtesy of a Manuel Lanzini goal was enough to see the Irons go through.

    DIG AT DIGNE
    Charlie Austin took a sly dig at Lucas Digne after QPR stunned Everton in the league cup.
    The Toffees were knocked out in the third round tie after Mark Warburton’s side won 8-7 on penalties after the game finished 2-2 in normal time.
    Austin netted both goals for QPR. The striker had a minor spat with the French defender after his opponent asked how many England caps the striker had.
    Austin told talkSPORT: “It was just a bit of fun. He gave me a little bit,”
    “In the first half he was on about me fouling him and he just turned around and said ‘how many caps you got?’ I had a little giggle to myself and I didn’t mind it.
    “Then in the second half the ball came over the top and took about six or seven seconds to come down, he went to control it and shinned it out of play. I just laughed in his face.”
    GOOD EVENING!
    Hello and welcome everybody to SunSport’s live coverage of this evening’s Carabao Cup 4th round draw!
    It’s sure to be an exciting one, with plenty of big teams still in the competition, gunning to make next year’s final.
    Man Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham have all been in action tonight, with their games still to finish.
    Leicester at away at Millwall while Brighton host Swansea in one of the other ties tonight.
    Hold onto your hats as the draw is set to start in the next 45 minutes, when you can finally find out the fate of your side.
    Sit tight! We’ve got you covered.
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    Arsenal 3 AFC Wimbledon 0 LIVE REACTION: Gunners produce ruthless performance to reach Carabao Cup 4th-round – updates

    ARSENAL made it to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with a 3-0 win over AFC Wimbledon thanks to goals from Alexandre Lacazette, Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah.
    RESULT: Arsenal 3-0 AFC Wimbledon
    Arsenal XI: Leno, Cedric, Holding, Mari, Tavares, Sambi, Partey, Maitland-Niles, Martinelli, Nketiah, Lacazette
    AFC Wimbledon XI: Tzanev, Guinness-Walker, Nighingale, Heneghan, Lawrence, Hartigan, Woodyard, McCormick, Rudoni, Assal, Palmer

    Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…

    JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)

    GOODNIGHT
    That’s all from us as Arsenal stretch their winning run to three games without conceding a goal in all competitions.
    Gunners fans will be aware that it was only a League One side in their way this evening – albeit a very competitive one in AFC Wimbledon – but will also know how a winning mentality can breed quickly among their players.
    They’ll certainly be hoping that’s the case come Sunday when another club from the capital arrive at the Emirates, this time with much more on the line.
    Yes, it’s the season’s first North London derby, and we’ll be here with extensive coverage of the battle that is Arsenal against Tottenham. Be sure to join us.
    LEEDS AWAIT
    The draw for the fourth round has just been made, and Arsenal have been handed another home tie but this time against fellow Premier League opposition in Leeds United.
    Marcelo Bielsa’s team were penalty shootout winners at Fulham last night, and will return to London on either October 26 or 27 to take on the Gunners.
    GUNNERS RATED
    Etienne Fermie was at the Emirates Stadium this evening, casting his eye over the Arsenal hopefuls.
    Here’s how he rated the home side on a night when the Premier League side had to be patient.
    FULL TIME STATS
    The scoreline may feel harsh on Wimbledon, who competed admirably throughout, but Arsenal dominated tonight’s contest in every area.

    FT: ARSENAL 3-0 WIMBLEDON
    AFC Wimbledon’s Carabao Cup adventure comes to an end across London as Arsenal eventually make their Premier League class show. A first half penalty by Alexandre Lacazette was added to by late strikes from Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah as the League One team ran out of steam. The Gunners take their place in the hat for the Last 16 at the end of a professional night’s work.
    PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!IT’S ALL OVER AT THE EMIRATES!
    ARSENAL 3-0 WIMBLEDON
    90+2. Into additional time, and Saka really wants to seal victory.
    The England international gets himself into the area and smashes a left footer straight at Tzanev, which the Wimbledon keeper does well to tip over.
    ARSENAL 3-0 WIMBLEDON
    89. The last thing you want to see if you’re a tiring League One defender, who has put an epic shift in for 80 minutes, is the electric pace and skill of Bukayo Saka being introduced. Yet here he is…
    …and there he goes. The substitute darts past his marker like he’s not there and then goes close with a shot that’s just off target.
    ARSENAL 3-0 WIMBLEDON
    86. The game is finishing in a scrappy fashion with a flurry of fouls.
    Both sides will settle for a 3-0 scoreline now, surely.
    ARSENAL 3-0 WIMBLEDON
    83. Eddie Nketiah’s night is over and it will be ending on a high after that sparkling finish.
    The striker takes his leave and is replaced by 20-year-old Folarin Balogun, who many expected to start over the player he is replacing.
    ARSENAL 3-0 WIMBLEDON
    80. Eddie Nketiah has his goal, and it’s the best of the night.
    Once again, Arsenal work the ball intricately down the right with Nuno Tavares heavily involved.
    It’s then moved on to Cedric Soares on the overlap, and his fizzed cross is flicked in at the near post by Nketiah’s instinctive and brilliant back-heel.
    The scoreline is harsh on Wimbledon, but that was a goal of Premier League class.

    GOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLLLL!!EDDIE NKETIAH MAKES IT THREE!!
    ARSENAL 2-0 WIMBLEDON
    77. Emile Smith Rowe finally ends Wimbledon’s resistance.
    With their attacking reinforcements on show, Arsenal stretch the visitors’ defence by moving the ball from left to right and back again.
    Smith Rowe slips in Bukayo Saka and although his cross towards Eddie Nketiah is cut out, Alexandre Lacazette is on hand to poke back into the path off Smith Rowe.
    The substitute takes a touch to make room for himself, and then fires an emphatic shot beyond Nik Tzanev.
    That should be Arsenal in the Last 16.

    GOOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLL!!EMILE SMITH ROWE ADDS ARSENAL’S SECOND!!
    ARSENAL 1-0 WIMBLEDON
    76. Arsenal are turning to their big guns to get the job done. Here comes Bukayo Saka, only for the final quarter of an hour in place of Gabriel Martinelli.
    ARSENAL 1-0 WIMBLEDON
    73. Nketiah’s hopes of finding the net this evening take another blow as his left-footed strike is smothered by Tzanev.
    ARSENAL 1-0 WIMBLEDON
    72. Having made the save, the Wimbledon goalkeeper tries to launch a quick attack with a punt forward.
    But guess what? Assal is offside.
    ARSENAL 1-0 WIMBLEDON
    71. Having watched Partey go close, it now seems as though Cedric fancies his chances of becoming an unlikely scorer.
    The right-back ghosts into the box to collect Smith Rowe’s pass, but then shoots straight at Tzanev.
    ARSENAL 1-0 WIMBLEDON
    68. A final throw of the dice for Mark Robinson as one 21-year-old replaces another.
    The Wimbledon head coach introduces South African Ethan Chislett for Jack Rudoni.
    ARSENAL 1-0 WIMBLEDON
    67. Midway through the second half and the difference remains just a single goal.
    The Dons have looked good when they’ve attempted to get forward, but know Arsenal could pick them off to finish the tie if they commit too much too soon.
    Something has to give shortly.
    ARSENAL 1-0 WIMBLEDON
    64. Off the post! Nuno Tavares has caught the eye this evening, and goes close to bagging Arsenal’s second.
    The roaming Portuguese youngster bursts forward to meet Martinelli’s deep cross, only for his header to be kept out by a combination of Tzanev and the woodwork.
    ARSENAL 1-0 WIMBLEDON
    63. Almost! Those Wimbledon substitutes almost combine to present Mebude with an immediate chance to make himself a hero, but Pressley’s pass is cut out by Holding.
    ARSENAL 1-0 WIMBLEDON
    60. Another substitution for Wimbledon, and it’s another striker thrown into the mix.
    Dapo Mebude, formerly of Glasgow Rangers and loan from Watford, is on for Luke McCormick, and will partner fellow sub Aaron Pressley up front.
    ARSENAL 1-0 WIMBLEDON
    59. Thomas Partey almost caps his evening with a stunner. The midfielder exchanges passes with Nuno Tavares and then unleashes a rocket from close to 30 yards. Nik Tzanev does well to touch over the crossbar.
    It’s Partey’s last involvement of the night too, and he departs for Emile Smith Rowe in anticipating of the North London derby. More of the same on Sunday, please.
    ARSENAL 1-0 WIMBLEDON
    57. Woodyard picks out McCormick’s run, but the midfielder had gone too early and has been flagged offside.
    The Arsenal offside trap has been in action as if the return of Wimbledon really took them back to 1989.
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