Carabao Cup

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Jose Mourinho defends Spurs flogging Carabao Cup final merchandise as he admits club are desperate for the money

      by

      JOSE MOURINHO says Tottenham selling Carabao Cup Final merchandise is not the act of a small club but of a desperate need to raise money.
      Spurs were ridiculed on social media this week when they unveiled a range of souvenirs marking their Wembley clash with Manchester City on April 25 – with rival fans claiming teams should only celebrate winning trophies.

      Jose Mourinho says Spurs need all the financial help they can help, so are just getting inventive with their merchandise sales for the Carabao Cup finalCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      What a bunch of mugs… are on offerCredit: Tottenham Hotspur FC

      But Mourinho, who has been trying to instil a winning mentality at the London club, has no problem with keyrings, lanyards and commemorative mugs being sold after the pandemic hit finances hard.
      He said: “We have empty stadiums, an incredible stadium always empty. How many millions is Tottenham losing every match we play at home?
      “How many millions is Tottenham losing per month?
      “We have to make money so we go to a final, try to sell some pins, some shirs, key-rings, anything. So well done.

      “I think we have a marketing and merchandising department that is responsible for that and I presume that their job, maybe I am saying something silly, but I imagine that a very important thing in their job is to make money, right?
      “So if you can make money selling anything, just make money.
      “If you ask me if am I going to buy anything, I am not going to buy anything.
      “If you tell me if you lose the final, what are you going to do with your silver medal, I am going to say first of all I think I am going to win the final and secondly if you want my silver medal I give to you because I don’t want to keep it.

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      A commemorative t-shirt can be yours for £22Credit: Tottenham Hotspur FC

      How about a lanyard at £4 to remember the big dayCredit: Tottenham Hotspur FC

      “But I think marketing and merchandising is about making money. Sell anything you can sell.
      “You go to Man Utd matches and you realise well, even on TV, how many sponsors they have around the pitch. They sell everything.
      “They sell mattresses, they sell pillows, they sell shoulder supports or neck supports … they sell everything. So probably they are doing very well.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Fuming Jose Mourinho accuses Gareth Bale of contradicting ‘reality’ with ill-timed social media post about being fit More

    • 250 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd vs Man City LIVE REACTION: Fernandinho and Stones set up EFL Cup final vs Tottenham – latest updates

      by

      JOHN STONES and Fernandinho were the unlikely goal scorers as Manchester City beat Manchester United 2-0 in their EFL Cup semi-final at Old Trafford.
      Pep Guardiola’s City now face Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham at Wembley in the final on April 25.

      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…

      THAT’S ALL FOR TONIGHT
      City triumph in the Manchester Derby to reach the League Cup final for the fourth season in a row.
      Colin Bell would have been proud of tonight’s performance, that’s for sure!
      Goodnight!

      TOTTENHAM VS MAN CITY
      The two finalists for this seasons League Cup final have been confirmed!
      Jose Mourinho’s Spurs will take on Pep Guardiola’s Man City, and he’ll be looking to guide Spurs to their first trophy since 2008 as well as stopping City from winning the competition for the fourth season in a row.
      The final will take place on Sunday, April 25.

      PEP’S THOUGHTS
      City manager Pep Guardiola spoke to Sky sports after the game, saying: “It is an incredible victory for us, to beat United away, to reach the final, and of course this is for him.
      “The team is ready. It was an outstanding performance. We were tired, they had two more days off to rest, but we achieved something incredible.
      “I know the Carabao Cup is not the Champions League, but four times in a row to reach the final is incredible.
      “I’m so impressed by the boys. The final is not next week. Tottenham is a top, top team but we will have time to think about it.”
      Pep also paid tribute to City legend Colin Bell saying: “This is for him, for his family. This person helped to build something special for this club.”

      SOLSKJAER SPEAKS
      United boss Solskjaer spoke to Sky Sports after the game.

      “When they play well, you have to play really well to beat them!”Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits Man City were deserved winners at Old Trafford pic.twitter.com/eq6ToDmGZj
      — Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) January 6, 2021

      CITY ARE ON THEIR WAY TO WEMBLEY
      City fan Liam Gallagher is over the moon with tonight’s result!

      STONES SPEAKS
      Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, goalscoring hero John Stones said: “I’d like to send our condolences from everyone in the dressing room to Colin Bell and his family.
      “How we played today was a reflection of him. A great moment for us, and I’m sure he’s looking down on the game today.
      “Another final and another great occasion, and a derby won against a top team.
      “They caused us problems but we dealt with them and had so many chances. Set pieces are vital in big games and it was good to get something on it.”

      FULL-TIME STATS
      Man City continued to dominate the ball in the second half, controlling 60.2 per cent to United’s 39.8.
      Both teams had a similar amount of shots, City had 12 to United’s 11.
      City managed to register four of their shots on target, whereas United only managed to register two.

      City won the midfield battle (right).

      FT: MAN UTD 0-2 MAN CITY
      City make the League Cup final for the fourth season in a row and they’ll have to beat Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham to win the competition for the fourth consecutive season.
      John Stones was the man to break the deadlock, popping up at the back post to steer home Foden’s free-kick.
      And Fernandinho would seal the deal late on with a wonderfully executed volley.
      United defensively were solid for most of the game, but going forward they were rather toothless in the second half.

      PEEEEEEEEEEEP!
      THE FULL-TIME WHISTLE GOES!
      CITY MAKE THE LEAGUE CUP FINAL FOR THE FOURTH SEASON RUNNING!

      MAN UTD 0-2 MAN CITY
      90+2. Fernandes’ long ball is headed away by Dias but only as far as Greenwood.
      The youngster drives into the City penalty area and wins his side a late corner.
      Shaw delivers the corner towards the near post but City head the danger clear.
      Game over.

      MAN UTD 0-2 MAN CITY
      90+1. United manage to clear City’s free-kick.

      MAN UTD 0-2 MAN CITY
      90. Shaw is shown a yellow card and he’s conceded a free-kick in a dangerous position.

      MAN UTD 0-2 MAN CITY
      89. Dias is given man of the match and rightly so, he’s been absolutely sensational since arriving at City.

      MAN UTD 0-2 MAN CITY
      88. Van de Beek is on for the final few minutes replacing Fred.
      United are chucking men forward looking to find a way back into the game.

      CITY ARE WEMBLEY-BOUND
      What a strike by Fernandinho, it looks like his goal is sending City to Wembley to face Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham.

      What a strike!Fernandinho looks like he has sealed the deal for Man City📺 Watch Man Utd v Man City live on Sky Sports Football pic.twitter.com/wnUzotCEIG
      — Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) January 6, 2021

      MAN UTD 0-2 MAN CITY
      84. Lindelof’s heavy touch lands into the path of Foden who carries the ball down the line.
      Lindelof does well to track Foden and win possession back.

      MAN UTD 0-2 MAN CITY
      82. Wan-Bissaka clears City’s corner but only as far as Fernandinho who unleashes a venomous volley picking out the bottom-left corner!
      What a goal by the 35-year-old, is that the goal to send City to Wembley?

      GOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLL!!
      FERNANDINHO SCORES A STUNNER!!
      WHAT A FINISH!!

      MAN UTD 0-1 MAN CITY
      80. Gundogan picks out De Bruyne out-wide on the left-hand side and the Belgian delivers a cross into the box trying to pick out Sterling.
      But Shaw does enough to put Sterling off making contact.

      TEN TO GO
      United have ten minutes plus additional time to find an equaliser.

      Credit: Getty Images

      MAN UTD 0-1 MAN CITY
      79. Pogba lets the body run across him for Rashford to chase after.
      Rashford tries to knock the ball past Cancelo, but the right-back times his challenge perfectly to sweep the ball out of play.

      MAN UTD 0-1 MAN CITY
      78. Pep makes a change of his own, sacrificing an attacker for a defensively minded player.
      Rodri replaces Mahrez.

      MAN UTD 0-1 MAN CITY
      77. Rashford tries to go past Cancelo and the City right-back blocks him off conceding a free-kick.
      Shaw gets involved shoulder barging the City man prompting a reaction from Cancelo.
      Cancelo is booked for reacting.

      MAN UTD 0-1 MAN CITY
      75. Solskjaer makes his first substitution of the game with Greenwood replacing McTominay.

      MAN UTD 0-1 MAN CITY
      73. Martial tries to break into the City penalty area, he knocks the ball through Stones and Dias before throwing himself to the floor.
      No penalty is given and Dias is screaming at the referee to book the United forward for diving.

      Load more entries… More

    • 238 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Manchester derby verdict: Phil Foden too good for Man Utd and should be central to England’s Euro 2020 plans

      by

      PHIL FODEN was the only man who seemed surprised when his classy first half finish was ruled out for offside, after he sprinted clear of the United defence to latch onto Oleksandr Zinchenko’s through ball.
      He was clearly offside, but Foden was allowed to complete his fifty yard run and fire the ball through Dean Henderson’s leg before the flag finally went up.

      Phil Foden impressed for Manchester City again as they beat rivals UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Foden was entitled to wonder how he had been denied – after all, it is not often things do not fall perfectly for the City starlet when he is in Carabao Cup action.
      His brilliant cup final display in last year’s Wembley win over Aston Villa persuaded plenty of people that there might actually be life after David Silva for Pep Guardiola’s side.
      And he set City on their way to a fourth successive final in this competition by netting the winner when his team began their cup defence with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Bournemouth back in September.
      Another goal and an assist in the 4-1 quarter-final romp at Arsenal confirmed his liking for this competition – although he proved he is anything but a ‘one trick pony’ with another dazzling performance in the 3-1 win at Chelsea on Sunday.

      Foden, 20, was a constant threat down the City left again last night, despite being up against another man in top form in United right back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
      The City player’s efforts drew an admiring reaction from BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Dion Dublin, who feels he has an old head on young shoulders.
      CASINO DEALS: BEST SIGN UP OFFERS TO CLAIM OVER £700
      Dublin explained: “Phil Foden looks so comfortable on the ball and always looks like he’s got more time than he has.

      “He hasn’t tried anything on the outside of Aaron Wan-Bissaka because we know that’s his strength – and Foden knows that’s his strength.
      “So, he’s just trying to pick a pass, play one-twos around Wan-Bissaka.
      Foden also provided the cross for John Stones to open the scoring last night, and you just have to hope that Dublin’s belief in his growing maturity is justified.

      Phil Foden looks so comfortable on the ball and always looks like he’s got more time than he has
      Dion Dublin

      It did not look that way back in November, of course, when Foden and Mason Greenwood were briefly axed from the England squad for breaking rhe Covid 19 regulations by inviting a couple of girls back to their hotel room in Iceland.
      He made amends by netting twice against the same opponents when he won his third cap a couple of weeks later, and his goal at Chelsea means he has now scored eight times for club and country so far this season.
      And even though his 25th minute effort was rightly chalked off last night, you sense there are plenty more goals to come in the next few months.
      Foden seems to have finally established himself as a first team regular at the Etihad, athough Pep Guardiola’s rotation policy will keep him on his toes.

      Pep Guardiola knows he has a very special talents on his hands in Phil FodenCredit: AP:Associated Press

      But the City winger clearly has the class and the confidence to make a big impact when England take over centre stage towards the end of the season.
      A hat-trick of World Cup qualifiers in six days at the end of March will be the appetiser for the delayed Euro 20 finals.
      And Foden should be in the thick of the action, just as he has been for City lately.

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reacts to Man Utd’s 2-0 loss at home to Man City in the Carabao Cup More

    • 188 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      When is EFL Carabao Cup final 2020/21, and will VAR be used in the final?

      by

      THE first chance for silverware this season is next up.
      Wembley Stadium plays host for the EFL Cup final, though the date is later than usual in this campaign.

      The EFL Carabao Cup final is the first of the season
      When is the EFL Cup final?

      The EFL Cup final has been moved from February 28 to the date of Sunday April 25, 2021.
      This decision was made in a bid to have as many fans as possible attend the Wembley showdown which will kick off at 4pm.
      In a statement, the EFL said: “This season’s Carabao Cup final has been rescheduled and will now take place on Sunday 25 April 2021, with a 4pm kick-off.
      “It is the objective of the League to stage the final with as many supporters in attendance as possible.

      “And the decision has therefore been taken to move the final from its original date of Sunday February 28, 2021 to later in the year.
      “The number of fans permitted will be dependent on Government guidance in place at the time.
      “And it is hoped that moving the date to later in the year will give clubs and their fans the best opportunity to attend in person.”
      Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham are in the final after they beat Brentford 2-0 in their semi-final.

      They will face either Manchester United or Manchester City in the final.
      Will VAR be used?
      VAR WILL be used in the final.
      The EFL Cup have used the Video Assistant Referee this season, but only from the semi-final stage.
      What have they said?
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on his Man Utd squad before their semi-final: “We have developed a lot in the last 12 months from last season’s EFL Cup semi-final.
      “It is not just a case of learning how to win them, it is earning the right to go all the way. But we are confident and we are in good form. There are no excuses.” More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd player ratings: Dean Henderson heroics keep it close vs Man City as Anthony Martial falls flat in attack

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED missed out on a place in the Carabao Cup final with a 2-0 defeat to Man City.
      John Stones and Fernandinho scored at Old Trafford to book City’s place in a fourth consecutive Wembley showpiece, this time against Tottenham.

      Dean Henderson prevented Man Utd from being thrashed by Man CityCredit: Reuters

      It marks yet another semi-final defeat for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men.
      But the Norwegian will now look to move clear at the top of the Premier League table instead.
      Here, SunSport’s Anthony Chapman delivers his Man Utd player ratings.
      DEAN HENDERSON – 7

      Made a number of fine saves to keep United in the game and prevent the scoreline from being bigger, including a brilliant dive to deny a scorcher from Riyad Mahrez.
      But he could have done better when John Stones snuck in to fire home City’s winner and was slow to react to Fernandinho’s effort.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      Anthony Martial was blunt in attack as United struggled for chancesCredit: AFP

      AARON WAN-BISSAKA – 6

      Recovered well after being targeted by Raheem Sterling early on.
      But couldn’t really get out of his own half to make an impact up the other end.
      VICTOR LINDELOF – 6
      Held his defensive line fairly well to keep City’s slick passers at bay.
      But looked tired as the game went on after returning from injury.
      HARRY MAGUIRE – 6
      A commanding presence, he orchestrated his fellow defenders well.
      Once or twice a bit forgetful in his pressing duties though.

      Paul Pogba lacked his magic touch against CityCredit: PA:Press Association
      LUKE SHAW – 5
      Was given a tough task against Mahrez, who constantly cut inside on his left foot.
      As a result, he found himself tucked in centrally and was often a passenger on the break.
      FRED – 5
      Tenacious as ever but lacking that extra bit of quality to get a real foothold in the middle of the park.
      Showed his frustration at times as the likes of Ilkay Gundogan and Phil Foden passed him by with precise passes.
      SCOTT McTOMINAY – 5
      Ran hard for his side to keep the pressure on City’s midfielders.
      But looked awkward at times in a technical battle against Kevin De Bruyne and Fernandinho.

      Bruno Fernandes tried to get his team up for the fight but also had sloppy momentsCredit: Reuters
      PAUL POGBA – 5
      Wasn’t able to work his usual magic as he kept getting pulled out wide.
      Looked slow at times but was always available for a team-mate’s pass.
      BRUNO FERNANDES – 6
      Clever passing and movement as he put in a typical performance as the No10.
      Was targeted constantly by Fernandinho and made sure the ref knew about it, eventually resulting in the City veteran getting a yellow card.
      MARCUS RASHFORD – 5
      Found space well between the channels to split City when going forward.
      But didn’t create too much for his team when he did get a go on the ball.

      Marcus Rashford also struggled to find a way through up topCredit: AP:Associated Press
      ANTHONY MARTIAL – 4
      Stayed very central but was always half a second off the pace.
      Couldn’t get the better of Stones or Ruben Dias, who tiki-taka’d their way around his pressing and looked blunt throughout.
      SUBS
      Mason Greenwood (for McTominay, 74′) – 5
      Came on to change shape of United’s attack but was fairly anonymous on the right flank.
      Donny van de Beek (for Fred, 87′) – N/A

      Rio Ferdinand begs Man Utd to seal Jack Grealish transfer from Aston Villa whether Paul Pogba is sold or not More

    • 213 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      EFL Carabao Cup – how many substitutions are allowed in semi-final, and when can clubs make them?

      by

      THE EFL Cup is down to the final four this week as the competition moves into the semi-finals.
      And there’s a way teams can make an additional two substitutions from the semi-final stage.

      Teams can make a fifth sub from the EFL Cup semi-finals
      How can teams make five subs in EFL Cup semi-finals?

      EFL Cup semi-finals are one-legged this season.
      Should the match end in a draw after 90 minutes, extra time and then potentially penalties will be played.
      The EFL have said teams will be able to make FIVE subs per game for the remainder of the competition, but they have to be made in the allocated opportunity periods.
      EFL said in a statement released on Monday: “Each team is only permitted a maximum of three opportunities (excluding half time, full time and half time of extra time) to make substitutions during normal time.

      “However, if a tie goes to extra time, an additional opportunity to use a substitute(s) will also be permitted but only from the five substitutes allowed.”
      Currently in the Premier League teams can only make three substitutions per game after clubs voted against using five subs.

      Brandon Williams comes on a sub for Man Utd in the EFL Cup
      Though leading figures in the league such as Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola have voiced their displeasure at this.
      Liverpool manager Klopp said: “Everybody knows my opinions about it.

      “Everyone knows 10 clubs voted against it. It was not about advantages, it was only about player welfare. And they voted against it.
      “Pretty much only they voted against them in the whole world. “I don’t know which other leagues only have three subs. There must be a good reason for it, for all these leagues and clubs to vote for it.”
      What are the EFL Cup semi-finals?
      Tuesday, January 5
      Tottenham vs Brentford (7.45pm)
      Wednesday, January 6
      Man Utd vs Man City (7.45pm)
      When is the EFL Cup final?
      The EFL Cup final has been moved from February 28 to Sunday April 25, 2021.
      This decision has been made in a bid to have as many fans as possible attend the Wembley showdown which will kick off at 4pm.
      In a statement, the EFL said: “This season’s Carabao Cup final has been rescheduled and will now take place on Sunday 25 April 2021, with a 4pm kick-off.
      “It is the objective of the League to stage the final with as many supporters in attendance as possible.
      “And the decision has therefore been taken to move the final from its original date of Sunday February 28, 2021 to later in the year.
      “The number of fans permitted will be dependent on Government guidance in place at the time.
      “And it is hoped that moving the date to later in the year will give clubs and their fans the best opportunity to attend in person.” More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Do EFL Cup semi-finals have extra-time or penalties after 90 minutes if they finish in a draw?

      by

      THE Carabao Cup is back this week with two massive final-four clashes. 
      This season’s tournament is nearing it’s conclusion with just the semi finals to go, but what happens if games are all square after 90 minutes?

      Man City have won the last THREE League Cups in a rowCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Do EFL Cup ties go to extra time or straight to penalties?

      So far this season, every EFL Cup tie has gone straight to penalties after 90 minutes if a draw.
      That WON’T be the case at the semi final stage.
      If either of the final four matches end in a stalemate, 30 minutes of extra-time will be played before a penalty shootout if the match stays level.
      Replays have been scrapped for the entire tournament – and the FA Cup has even followed suit. 

      What are the EFL Cup semi fixtures?
      Tuesday, January 5

      Tottenham vs Brentford (7.45pm)
      Wednesday, January 6
      Man Utd vs Man City (7.45pm)
      When is the EFL Cup final?
      The EFL Cup final has been moved from February 28 to Sunday April 25, 2021.
      This decision has been made in a bid to have as many fans as possible attend the Wembley showdown which will kick off at 4pm.
      In a statement, the EFL said: “This season’s Carabao Cup final has been rescheduled and will now take place on Sunday 25 April 2021, with a 4pm kick-off.
      “It is the objective of the League to stage the final with as many supporters in attendance as possible.
      “And the decision has therefore been taken to move the final from its original date of Sunday February 28, 2021 to later in the year.
      “The number of fans permitted will be dependent on Government guidance in place at the time.
      “And it is hoped that moving the date to later in the year will give clubs and their fans the best opportunity to attend in person.
      “The competition is set to continue this week, with the quarter-finals to be played across Tuesday December 22 and Wednesday December 23, with all four games live on Sky Sports.” More

    • 263 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd vs Man City: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for tonight’s big EFL Cup semi-final clash

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED face cross-town rivals Manchester City for a place in the EFL Cup final against Tottenham.
      The Red Devils overcame Everton in the quarter-finals while City thrashed Arsenal 4-1 at the Emirates.

      Man Utd drew with Man City 0-0 when they played each other on Dec 12Credit: EPA
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
      Check out today’s best football bets and odds boosts for Man Utd vs Man City
      United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking for his first major trophy as a manager, while Guardiola is aiming to capture a third successive Carabao Cup.
      What time does Man Utd vs Man City kick-off?
      The derby clash is set for TONIGHT, with kick-off at 7.45pm GMT.
      The game will be played at Old Trafford.
      What channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
      City’s visit to Old Trafford will be shown live on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event.
      The game will be available for live streaming from the Sky Go and NOW TV apps, both of which can be downloaded onto a mobile or tablet device.
      You can also catch the action on a Smart TV, so long as it carries NOW TV.

      Team news
      City remained ravaged by a Covid-19 outbreak and look set to be without Ederson, Gabriel Jesus, Kyle Walker, Ferran Torres and Eric Garcia.

      Aymeric Laporte and Nathan Ake missed the trip to Chelsea and are both likely to be out.
      And between the sticks, City have a huge problem with Edison and Scott Carson out due to Covid.
      That leaves American stopper Zack Steffen as their only fit goalkeeper.
      For United, they have a fresh squad to choose from with only Victor Lindelof a major doubt due to a back injury.

      Dean Henderson is expected to start over David De Gea, while Donny van de Beek could also feature.

      Odds
      Man Utd – 5/2
      Draw – 5/2
      Man City – 1/1
      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication. More