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    Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer pokes fun at Liverpool rival Jurgen Klopp’s Benitez-like meltdown over penalties

    OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER believes Jurgen Klopp is having a Rafa Benitez-style meltdown — ‘fact’.
    Liverpool chief Klopp whined about the number of penalties Manchester United get compared to his side after defeat at Southampton on Monday.

    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hit back at Jurgen Klopp over the Liverpool boss’ penalty rantCredit: PA:Press Association

    The German bemoaned his side’s lack of spot-kicks after the defeat to Southampton on MondayCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    United boss Solskjaer hit back: “And that’s a fact, probably. That is going to be my answer.
    “It’s a fact that we have got more than him.”
    It was a cheeky reference to Benitez’s 2009 press conference rant at Sir Alex Ferguson — when he kept saying ‘fact’ to back up his statements.
    Solskjaer, who is level on points with Klopp at the top of the Premier League, wonders why he and other managers have an obsession with United’s penalty awards.

    He said: “I don’t count how many penalties they have. So if they want to spend time worrying about when we get fouled in the box, I don’t spend time on that.”
    Having failed to be awarded a penalty on Monday, Klopp moaned: “I hear now that Manchester United had more in two years than I had in five and a half years. I’ve no idea if that’s my fault, or how that can happen.”
    Since Klopp took over in October 2015, Liverpool have won 46 spot-kicks. In Solskjaer’s two years at the helm United have had 42, with Liverpool winning 19 in that time.
    Since the start of last season, United have been awarded 20 in the Premier League to Liverpool’s ten.

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    Ahead of tonight’s Carabao Cup semi-final clash with Manchester City, Solskjaer reckons that rival managers may be trying to sway referees with their comments.
    He added: “I felt it worked last year in the FA Cup semis — because Frank Lampard spoke about it and then we had a nailed-on penalty we didn’t get. So maybe it’s a way of influencing referees.”
    ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

    Rafa Benitez famously went on his own ‘fact’ monologue aimed at Sir Alex Ferguson

    Bruno Fernandes has benefited from his opportunities from 12 yards outCredit: AFP

    Jurgen Klopp blasts Man Utd had more penalties in two years than me in five-and-a-half More

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

    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

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    Watch horror tackle from Josh Dasilva that left Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s leg ravaged and Spurs ace raging

    PIERRE-EMILE HOJBJERG raged after suffering a horror shin injury as Josh Dasilva was sent off for Brentford.
    The Bees star had the ball but lost control and went flying in with his right boot up the Spurs midfielder’s leg.

    Josh Dasilva was sent off for this shocking lunge on Pierre-Emile HojbjergCredit: Sky Sports

    Blood poured down the Danish midfielder’s shin as he hobbled off the pitchCredit: Sky Sports

    RED CARD 🟥Josh Dasilva is sent off for a horrible challenge on Pierre-Emile Højbjerg📺 Watch live on Sky Sports Football now pic.twitter.com/KloadTEsVk
    — Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) January 5, 2021

    Anyone that knows me, knows it was never intentional.. will learn from this.🙏🏿🐝
    — Joshua Dasilva (@joshdasilva_) January 6, 2021

    Play was initially allowed to continue before referee Mike Dean went across to the VAR monitor.
    And after a brief check of the replays, he decided the horrendous tackle was worthy of a red card.
    Hojbjerg was treated on the pitch and was able to hobble off – but not before confronting Bees players over the dangerous challenge.
    He was rightly fuming, knowing he was lucky to escape without a broken leg.

    With nasty stud marks and blood pouring down his shin, Jose Mourinho made the wise decision to haul his Danish international.
    Japhet Tanganga came on in his place for the final minutes of Spurs’ 2-0 win over Brentford.
    Dasilva later took to social media to insist he never meant to hurt the Spurs midfielder.
    He wrote: “Anyone that knows me, knows it was never intentional.. will learn from this.”

    Goals from Moussa Sissoko and Son Heung-min booked Tottenham’s spot in April’s Carabao Cup final.
    But after the full-time whistle, there was a touching moment.
    Hojbjerg headed back pitchside to share an embrace and smile with Brentford boss Thomas Frank, who is also Danish.
    And Jamie Redknapp defended Dasilva, insisting there was no malice in the former Arsenal youngster’s foul.
    The Sky Sports pundit said: “Do I think it is a red card? Yes. Do I think he means it? Absolutely not.
    “He sort of loses control of his body, and his right foot comes out.

    The midfielder writhed around in pain in the middle of the pitchCredit: PA:Press Association

    Mike Dean checked the VAR monitor and immediately changed his mindCredit: Sky Sports
    “The reason why I would say no, he is so left footed, he wouldn’t mean to tackle with his right foot.
    “But it looks really bad, I get that. I don’t believe he has meant to hurt an opponent there.”
    Spurs will face either Mourinho’s former side Manchester United or long-term rival Pep Guardiola with Manchester City in April’s rearranged final at Wembley.
    The Manchester rivals meet on Wednesday night.

    The former Arsenal youngster was given his marching ordersCredit: AFP or licensors

    Jose Mourinho withdrew the No5 and sent on Japhet Tanganga for the final stagesCredit: PA:Press Association More

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    Tottenham 2 Brentford 0: Jose Mourinho seals Carabao Cup final spot with goals from Moussa Sissoko and Son Heung-Min

    SOMEONE from Spurs had better try to remember where they parked their open-top bus.
    Then when they find it, they need to check beneath all the rust and dust to ensure it is still roadworthy.

    Son Heung-min was on target as Tottenham booked their place in the Carabao Cup finalCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

    Moussa Sissoko also scored in a 2-0 win against BrentfordCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

    And if it is, then all they need to do is hire some horses to pull it!
    But Tottenham can get ready to break open the Brasso after moving a step closer to ending their 13-year wait for a trophy.
    Goals from Moussa Sissoko and Son Heung-min sealed a hard-fought victory over Brentford in this one-legged Carabao Cup showdown.
    Thomas Frank’s Championship Brentford – playing in their first ever major cup semi-final – pushed their Prem stars all the way, and will be rueing the VAR’s decision to chalk off Ivan Toney’s second half strike for offside, with the score at 1-0.

    The visitors’ misery was compounded when ref Mike Dean red carded Josh Dasilva after VAR ordered him to the pitchside monitor to view the midfielder’s X-rated horror lunge on Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
    But Tottenham will not care about that after setting up a Wembley date against one of the Manchester giants on Sunday, April 25.
    Spurs have not lifted silverware since winning this trophy in 2008 – when it was the Carling Cup.
    It may not be the most glamorous competition but when you have only won three trophies in 37 years it might as well be the Oscars.

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    Ivan Toney scored to make it 1-1 but the goal was ruled out for offsideCredit: Sky Sports

    Josh Dasilva was sent off late on for a bad tackle on Pierre-Emile HojbjergCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Mourinho will be looking to win English football’s second domestic cup competition for a FIFTH time – and if it is good enough for this serial winner it should be good enough for anyone.
    He was brought into Tottenham 13 months ago to bring silverware back to N17.
    And Spurs chairman Daniel Levy and their players and fans will be hoping the Special One’s habit of winning honours in his second season with clubs will kick-start a new golden era at this one.
    Oasis frontman and Manchester City nut Liam Gallagher posted a Tweet before kick-off saying: “C’mon Brentford”.
    So he will probably not be feeling too Supersonic this morning after the Bees failed to cause an upset.

    Dasilva’s early bath capped off a disappointing night for Premier League hopefuls BrentfordCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Son and Co are just one match away from winning a trophyCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Spurs took a 12th minute lead with their first attack when left-back Sergio Reguilon, recalled after his Christmas Covid shame, crossed Sissoko to head home.
    It was the French midfielder’s first goal for 13 months and the hosts almost added a second two minutes later when Son’s sidefooted shot from the edge of the area was beaten away by Brentford keeper Simon Raya.
    Mourinho, who was accused of being too pragmatic after his side threw away half-time leads in their Prem draws at Crystal Palace and Wolves last month, had vowed they would go for the jugular if they managed to get their noses in front here.
    But despite dominating the ball in the first half they frequently found their path to goal blocked by Frank’s banks of midfielders and defenders.
    And while the score remained 1-0 the Bees were always in within a chance.

    Sissoko opened the scoring with a bullet header for SpursCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

    Toney headed in during the second half before VAR came into playCredit: Reuters
    Unfortunately for them, their 16-goal striker Toney could not outmuscle defender Davinson Sanchez to get another purchase on his header when right-back Henrik Dalsgaard’s cross set up their first real chance in the 35th minute, and Hugo Lloris saved comfortably.
    Toney nearly scored a second for Spurs when inadvertently deflected Lucas Moura’s header from Son’s corner over Raya’s head and towards the net. But the Spanish stopper recovered brilliantly to claw the ball away from under his own bar and keep the visitors into the game going into the break.
    Having spent most of their 131-year history in the lower Leagues, the only real finals Brentford have reached are the Freight Rover Trophy in 1985 and the Leyland Vans Trophy in 2001.
    Their last cup semi-final was a second leg away to Exeter in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy 10 years ago when the Bees won 2-1 to seal a 3-2 aggregate win.
    They went close to getting back on level terms early in the second half when Bryan Mbuemo managed to get in behind the Spurs defence and pull the back to Toney, who shot was superbly blocked by Serge Aurier on the edge of the six-yard box.

    Son put the result beyond doubt with a fine finishCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

    Spurs’ main concern will be seeing how badly hurt Hojbjerg isCredit: PA:Press Association
    The Ivorian full-back then wasted a chance to make it 2-0 himself moments later when he blazed a shot over the bar – with Harry Kane waiting for a cross in the middle.
    Spurs showed a rare glimpse of Premier League class when Sissoko’s drilled cross was volleyed back across goal and just wide by Son.
    Then Toney had what he thought was an equaliser ruled out by the VAR – who spotted the frontman’s knee was offside when tapped home from close range Lloris and his defenders had made a hash of defending a corner.
    The Bees, of course, are not used to dealing with such technology in the Championship, and after experiencing it here, they might not be so keen to gain promotion to the top flight.
    Especially as Son rubbed salt in the wounds by racing away to slot Tottenham’s second from a fine Tanguy Ndombele pass.
    Ndombele then hit a post before Dasilva’s sending off.

    Jamie OHara slams Tottenham boss Mourinho for his Dele Alli criticism More

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    Is EFL Carabao Cup semi-final one leg or two? VAR update and full rules for 2020/21 tournament

    THE CARABAO CUP is now down to the final four.
    Man Utd take on Man City in a huge Manchester derby while Brentford face Tottenham, but what are EFL Cup semi-final rules?

    Man Utd take on Man City in the EFL Cup semi-finalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Is the Carabao Cup semi-final one leg or two?

    The Carabao Cup semi-final has traditionally been two legs, although the rules have been changed in recent years.
    Away goals were previously used after extra time to separate two sides if they happened to be level after two legs.
    But that was done away with when the EFL scrapped extra time, meaning any ties that were level were decided on penalties.
    And this year’s Carabao Cup semi-final will consist of just one leg in order to ease fixture congestion caused by the delayed start to the season and the Covid pandemic.

    Whichever team is drawn first in each tie will play at home.
    Teams will be able to make five substitutions per match from the semi-final stage.

    Does the Carabao Cup have VAR?
    VAR will be used in the competition now from the semi-finals and final.
    Up to this round it was not used in the tournament.

    Which teams are in the Carabao Cup semi-final?
    Brentford vs Tottenham Hotspur (Tuesday, Jan 5)
    Manchester United vs Manchester City (Weds, Jan 6) More

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

    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

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    Tottenham vs Brentford: Live stream, TV channel, team news, kick-off time for huge EFL Cup semi-final TONIGHT

    TOTTENHAM face Brentford in their EFL Cup semi-final tonight as Jose Mourinho hunts the club’s first trophy since 2008.
    Spurs beat Stoke to reach the final-four while Brentford overcame Newcastle as the Bees look to stun another Premier League side.

    Brentford beat Newcastle in their quarter-final to set up a game with SpursCredit: AP:Associated Press
    What time does Tottenham vs Brentford kick-off?
    Tottenham’s semi-final clash with Brentford will kick-off at 7.45pm UK time on January 5 2021.
    The game will be played at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
    There will be no supporters in attendance because London is in tier 4 of the government’s coronavirus restrictions.
    What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
    The game will be shown live on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event.
    Both games are available for live streaming from the Sky Go or NOW TV apps, which can be downloaded onto your mobile or tablet device.
    You can also catch all the action from a Smart TV, so long as it carries NOW TV.

    Team news

    Deli Alli could feature for Spurs as Jose Mourinho looks to ensure their safe passage to the final.
    Giovani Lo Celso and Gareth Bale are out with injury, while Matt Doherty is suspended.
    Brentford have no new injury concerns ahead of the game, with Sergi Canos set to start.
    Odds
    Tottenham – 4/9

    Draw – 17/5
    Brentford – 6/1
    *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication. More

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    Is EFL Carabao Cup semi-final one leg or two? Full rules for 2020/21 competition

    THE CARABAO CUP is now down to the final four.
    Man Utd take on Man City in a huge Manchester derby while Brentford face Tottenham, but what are EFL Cup semi-final rules?

    Man Utd take on Man City in the EFL Cup semi-finalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Is the Carabao Cup semi-final one leg or two?

    The Carabao Cup semi-final has traditionally been two legs, although the rules have been changed in recent years.
    Away goals were previously used after extra time to separate two sides if they happened to be level after two legs.
    But that was done away with when the EFL scrapped extra time, meaning any ties that were level were decided on penalties.
    And this year’s Carabao Cup semi-final will consist of just one leg in order to ease fixture congestion caused by the delayed start to the season and the Covid pandemic.

    Whichever team is drawn first in each tie will play at home.

    Does the Carabao Cup have VAR?
    The Carabao Cup does not have VAR – the only competition Premier League sides participate in in which this is the case.
    The tournament is organised by the EFL who have chosen not to introduce it at any level.
    Which teams are in the Carabao Cup semi-final?
    Manchester United vs Manchester City
    Brentford vs Tottenham Hotspur
    Matches to be played the week of January 4, 2021 More