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      Despondent Marcelo Bielsa full of ‘sadness and disappointment’ after Leeds dumped out of FA Cup by League Two Crawley

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      MARCELO BIELSA was left dismayed after Leeds continued their miserable run in cup competitions under his management.
      While the Whites have excelled in the league during the Argentine’s tenure, Sunday saw their second cupset of the campaign.

      Marcelo Bielsa rued Leeds’ shock defeat to Crawley on SundayCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      The League Two side put their top-flight opponents to the sword in the second-halfCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Crawley scored three times in the second-half to shock the Premier League side.
      Nick Tsaroulla put the League Two side ahead on 50 minutes, wriggling his way through the Leeds defence in a fine individual effort.
      Moments later, Ashley Nadesan’s strike was allowed to creep in at the near-post by reserve goalkeeper Kiko Casilla.
      And Jordan Tunnicliffe poked home a late rebound to seal a memorable day for Crawley.

      Speaking after the game, Bielsa accepted his side – who also lost on penalties to League 1 Hull in the Carabao Cup in September – were ‘sad’ and ‘disappointed’ by the defeat.
      He stated: “We couldn’t unbalance them when we attacked, we had the ball for a long period of time but we couldn’t do much with it.
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      The result generates a lot of sadness and disappointment for us.
      Marcelo Bielsa

      “We played better than the opponent in the first-half and the game was played how we wanted it to be played, even if we didn’t create much danger.

      “And in the second-half, the game was played how the opponents wanted it to be played and they did create danger to deserve the goals that they scored.
      “The result generates a lot of sadness and disappointment for us.”
      Bielsa’s Leeds have enjoyed a stellar return to the top-flight after the 65-year-old led his team to last season’s Championship title.
      Yet cup competitions continue to evade the Yorkshire side, who have fallen in the third round of the FA Cup and second round of the Carabao Cup in each of his three seasons in charge.
      Crawley boss John Yems looked ahead to Monday’s draw after the club’s first-ever FA Cup win over a Premier League team.

      He said: “You have to enjoy these games – you work hard enough for it.
      “It was a really good team performance and it’s clear that we’ve got 11 star men.
      “These players have got a lot to prove to the clubs who have released them and we’ve showed what we can do against a really good side.
      “Let’s see who we get in the next round and enjoy the moment.”

      Mark Wright comes on for Crawley vs Leeds FA Cup tie after reality TV star reveals he cried over Spurs axe as kid More

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      Man City ace Sergio Aguero to miss Brighton and Palace games as he self-isolates after contact with coronavirus case

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      MANCHESTER CITY star Sergio Aguero missed his side’s FA Cup win over Birmingham as he was self-isolating.
      The Argentine was unavailable for the 3-0 victory at the Etihad after coming into contact with a person who tested positive for coronavirus.

      Sergio Aguero is self-isolating after coming into contact with someone who tested positive for Covid-19Credit: PA:Press Association

      Aguero himself has tested negative but has still been forced into isolation under government protocols.
      Aguero, 32, had been hoping to make his first start since October against the Championshp side after several struggles with injuries this season.
      But he was forced out of City’s matchday squad after coming into close contact with someone who later tested positive for Covid-19.
      Speaking post-match, City manager Guardiola said: “He is isolating, unfortunately.

      “He was in contact with one person who was positive. It is a pity. It was a perfect day to get minutes but unfortunately, he has to be a few days out.”
      Aguero’s 10-day isolation period means the striker is set to miss City’s Premier League clashes against Brighton and Crystal Palace.
      He becomes the ninth City first team player in three weeks to isolate.
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      In Aguero’s absence, Bernardo Silva bagged a brace, while Phil Foden was also on target to continue his recent run of goalscoring form.
      City were able to welcome back Kyle Walker and Gabriel Jesus after both players previously tested positive for coronavirus.
      The absence of Cityzens first-team stars alongside two backroom staff had let to the postponement of the club’s game against Everton last month.

      Pep Guardiola defends Benjamin Mendy over coronavirus breach insisting many people have maybe done the same More

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      Marine joke they rejected chance to sign Mesut Ozil for FA Cup fairytale tie against Tottenham

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      MARINE have jokingly claimed they rejected the chance to sign Arsenal outcast Mesut Ozil to help beat north London rivals Tottenham.
      The Merseyside club are attempting to achieve the greatest upset in FA Cup history when they face Jose Mourinho’s side at Rossett Park.

      Marine have trolled Mesut Ozil ahead of their FA Cup clash with SpursCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Marine, who feature in the eighth tier of English football, are 161-places below Spurs – the largest gap between two sides in the competition ever.
      Unfortunately, the UK’s lockdown will mean Paul Leary’s men will be without fans when they face the Premier League giants.
      ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates
      However, Spurs have helped Marine in managing to sell over 21,000 virtual tickets to help the club’s finances.

      But the Mariners have assured supporters they don’t need help on the pitch after joking that they rejected Ozil’s services for Sunday’s clash.
      They tweeted: “TEAM NEWS. On Friday @Arsenal offered us Ozil on loan to help us beat @SpursOfficial.
      “I’m sorry our bench is already sorted unfortunately.”
      And fans were in stiches at Marine’s trolling, with one replying: “Just like that, Marine became a second club to millions of Spurs fans.”

      Another said: “Let me be clear. This tweet alone has caused me to buy a ticket for tonight. Top work Marine admin.”
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      Ozil meanwhile will offer Arsenal the chance to get him out of the club this month, SunSport revealed this weekend.
      The German has options to leave the Emirates during the transfer window but the Gunners would need to cough up the remainder of his £350,000-a-week deal which still has six months to run.
      Turkish club Fenerbahce are working hard to try to sign Ozil but an agreement is far from in place.

      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says that Mesut Ozil can talk to other clubs More

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      Watch Crawley hero Tsaroulla break down in interview as he celebrates knocking Leeds out of Cup after car crash hell

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      CRAWLEY’s giantkilling hero Nick Tsaroulla broke down in tears live on TV after scoring to help dump Leeds out of the FA Cup.
      The Cyprus Under-21s defender was released by Spurs in 2018 after a terrible car crash kept him out for an entire YEAR.

      Nick Tsaroulla was tearful in his post-match interviewCredit: BBC

      Tsaroulla smashed home his first ever senior goal against LeedsCredit: Alamy Live News

      And he struggled to contain his emotions after setting the League Two outfit on their way to a 3-0 win against Marcelo Bielsa’s Prem side with his first ever senior goal.
      Tsaroulla’s sharp turn led to a mazy run forward that caught everyone by surprise.
      The 21-year-old fired a great left-footed strike past Kiko Casilla to put the Cupset on the cards in the 50th minute.
      Immediately after the game, he told BBC Sport: “Yeah [I enjoyed that], I’m buzzing.

      “What a team performance that was – I’m over the moon. I’m not sure [what was going through my head when I had the ball].
      “I kind of just lost myself in the moment there.
      “It has been a long, hard road for me and it’s a great moment. I’m really proud.”
      As his voice started to break, Tsaroulla added: “I’m getting a bit emotional now, um… It has been a tough road and it means a lot, that win.”

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      Tsaroulla celebrates breaking the deadlock in the FA Cup third-round tieCredit: Rex Features

      Bristol-born Tsaroulla was shown the door at White Hart Lane having joined the club as a 12-year-old and also went on to be released by Brentford B before penning a deal at Crawley last year.
      Former Spurs midfielder and pundit Jermaine Jenas loved the emotion Tsaroulla showed after his hellish football journey.
      Jenas said: “It was really nice [the emotion]. You tend to forget at times, the journeys a lot of these players are going through.
      “When you actually physically see somebody almost break down mid-interview because of that journey they’ve been on.
      “Moments like today, that goal that he scored – it’s so special to him and hopefully something that can give him a load of confidence moving forward in his career now.”

      Mark Wright comes on for Crawley vs Leeds FA Cup tie after reality TV star reveals he cried over Spurs axe as kid More

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      Chelsea vs Morecambe – FA Cup LIVE REACTION: Werner ends goal drought as Blues rout League Two side – latest updates

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      Chelsea thrashed Morecambe 4-0 in the third round of the FA Cup thanks to goals from Mason Mount, Timo Werner, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Kai Havertz.
      RESULT: Chelsea 4-0 Morecambe
      FREE live stream: BBC iPlayer – the game is not on TV
      Chelsea team: Kepa, Azpilicueta, Zouma, Rudiger, Emerson, Gilmour, Mount, Havertz, Ziyech, Werner, Hudson-Odoi
      Morecambe team: Halstead, Hendrie, Knight-Percival, Davis, Slew, Stockton, Wildig, Mendes Gomes, Phillips, Cooney, Songo’o
      Stay up to date with all the action in our live blog below…

      THAT’S A WRAP
      Thanks for joining us for a spot of FA Cup action.
      Don’t forget to check out our match report, courtesy of Andy Dillon.
      Chelsea are back in action on Friday as they make the short trip to Craven Cottage to face Fulham.

      CLASSY GESTURE
      Morecambe may have bowed out of the competition, but they were gracious enough to wish Chelsea luck.
      The League Two side now turn their attention to Saturday’s fixture against Leyton Orient where they’ll look to extend their unbeaten run in the league to five games.

      FULL TIMEOur FA Cup run comes to an end at Stamford Bridge. Big thanks to everyone for the tremendous support.Good luck to @ChelseaFC for the rest of the season 👏👏👏[CHE 4-0 MOR] #COYS 🦐 #Shrimps 🏆 #EmiratesFACup
      — Morecambe FC (@ShrimpsOfficial) January 10, 2021

      STAT ATTACK
      Chelsea enjoyed a whopping 84.5 per cent of the possession.
      However, they only managed eight shots on target.

      FULL TIME SCORES
      Chelsea 4-0 Morecambe
      Crawley 3-0 Leeds
      Bristol City 2-1 Portsmouth
      Barnsley 2-0 Tranmere
      Manchester City 3-0 Birmingham
      Extra time in Cheltenham, as the score there is Cheltenham 1-1 Mansfield

      FT: CHELSEA 4-0 MORECAMBE 

      CHELSEA 4-0 MORECAMBE 
      91. Morecambe have hung in there pretty well against some of the biggest names in thee game.
      The score line doesn’t reflect their decent defending today.

      CHELSEA 4-0 MORECAMBE 
      91. Chelsea’s unbeaten run at this stage in the FA Cup extenmds to 23 seasons.
      The last team to knock them out at this stage was Manchester United.

      CHELSEA 4-0 MORECAMBE 
      90. Chelsea are in action against Fulham next, while Morecambe are in London again to face Leyton Orient.

      CHELSEA 4-0 MORECAMBE 
      90. Two minutes of added time at Stamford Bridge.

      CHELSEA 4-0 MORECAMBE 
      88. Tomori is penalised for a foul on Lyons.
      The Chelsea man loses the ball and shows some real pace chasing Lyons down- it looks like a decent challenge to me.

      CHELSEA 4-0 MORECAMBE 
      86. Substitution for Morecambe as McAlinden replaces Stockton.

      CHELSEA 4-0 MORECAMBE 
      85. Chelsea comfortably through to round four with their fourth goal.
      A lovely delivery from the right, courtesy of Azpilicueta, picks out Havertz perfectly in the six-yard box.
      Havertz is up and heads the ball with plenty of conviction into the back of the net.
      A much better header from Havertz than his first-half effort – that should give him plenty of confidence.

      GOOOOOAL
      HAVERTZ HAS GOT HIS NAME ON THE SCORESHEET

      CHELSEA 3-0 MORECAMBE 
      83. Another Morecambe sub is flicking through their red-folder.
      Either he’s choosing his post-match dinner, or checking the game plan…

      CHELSEA 3-0 MORECAMBE 
      81. Gilmour, who’s always busy and always probing, picks up a loose ball in the centre of the field.
      He sends a perfectly weighted pass to the edge of the area, but Pulisic gives the ball away with his first touch.

      CHELSEA 3-0 MORECAMBE 
      80. Anjorin has been with Chelsea since he was seven.
      Can he make his mark today?

      CHELSEA 3-0 MORECAMBE 
      78. Frank Lampard looks as though he’ll be making the most of the five substitutions which are allowed in the FA Cup.
      Zouma and Hudson-Odoi are replaced by Anjorin and Tomori.

      CHELSEA 3-0 MORECAMBE 
      77. Yellow card for Gibson after a late tackle on Hudson-Odoi.
      Nothing too sinister.

      CHELSEA 3-0 MORECAMBE 
      76. Delivery into the penalty area from Gibson on the right is decent.
      Just a shame that there’s no one in the centre of the box to meet his cross- instead Arrizabalaga collects.

      CHELSEA 3-0 MORECAMBE 
      75. Morecambe win a freekick in Chelsea’s half, it’s about 30 yards out.
      It’s whipped in to the centre of the box where Davis gets up to greet it, but his header is straight at Arrizabalaga.

      CHELSEA 3-0 MORECAMBE 
      74. Morecambe make a substitution of their own as Lyons comes on for his debut replacing Mendes Gomes.

      CHELSEA 3-0 MORECAMBE 
      72. Corner to Chelsea is whipped in to the centre of the box by Mason Mount, but Olivier Giroud heads it over the bar.
      That’s Mount’s final touch of the game, as Tammy Abraham replaces him.

      CHELSEA 3-0 MORECAMBE 
      70. BLOCKED ON THE LINE BY HALSTEAD!
      A lovely bit of build-up play sees every attacking player in Chelsea’s line-up touch the ball in and around the box.
      Mount’s twinkle toes ensure Chelsea hold onto the ball that smidge longer than they probably should have, but it was Havertz who eventually had the shot at goal.
      Halstead blocked it well with an athletic leap and recovered quickly to block the German international’s second attempt from close range.

      CHELSEA 3-0 MORECAMBE 
      69. As a League Two defender, it’s not every day you come up against a World Cup winner as they do today in the shape of Olivier Giroud.
      Chelsea have had huge amounts of possession, but Morecambe have limited them to only a few opportunities in front of goal.

      CHELSEA 3-0 MORECAMBE 
      67. Double substitution for Chelsea;
      Olivier Giroud is on for Timo Werner.
      While Ziyech’s game is over, Pulisic is on in his place.

      Load more entries… More

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      Werner and Havertz grab perfect chance to boost confidence as Chelsea hope FA Cup romp vs Morecambe sparks Prem momentum

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      A FEW of Chelsea’s new signings need a confidence booster after a poor run of form, you say? Play them against League Two side Morecambe then, that will help. 
      And this is exactly what Chelsea boss Frank Lampard did, as he named a strong line up for their 4-0 FA Cup third-round win. 

      Kai Havertz rises to nod Chelsea’s fourth and final goal against battling MorecambeCredit: Reuters

      Timo Werner can’t miss as he doubles Chelsea’s lead at Stamford BridgeCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Frank Lampard saw his Chelsea side ease past League Two MorecambeCredit: Rex Features

      New German international arrivals Kai Havertz and Timo Werner have both been struggling a bit with belief and form lately, after both starting the season fairly well at their new club. 
      But as ever when players arrive in a new country to a new league, things may not always go to plan, and some players might need a bit longer to settle in than others. 
      Lampard was wise to start them both today; he knew that against a lower opposition they would both have a good chance of playing well at least and boosting their confidence going forward into a very important run of games for the Chelsea boss. 
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      He has found himself under some immense pressure to now get results, or potentially face the sack at Stamford Bridge.
      So he really needs his new signings to step up now, and he cannot afford to wait. 
      Havertz started quietly but grew into the game and got an assist for his fellow German Werner in the first half, which will do wonders for both of them. 
      Werner ended his 12-game goal drought, and the relief on his face was plain to see when he put that one in. 

      Havertz went on to have a very good game and even got on the score sheet himself with a brave and good header late on to see Chelsea go 4-0 up. 
      This stayed the end result, and Lampard will be justifying his strong team selection now when hopefully this has been the kick-start that some of his players who were struggling needed. 
      Callum Hudson-Odoi has been one rare Chelsea player who can hold his head up high even through the bad form.
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      He has been a rare shining light, and he proved once again that he deserves to now become a key player and a regular starter in Lampard’s starting eleven. 
      The England international put in a man of the match performance today, in my opinion, grabbing a goal and an assist, and in general being a real menace to Morecambe all game. 
      It’s a good step in the right direction for Chelsea and Lampard, who have a long way to go to relief this pressure yet. 

      Chelsea goalscorers Mason Moun and Timo Werner celebrateCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Kai Havertz played the whole game for Chelsea and netted their fourth goalCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Midfielder Mason Mount plans Chelsea ahead after 18 minutesCredit: Reuters

      Callum Hudson Odoi fires the Blues 3-0 in front early in the second periodCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Fulham vs Chelsea – Watch LIVE, channel info and kick-off time More

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      Chelsea ratings: Hudson-Odoi and Gilmour shine as Blues make light work of Morecambe in FA Cup

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      CHELSEA breezed past Morecambe in the FA Cup on Sunday with a 4-0 win at Stamford Bridge.
      Callum Hudson-Odoi and Billy Gilmour were among the players rotated into the side by Frank Lampard – and the pair certainly impressed.

      Mason Mount and Callum Hudson-Odoi combined for Chelsea’s first on SundayCredit: AFP or licensors

      But it was Mason Mount who got the scoring underway before a Timo Werner goal on the verge of half-time.
      Hudson-Odoi got his name on the scoresheet for 3-0 before Kai Havertz wrapped up the scoring late on.
      Here, SunSport’s Simon Phillips delivers his verdict on the individual performances from the third round.
      Kepa Arrizabalaga – 6
      Almost embarrassed with a cross/shot in the first-half and actually did very well to keep it out of the goal. He didn’t have anything else to do though but was tidy on the ball.

      Cesar Azpilicueta – 6
      Unfortunately, he is not looking like the player he once was anymore and he could surely have used a rest today. But he did a job and luckily wasn’t really tested at the back.
      Kurt Zouma – 6
      Did his job well but he was never under any defensive threat. Calm and tidy on the ball.

      Kurt Zouma helped the Blues see out a first clean sheet in four gamesCredit: Reuters
      Antonio Rudiger – 6
      Couple of misplaced passes and wasted chances from crosses. But he also hit a few good long passes and almost setup Ziyech for a goal with a lovely chip pass over the back line.
      Emerson Palmieri – 6
      Was oddly playing very centrally and didn’t overlap enough, but it is unclear whether that was tactical instructions or just bad movement from the left-back. He did look a threat in attack on a few occasions.

      Billy Gilmour – 8
      Tidy play from Gilmour who quietly went about his job very well. Tough on the ball and barely gave away possession, if at all.

      Billy Gilmour put in another solid display from the centre of the parkCredit: AFP or licensors
      Mason Mount – 7
      Scored a brilliant goal to put Chelsea in front in the first half. Missed a few opportunities to make key passes in the game, but he was behind a lot of the good moves that Chelsea did as well.
      Kai Havertz – 8
      Quiet start to the game but he grew into it and got a nice assist for Timo Werner to put Chelsea 2-0 up. Grew in confidence in the second-half and looked to make things happen. Scored a very good header late on.
      Callum Hudson-Odoi – 9
      Chelsea’s liveliest attacker and set up Mount for his goal in the first-half. Same story for him in the second-half as he stepped up his threat even more and got on the scoresheet himself. Man of the Match.

      Hakim Ziyech – 8
      Some very good touches and passes out wide from him, and he did well to send the cross over for Chelsea’s second goal. He looked hungry and could have got on the scoresheet himself, but he was wisely removed for Pulisic on 66 minutes.
      Timo Werner – 6
      Not a great start from him but he got the goal that he badly needed to end a 12-game drought. He didn’t play well really, but it was important for confidence to get his goal. Came off for Giroud on 66 minutes.

      Timo Werner received a confidence boost with a much-needed goal in the first-halfCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Subs:
      Olivier Giroud (for Werner, 66′) – 7
      Nice link up from him and a good physical threat in the box.
      Christian Pulisic (for Ziyech, 66′) – 7
      Instantly made a nuisance of himself and almost scored if not for a good save from the keeper.

      Tammy Abraham (for Mount, 74′) – 6
      Played close to Giroud and it looked like a nice new options for Chelsea with two up top.
      Fikayo Tomori (for Zouma, 79′) – N/A
      Tino Anjorin (for Hudson-Odoi, 79′) – N/A
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Tony Cascarino claims that Frank Lampard can get best out of Chelsea striker Timo Werner by signing Emile Heskey type of player More

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      Man City 3 Birmingham 0: Bernardo Silva at the double as City blow away Championship strugglers with ease

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      BERNARDO SILVA struck his first goals of the season as Manchester City’s ominous recent form continued.
      The Portuguese international had managed only two in his last 40 club appearances – but scored twice in seven minutes to put City in round four.

      Manchester City ran riot against Championship strugglers BirminghamCredit: AFP or licensors

      Bernardo Silva fires Manchester City into the lead with a sweet eighth-minute strikeCredit: Rex Features

      Fellow midfielder Phil Foden was also on the mark as the 2019 winners effectively wrapped up the game inside the first 33 minutes.
      After a moving tribute to one of their all-time greats Colin Bell, who died last week, City began in a way that would have had the ‘King’ nodding in approval.
      They were in front within eight minutes as a long ball forward from Rodri was headed back into the danger zone by Birmingham skipper George Friend.
      It dropped for Bernardo who showed brilliant technique to get his foot high and steer a volley from the edge of the box over Andrea Prieto into the top corner.

      Gabriel Jesus saw an effort deflected wide but it was not long before Guardiola’s men scored a beautifully created second to effectively end the tie on 15 minutes.

      Bernardo Silva scores his and Manchester City’s second goal of the gameCredit: PA:Press Association
      Riyad Mahrez spotted the overlapping run of Kevin de Bruyne and the Belgian squared from the byline for Bernardo to tap home.
      The Portuguese had scored only two in his last 40 matches for City – now he had two seven minutes.
      And that was a 50th goal of the season for a team who have supposedly been struggling to score for much of the campaign. Many clubs would be delighted to have such a goal drought.

      Just after the half-hour they began the next half-century as Rodri slipped a pass to Mahrez who pushed forward before playing in Foden.

      Phil Foden celebrates scoring a screamerCredit: Rex Features

      The England youngster had plenty to do but made it look easy as he swept home a left footed effort from 20 yards.
      With a busy month ahead and the job done,  Guardiola took the chance to make some changes here.
      Birmingham improved and saw more of the ball in the second half but most of the best chances came at the other end.
      Bernardo fluffed a couple of them to complete his hat-trick while Mahrez had a goal ruled out for offside by a matter of inches.  

      Man City boss Pep Guardiola speaks to the press following his team’s 0-2 victory over Man Utd in the Carabao Cup More