Manchester City will host Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium in what promises to be a thrilling Carabao Cup semi-final encounter, a fixture that carries significant weight for both clubs as they chase domestic silverware and momentum for the remainder of their seasons. The Carabao Cup, often considered a gateway trophy, has increasingly grown in prestige, particularly for clubs aiming to establish dominance or signal resurgence. For Manchester City, the competition has long been a familiar hunting ground, while for Newcastle United, it represents a golden opportunity to cement their transformation into one of England’s elite football institutions. With tactical brilliance, squad depth, and high-stakes drama expected, this clash stands as one of the most anticipated fixtures of the domestic cup calendar. Manchester City enter the semi-final with a reputation as one of the most dominant teams in English football history, particularly under the stewardship of Pep Guardiola. The Catala...
Tonight, the Blues might trail Liverpool by seven points.
After losing to Fulham at home in the west London derby, Chelsea lost the opportunity to get closer to the top of the Premier League standings.Cole Palmer's incredible strike in the first fifteen minutes of Boxing Day appeared to be the difference for a long time, but Enzo Maresca's team lost by giving up two goals in the last ten minutes, leaving them four points behind Liverpool.
The Italian strategist made only one change to the team that began the goalless draw away at Everton before Christmas, instantly recalling Marc Cucurella after his suspension to take Axel Disasi's spot in the Blues' defense.
Palmer delivered the only truly outstanding moment of the first half when he calmly stroked the ball into the back of the net after receiving it from Levi Colwill and squirming past a few defenders.
Cucurella should have extended the lead before halftime, but Bernd Leno saved his header. Palmer was then denied a goal by Calvin Bassey's outstanding block in the last action of the half.
Speaking of the Fulham goalie, he made a fantastic stop to block Enzo Fernandez's attempt at the start of the second half, and a few seconds later, Colwill's score was rightfully disallowed for offside.
The visitors gained confidence after that. Before Robert Sanchez hurried off his line to deny Antonee Robinson from close range, Alex Iwobi sent a warning shot that whistled just beyond the post.
Harry Wilson was able to redirect the ball into the net, so when Fulham did equalize, it was no more than they deserved.
And with seconds left, Rodrigo Muniz, another replacement, made a difference by remaining composed to finish the comeback and give Fulham their first victory at Stamford Bridge since 1979.
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