LONDON – Graham Potter pleaded together with his Chelsea gamers to “stay together” after a shock 2-1 defeat at Fulham that noticed Blues ahead Joao Felix despatched off on his debut earlier than a decisive blunder from Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Potter’s troubled aspect crashed to a seventh defeat of their final 10 video games in all competitions after one other spluttering show.

Chelsea fell behind to a aim from their former winger Willian within the first half at Craven Cottage on Thursday.

Kalidou Koulibaly equalised after the break however Felix was dismissed for a reckless studs-up lunge on Kenny Tete.

Fulham have been gifted their late winner by Chelsea keeper Kepa, who made a hash of coping with a cross that Carlos Vinicius transformed to depart Potter dealing with renewed speak of the sack simply 4 months after he changed the axed Thomas Tuchel.

“It sums up where we are at the moment. Everything that can go wrong, is going wrong,” Potter mentioned.

“I was disappointed with goals. We can do better than that. That’s what cost us.

“It’s a tricky second. We are upset. I really feel for the supporters and I really feel for the gamers.”

Potter this week labelled managing Chelsea as “the toughest job in soccer” after a turbulent period that is severely testing owner Todd Boehly’s faith in the former Brighton boss.

Chelsea are languishing in 10th place – 10 points adrift of the top four – after their wretched run extended to one win in their last nine league games.

They have managed just four goals in their last eight games in all competitions and Potter desperately needs a victory against Crystal Palace on Sunday to buy himself at least a little breathing space.

“We have gotten to maintain working. There isn’t any different resolution. You should preserve working, keep collectively and attempt to get the three factors,” Potter said.

Hampered by a debilitating injury list, Potter held a meeting with senior players Cesar Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic on Tuesday in an attempt to calm the crisis.

But Chelsea fans’ patience is already wearing thin and losing to sixth placed neighbours Fulham was another bitter blow to his hopes of avoiding the sack.

‘ANOTHER BLOW’

It was in keeping with Potter’s misfortune that Felix’s promising debut ended prematurely after his loan move from Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

“It was a forwards deal with. There was no malice in it however I perceive why it was a red. It is one other blow. The hits preserve coming in the meanwhile,” Potter said.

The 23-year-old Felix, who cost Chelsea a reported 11 million euros ($12 million) loan fee, was one of four changes from the 4-0 FA Cup defeat at Manchester City last weekend.

Given license to roam across Chelsea’s three-man attack, Felix’s pass found Kai Havertz and when the German’s shot was blocked, he laid the rebound to Lewis Hall, whose low drive was saved by Bernd Leno.

Picked out by Mateo Kovacic, Felix fired wide from the edge of the area, then volleyed over after Azpilicueta’s cross found him unmarked 10 yards from goal.

But Potter was left to rue dreadful defending when Fulham took the lead in the 25th minute.

Hall surrendered possession and Chalobah failed to clear properly before Willian unleashed a powerful drive that took a deflection off Trevoh Chalobah as it flashed past the wrong-footed Kepa.

Potter was ashen-faced on the bench as Fulham fans taunted him by singing “Stamford Bridge is falling down” and “you are getting sacked within the morning”.

Chelsea have been degree two minutes after half-time as Mason Mount’s free-kick hit the put up and rebounded to Koulibaly, who stabbed simply over the road earlier than Leno may save.

But even then, Potter’s luck would not final as Felix noticed red after needlessly throwing himself right into a excessive deal with that crashed into Tete’s shin.

There was an much more ignomious contribution to Chelsea’s downfall from Kepa within the 73rd minute.

Kepa fully misjudged the flight of Andreas Pereira’s cross, permitting it to sail over his head to Vinicius, who nodded into the empty web whereas Chelsea defender Thiago Silva screamed on the hapless keeper.

LONDON – Manchester City piled stress on Chelsea boss Graham Potter as Riyad Mahrez impressed a 4-0 rout in the FA Cup third spherical, whereas Aston Villa crashed to a shocking 2-1 defeat in opposition to fourth tier Stevenage on Sunday.

After Premier League sides Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth have been humiliated by lower-league opposition on Saturday, Villa have been rocked by Stevenage’s two-goal blast in the ultimate minutes.

Premier League champions City not often endure such embarrassment they usually made the strongest attainable begin by dismissing abject Chelsea with contemptuous ease on the Etihad Stadium.

Pep Guardiola made seven modifications from the City facet that gained 1-0 at Chelsea in the Premier League on Thursday.

But City have been nonetheless far too dynamic for struggling Chelsea as Mahrez struck with an excellent free-kick and a late penalty, with Julian Alvarez and Phil Foden additionally scoring.

In the fourth spherical, City will host Premier League leaders Arsenal or third-tier Oxford, who meet on Monday.

City had already eradicated Chelsea from the League Cup this season and the west London membership’s first FA Cup third-round exit since 1998 was one other blow to a season in hazard of spiralling uncontrolled.

While it’s in all probability too early for Potter to be fearing the sack, simply 4 months after he arrived from Brighton to exchange the axed Thomas Tuchel, the 47-year-old is perhaps having a number of sleepless nights as he wrestles along with his group’s woeful type.

Chelsea have gained simply three of their final 12 video games in all competitions and sit tenth in the Premier League, 10 factors adrift of the highest 4 place the membership’s American homeowners would absolutely have anticipated Potter to ship.

“The results in a small space of time are not positive. You can make excuses and look for reasons or say it isn’t good enough. Both of those answers are correct,” Potter mentioned.

“We have to keep improving and stick together because clearly we are suffering as a football club and it’s not nice at all.”

Potter will hardly have been comforted by the sound of Chelsea followers chanting Tuchel’s title as they pine for the German who led them to Champions league glory in 2021.

“I would tell (Chelsea co-owner) Todd Boehly to give Graham Potter time. All coaches need time. At Barca, I didn’t need two seasons, but that’s because I had Messi,” Guardiola mentioned.

Given Chelsea’s predicament it was curious that Potter elected to make six modifications, with Bashir Humphreys given his debut and fellow teenager Lewis Hall additionally beginning.

Mahrez had scored the winner in opposition to Chelsea on Thursday and this time he bent an excellent free-kick into the highest nook in the twenty third minute.

WOEFUL CHELSEA

City’s second aim was a present from Chelsea ahead Kai Havertz, who punched the ball as he challenged Aymeric Laporte at a nook, with Alvarez changing the thirtieth minute penalty.

Chelsea have been being torn aside and Foden hit the third aim in the thirty eighth minute, the England ahead ending off Kyle Walker’s cross.

Beaten in the final three FA Cup finals, Chelsea’s distress was compounded in the eighty fifth minute as Mahrez scored from the spot after Kalidou Koulibaly fouled Foden.

Villa had eight modifications in opposition to Stevenage and the group presently second in League Two took full benefit.

Morgan Sanson put Villa forward in the thirty third minute however Jamie Reid equalised with an 88th minute penalty after Leander Dendoncker was despatched off for fouling Dean Campbell.

And Campbell sparked wild Stevenage celebrations in the ninetieth minute when he smashed house from a brief nook.

“It is really special. The chairman just said to me it’s the greatest day in his life and he’s been with the club for over 20 years,” mentioned Stevenage boss Steve Evans, whose facet face Championship group Stoke in the fourth spherical.

Villa boss Unai Emery added: “I’m really sorry for the supporters. Today was really so disappointing.”

Leeds escaped with a dramatic 2-2 draw at Cardiff because of teenager Sonny Perkins’ stoppage-time equaliser after the second tier facet raced right into a two-goal lead.

LONDON – Defending champions Manchester City beat injury-hit Chelsea 1-0 on Thursday to close the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal to simply 5 factors.

Pep Guardiola’s males have been nicely beneath par within the first half however have been remodeled after the break, with substitutes Jack Grealish and Riyad Mahrez combining for the one objective, scored by the Algerian within the 63rd minute.

Graham Potter’s Chelsea got here into the sport at Stamford Bridge languishing in tenth place within the desk however that they had the higher of the opening 45 minutes.

However, it was a distinct story within the second half because the guests discovered their attacking rhythm, with Guardiola admitting they have been “miles better in every department” after the break.

“We struggled a lot in the first half – it was sloppy and slow and without rhythm,” the City boss informed Sky Sports. “In the second half it was much, much better from minute one.

“The three factors are vital, undoubtedly. The gamers realize it. For a very long time we have been at the top. But we attempt, we’ve got the FA Cup and Carabao (League) Cup after which Old Trafford. But it is vital for these video games, a win as we speak.”

Chelsea, already without a clutch of senior players including Mason Mount and Reece James, lost forward Raheem Sterling to an apparent hamstring injury in the opening minutes, replaced by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The home side were first to threaten seriously but City defender John Stones came to the rescue in the 16th minute as Christian Pulisic bore down on goal, producing a perfectly timed sliding tackle to deny the US forward.

The American was injured in the challenge and was forced off minutes later, compounding Chelsea’s problems.

Teenager Carney Chukwuemeka, who came on for Pulisic, almost made an instant impact but his shot was blocked and Hakim Ziyech’s effort was saved by City goalkeeper Ederson.

Erling Haaland, who has 21 Premier League goals this season – one more than the entire Chelsea side – smashed a shot wide in the 38th minute on what proved to be a quiet evening for the Norwegian superstar.

But Chelsea continued to look the more dangerous side and came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock when Chukwuemeka hit the post just before half-time.

DOUBLE CHANGE

Guardiola, unhappy with what he had witnessed, made a double substitution at the interval, bringing on Rico Lewis and Manuel Akanji for Joao Cancelo and Kyle Walker in the search for more control.

The visitors immediately settled and began to dictate play, with Nathan Ake heading against the woodwork, but Chelsea responded well and were inches away from taking the lead when Thiago Silva flashed wide.

Guardiola, whose team drew 1-1 with Everton at the weekend, introduced Grealish and Mahrez on the hour mark to further freshen up his attack.

The decision paid dividends minutes later when Grealish produced an excellent pass from the left and Mahrez prodded home from close range.

Potter made changes of his own, bringing on England forward Conor Gallagher, but they were unable to find an equaliser despite some late pressure.

The result leaves City five points behind Arsenal, who dropped points in a 0-0 draw against high-flying Newcastle earlier in the week.

But Potter is under increasing pressure – Chelsea now have just one win in their past eight league games and remain 10 points off the top four.

Potter, whose Chelsea side face City again in the FA Cup third round at the Etihad on Sunday, said he was proud of his team’s performance, especially after losing Sterling and Pulisic so early.

“It’s powerful at the second I have to admit and I really feel for the boys,” he said.

“We have to stick collectively. It was disappointing to lose these guys however the gamers on the pitch and those that got here in gave the whole lot and that is all you may ask for.”

NOTTINGHAM – Graham Potter admitted Chelsea’s disappointing 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest underlined the dearth of consistency that threatens to shatter their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.

Raheem Sterling put Chelsea forward in the primary half at the City Ground on Sunday.

But Ivory Coast defender Serge Aurier levelled after the break and Chelsea had been lucky to flee with out an embarrassing defeat after Forest dominated for lengthy spells in the second half.

Chelsea are languishing in eighth place after failing to win for the sixth time in their final seven league video games.

The Blues are seven factors adrift of fourth positioned Manchester United in the race to qualify for the Champions League by way of a prime 4 end.

“We need to be more consistent. It would help to get players back, the key ones and then you can build consistency in key places,” Potter mentioned.

“It’s always tough because you have a lot of big teams with lots of top players and coaches.

“We have a protracted option to go so it might be a mistake to consider what may occur in 5 months time.”

Just months after replacing the sacked Thomas Tuchel, Chelsea boss Potter is starting to come under fire as the early optimism after his move from Brighton begins to fade.

Chelsea’s 2-0 win against Bournemouth on Boxing Day was supposed to offer hope of a brighter period in 2023.

But while it is surely too early for Potter to be worried about losing the first high-pressure job of his career, the 47-year-old needs an uptick in results in the new year to avoid putting Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly in an awkward position.

“Our efficiency degree wasn’t adequate to take the three factors. We did not transfer the ball quick sufficient,” Potter said.

“Forest performed a superb recreation however we’re disenchanted with our efficiency and anxious we did not deserve the win. It was general beneath par for us.”

Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta added to the gloom when he said: “Since the start of the season now we have misplaced too many factors and we’re actually removed from the place we need to be.

“We need to have a very good second half of the season if we want to play in the Champions League next season.”

Forest are third backside having received simply three video games all season, however boss Steve Cooper will take coronary heart from the best way his crew rattled Chelsea in the second half.

The solely darkish cloud for Forest was the alleged homophobic chanting from residence supporters that earned condemnation from LGBTQ teams.

Brennan Johnson threatened an early aim for Forest when he sprinted away from Marc Cucurella and Thiago Silva, however Kepa Arrizabalaga spared his team-mates’ blushes with a superb save.

FOREST FIGHTBACK

If that was a fortunate break for Chelsea, Potter’s facet loved an excellent larger stroke of excellent fortune as they took the lead in the sixteenth minute.

Christian Pulisic’s cross in direction of Kai Havertz was deflected by Forest defender Willy Boly’s out-stretched foot, with the ball looping onto the crossbar and bouncing down completely for the unmarked Sterling to slam residence from close-range.

It was Sterling’s first league aim since August and solely the sixth in all competitions for the England ahead since his close-season transfer from Manchester City.

But Chelsea’s first half superiority rapidly light after the interval.

Kepa got here to Chelsea’s rescue with an outstanding save after Johnson accelerated onto Morgan Gibbs-White’s go and unleashed a stinging shot.

Chelsea had been on the ropes and Gibbs-White was inches away from an equaliser when he met Ryan Yates’ go with a sweetly-timed strike that cannoned off the bar and bounced to security.

With Chelsea surprisingly subdued in the second half, Forest’s stress paid off in the 63rd minute.

Boly out-jumped Pulisic to go a nook in direction of Aurier, who deftly managed on his chest earlier than volleying by means of Kepa’s legs from 5 yards.

PARIS – Liverpool may have the prospect to avenge last season’s Champions League remaining defeat by the hands of Real Madrid after Jurgen Klopp’s facet have been drawn on Monday to face the holders once more in the last 16.

Meanwhile, the opposite standout tie noticed Paris Saint-Germain drawn to play Bayern Munich in a repeat of the 2020 remaining which was gained by the German membership.

Liverpool gained 5 of their six group video games however missed out on high spot to Napoli after dropping 4-1 when the perimeters met in Italy.

The Anfield membership additionally misplaced the 2018 Champions League remaining to Real, who gained their group forward of RB Leipzig.

“They are two historic teams and the tie is going to be electric, fascinating for the fans,” stated Emilio Butragueno, an ideal former Real participant who’s now the director of institutional relations for the 14-time European champions.

Current home type suggests Real must be favourites, with Carlo Ancelotti’s facet unbeaten in La Liga whereas Liverpool are eighth in the Premier League regardless of profitable away to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

However, each golf equipment will lose key gamers to the World Cup and Butragueno acknowledged a lot can change in the three months earlier than the Champions League returns.

“The World Cup is going to condition the whole season. We will see how the players are when they return,” he stated.

PSG solely missed out on topping their group as a result of Benfica scored extra away targets throughout all matches after the perimeters remarkably completed degree on factors, objective distinction, targets scored and face to face.

CHELSEA TO PLAY DORTMUND

That left the Qatar-owned membership uncovered to a troublesome draw, a 12 months on from their painful exit in the primary knockout spherical by the hands of Real.

In phrases of type they may not have gotten more durable than Bayern, who have been the one facet to win all six group matches, regardless of being in a bit with Barcelona and Inter Milan.

The 2020 remaining was performed behind closed doorways in Lisbon on the peak of the pandemic, with Bayern triumphing 1-0. PSG gained revenge the next season by beating the Bavarians in the quarter-finals.

Like PSG, Manchester City have by no means gained the trophy however are additionally one of many main contenders to take action this season.

Pep Guardiola’s facet might be anticipated to get rid of Leipzig, who they confronted in the group stage a 12 months in the past and beat 6-3 at residence earlier than a 2-1 defeat in Germany, by which period they’d already secured first place in the part.

Chelsea, who defeated City in the 2021 Champions League remaining, additionally drew German opposition in the form of Borussia Dortmund, with the golf equipment set to satisfy for the very first time in a aggressive sport in the primary leg on the Signal Iduna Park.

After topping their group due to a last-gasp winner away to Marseille last week, Tottenham Hotspur got a troublesome draw in opposition to Italian champions AC Milan.

They have met at this stage of the competitors earlier than, with Spurs profitable 1-0 on combination in 2010/11 due to a solitary objective at San Siro by Peter Crouch.

Inter will play Porto and last season’s Europa League winners Eintracht Frankfurt tackle Napoli, whereas Benfica’s reward for profitable their group was a tie in opposition to event outsiders Club Brugge of Belgium.

The first legs of all last-16 ties might be performed in February with the return matches in March.

The remaining of this season’s Champions League might be held in Istanbul on June 10 subsequent 12 months.

The Turkish metropolis was alleged to host the ultimate in 2020 and once more 2021, just for the sport to be moved on every event to Portugal because of the pandemic.

MANCHESTER – Arsenal and Manchester City stay out in entrance, however the Premier League title race is way from a two-horse race after a weekend by which all of the prime 5 received.

Liverpool’s newest embarrassing defeat, 2-1 at residence to Leeds, leaves the Reds with an eight-point hole to bridge to the prime 4.

Chelsea had been the different large losers on Saturday as Graham Potter was thrashed 4-1 on his return to Brighton.

AFP Sport appears to be like at three talking points from the Premier League weekend:

NO MORE HOME COMFORT FOR LIVERPOOL

Despite Liverpool’s struggles this season a proud document of not having been crushed at residence in the Premier League in entrance of followers for over 5 years had stayed intact till Leeds’ win on Saturday.

The guests arrived at Anfield with supervisor Jesse Marsch clinging to his job after an eight-game winless run noticed them fall into relegation hazard.

Leeds’ dedication to combat for his or her boss was clear as they ran 11 kilometres greater than their hosts.

But a surprising defeat encapsulated the flaws of Liverpool’s season to date.

Leeds had been gifted the opening aim by a person error from Joe Gomez and stored in the recreation by wasteful ending from Darwin Nunez.

But Reds boss Jurgen Klopp was most aggravated by the slack defending that allowed Crysencio Summerville to fireside in an 89th-minute winner unchallenged.

Klopp once more pointed to accidents and a heavy fixture schedule for such a sluggish begin to the season.

The Reds are additionally clearly struggling a bodily hangover from a 63-game marketing campaign final season after they got here so near an unprecedented quadruple.

Currently they’re a shadow of the crew they as soon as had been and desperately have to restrict the injury over the subsequent two weeks to limp in direction of a much-needed break for the World Cup.

Already 14 points behind Arsenal, the title appears to be like lengthy gone however even a return to the Champions League by way of a top-four end is turning into unlikely.

MINI MARTINEZ A COLOSSUS FOR MAN UTD

Lisandro Martinez’s suitability as a Premier League centre-back at simply 1.75 metres (5ft 9in) tall was ridiculed amidst Manchester United’s disastrous begin to the season.

But the Argentine has proved the doubters unsuitable, together with his velocity, aggression and poise on the ball greater than making up for an absence of peak.

Martinez’s partnership with Raphael Varane has supplied a strong basis for Erik ten Hag to construct on, however even with out the injured Frenchman, the former Ajax man stood agency to resist a second-half West Ham onslaught to safe a 1-0 win on Sunday.

United have now stored 5 consecutive clear sheets at Old Trafford, only one fewer than they managed in the entirety of final season.

NO MERCY FOR POTTER

Brighton’s followers and gamers refused to roll out of the crimson carpet for Graham Potter’s return to the Amex Stadium.

The Chelsea boss was subjected to boos and chants of “you’re getting sacked in the morning” by the residence help, who stay upset at his determination to leap ship to Stamford Bridge final month.

“I’ve got nothing to say sorry for, I think I did a good job at the club and I think I left it in a good place as you can see today,” mentioned Potter.

Of extra urgent concern for Potter is getting the Blues’ Premier League marketing campaign again on observe.

His first defeat as Chelsea supervisor had been coming after being outplayed by Brentford and Manchester United in attracts earlier than the journey to Brighton.

Victories for Tottenham, Newcastle and United imply Chelsea slip to sixth, three points adrift of the prime 4, and 10 behind Arsenal, who they face subsequent weekend.

PARIS – Juventus had been knocked out of the Champions League within the group stage for the primary time in 9 years on Tuesday but Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Benfica and Borussia Dortmund all secured qualification for the knockout stage with one group sport to spare.

A 4-3 defeat away to Benfica in Portugal sealed the destiny of a Juventus facet who’ve been in decline in Europe for a number of seasons and have now misplaced 4 of their 5 matches in Group H.

Having already gained when the perimeters met in Italy, Benfica went forward in Lisbon when Antonio Silva headed in an Enzo Fernandez cross.

Moise Kean rapidly equalised for Juve with a objective that was confirmed following a VAR overview, but Joao Mario restored Benfica’s lead from the penalty spot after which arrange Rafa Silva to make it 3-1 earlier than half-time with an outstanding backheel flick.

The identical participant then acquired Benfica’s fourth early within the second half, and a Juventus fightback that produced objectives by Arkadiusz Milik and Weston McKennie got here too late.

Juventus had been knocked out within the last 16 in every of the last three seasons but they haven’t been eradicated from the Champions League within the group stage since 2013/14.

“I am angry and sad because we are out of the Champions League, but we must think about the league now,” stated Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri, whose crew are eighth in Serie A.

MESSI, MBAPPE TURN ON STYLE

Benfica are joined in qualifying from Group H by PSG, with the 2020 Champions League runners-up through after crushing Israel’s Maccabi Haifa 7-2 on the Parc des Princes.

Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe each turned on the type, every scoring twice, whereas Neymar netted as soon as and compelled an personal objective from Sean Goldberg.

Carlos Soler accomplished the scoring for PSG as they equalled their very own document for objectives scored in a single European sport.

Abdoulaye Seck scored twice for Maccabi Haifa, and so they may nonetheless end third above Juventus.

Earlier, two-time Champions League winners Chelsea clinched their place within the last 16 as Group E winners, finishing a formidable turnaround after they misplaced their first sport to Dinamo Zagreb in September.

Graham Potter’s facet gained 2-1 away to Red Bull Salzburg, with a shocking Kai Havertz strike 26 minutes from time proving the distinction between the groups after Junior Adamu cancelled out Mateo Kovacic’s opener for the Blues.

Victory prolonged Chelsea’s unbeaten run below Potter to 9 video games.

“That was a fantastic performance from the players,” stated Potter.

“I’m delighted to go through with a game to spare considering where we started the competition.”

AC Milan are best-placed to go through with Chelsea after the Serie A champions gained 4-0 in Zagreb, with Matteo Gabbia heading within the opener and Rafael Leao doubling their lead earlier than Olivier Giroud netted a penalty and a Robert Ljubicic personal objective accomplished the scoring.

Milan at the moment are a degree clear of Salzburg with the groups assembly at San Siro subsequent week to determine which one progresses.

RARE DEFEAT FOR REAL

Dortmund are into the last 16 after getting the purpose they wanted in a 0-0 draw at dwelling to a Manchester City facet who had already certified.

City required only a level to safe high spot in Group G and so they acquired it regardless of taking Erling Haaland off at half-time in opposition to his former membership.

In truth, Pep (*16*) facet may have gotten all three factors but Riyad Mahrez had a second-half penalty saved by Gregor Kobel.

Sevilla will subsequently drop into the Europa League regardless of beating FC Copenhagen 3-0 earlier on Tuesday with second-half objectives by Youssef En-Nesyri, Isco and Gonzalo Montiel.

David Khocholava was despatched off on the finish for Copenhagen, who’ve nonetheless not scored a objective within the group.

Meanwhile, RB Leipzig inflicted a primary defeat of the season on reigning European champions Real Madrid as they took a giant step in direction of becoming a member of the Spaniards in qualifying from Group F.

Joskpo Gvardiol and Christopher Nkunku scored to have Leipzig two objectives forward earlier than Vinicius Junior pulled one again. Timo Werner acquired Leipzig’s third with Rodrygo changing a late penalty for Real because it ended 3-2.

In Scotland, a shocking Mykhailo Mudryk objective gave Shakhtar Donetsk a 1-1 draw away to Celtic, for whom Giorgos Giakoumakis had opened the scoring.

While Celtic are out, Leipzig want only a draw at Shakhtar subsequent week to advance.

MANCHESTER – Manchester United dealt a blow to Tottenham’s Premier League title aspirations with a dominant 2-0 win at Old Trafford, whereas Liverpool’s upturn continued with a 1-0 victory over West Ham on Wednesday.

Chelsea’s successful run got here to an finish in a 0-0 draw at Brentford, which allowed Newcastle to shut inside two factors of the highest 4 with a 1-0 win over Everton.

United at the moment are only one level off the Champions League locations and will leapfrog Chelsea when the perimeters meet at Stamford Bridge on Saturday after their most spectacular show below Erik ten Hag.

“We had some more really good performances like Liverpool and Arsenal but this was the game from start to the end we were really good,” stated Ten Hag. “I told the team it was very enjoyable to watch.”

The Red Devils had 28 pictures on aim in opposition to a Tottenham facet that been crushed solely as soon as of their opening 10 league video games of the season.

Signs of progress for United since shedding their opening two video games of the marketing campaign have been hampered by a scarcity of killer intuition up entrance.

But they lastly obtained their rewards in entrance of a delighted full home when Fred’s deflected effort discovered the underside nook two minutes into the second half.

Bruno Fernandes then doubled United’s lead together with his first membership aim since August.

Tottenham might have moved to inside some extent of leaders Arsenal with victory, however their efficiency had Antonio Conte questioning whether or not they can compete for the title.

“I think we need time,” stated the Italian. “In only 10 or 11 months you cannot pass from ninth place to become, the year after, a title contender. Especially when you finished 20 points less last season than the monsters in England.”

DARWIN DELIVERS

Darwin Nunez has endured a tough begin to life at Liverpool, however the Uruguayan was the match winner as Jurgen Klopp’s males moved as much as seventh.

Nunez powered Kostas Tsimikas’ cross into the far nook for the sport’s solely aim on 22 minutes.

“He was outstanding,” stated Klopp. “He is a really big talent and we’re really excited about him.”

However, the Reds had Alisson Becker to thank for the three factors because the Brazilian saved Jarrod Bowen’s penalty in first-half stoppage time.

Alisson was wanted as soon as extra to disclaim Tomas Soucek from point-blank vary late on as Liverpool held out.

Chelsea missed the prospect to shut inside 5 factors of the highest because the in-form Blues have been blunted by Brentford.

Graham Potter remains to be to expertise defeat as Chelsea boss, however he has goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga to thank for sustaining that document.

The Spaniard is lastly delivering on his tag because the world’s costliest goalkeeper following a £72 million transfer from Athletic Bilbao in 2018 as he twice denied Ivan Toney a winner for Brentford.

“Every player needs confidence, this push,” stated Kepa. “For the goalkeepers it is even more important.”

Newcastle continued their spectacular kind as Miguel Almiron’s beautiful strike was sufficient to see off Everton at St. James’ Park.

A 3rd consecutive defeat leaves the Toffees only a level above the relegation zone.

Bournemouth’s six-game unbeaten run below caretaker boss Gary O’Neil got here to an finish as Che Adams’ seventh-minute strike earned a much-needed 1-0 win for below stress Southampton supervisor Ralph Hasenhuttl.

The Saints’ first win in six lifts them as much as 14th, however nonetheless solely two factors away from the underside three.

LONDON – Manchester City’s first defeat of the season has given the remaining of the Premier League hope that the title race will not be a foregone conclusion as Tottenham and Chelsea search to shut on the prime of the desk on Wednesday.

The arrival of rampaging ahead Erling Haaland to complement Pep Guardiola’s squad, which has received the English prime flight 4 instances previously 5 years, made City even stronger favourites to win the league once more.

However, a rejuvenated Arsenal have opened up a four-point hole on the prime of the desk, whereas Spurs have stored tempo with the defending champions.

Arsenal and City had been alleged to be going through off this midweek in a top-of-the-table conflict.

But that match has been postponed as a result of rescheduling brought on by the loss of life of Queen Elizabeth II final month, with the Gunners as a substitute going through PSV Eindhoven within the Europa League.

With the highest two not in motion, Tottenham might transfer to inside some extent of the summit in the event that they win at Manchester United on Wednesday.

Spurs haven’t received a league title for 61 years however have, in Antonio Conte, a supervisor who has received the league at every of his earlier three golf equipment – Juventus, Chelsea and Inter Milan.

“We are showing stability,” stated Conte. “I always say, to play against us is not easy.

“We need to proceed to work and enhance however we’re a staff, and I take into account us actually sturdy. If we’re good to enhance and proceed to develop in different features, not solely tactical but in addition to indicate this maturity, then we’ll have nice satisfaction.”

The strength in depth of Tottenham’s squad is being fully tested by injuries to Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison in forward areas.

But Harry Kane is carrying the burden, with the England captain scoring nine goals in 10 league games to stay on the coat-tails of Haaland in the race for the Golden Boot.

POTTER WORKS HIS MAGIC

Chelsea looked to have blown their title chances with two defeats in their opening five league games under Thomas Tuchel.

But Graham Potter, who replaced the German as manager in September, has masterminded a turnaround in results for the Blues, with five consecutive wins in all competitions putting them back on track in both the Premier League and Champions League.

Chelsea have a game in hand on the top three and victory at Brentford would lift them just two points behind City.

Potter has brought the best out of Kepa Arrizabalaga, who is performing to a level expected of the world’s most expensive goalkeeper and keeping Edouard Mendy out of the side.

“Kepa discovered a improbable degree, he made sensible saves which stored us within the recreation,” said Potter after the Spaniard shone in Sunday’s 2-0 win at Aston Villa.

“He is contributing to us with clear sheets, how we try to play and the surroundings across the place.”

LIVERPOOL LIFT-OFF?

Liverpool have been the side carrying the fight to City over the past five years and looked more like their old selves in defeating the champions 1-0 at a frenzied Anfield on Sunday.

The Reds still have a mountain to climb to get back in the title race, with just three wins under their belts in their opening nine games.

And they cannot afford a hangover from their exploits against City when they host West Ham on Wednesday.

“We had been clearly sensible however we’d like consistency,” said Liverpool defender Andy Robertson.

“It’s necessary, it is such an enormous win for us towards an unbelievable staff that put us underneath a lot stress. But it is solely a large three factors if we use it to our benefit.”

Fixtures (all instances GMT)

Tuesday

Brighton v Nottingham Forest (1830), Crystal Palace v Wolves (1915)

Wednesday

Bournemouth v Southampton, Brentford v Chelsea, Liverpool v West Ham, Newcastle v Everton (all 1830), Manchester United v Tottenham (1915)

Thursday

Fulham v Aston Villa (1830), Leicester v Leeds (1915)

PARIS – Real Madrid and Manchester City each discovered the going robust within the Champions League group stage on Tuesday night time however battled by to attracts that have been sufficient to qualify for the knockout levels.

Paris Saint-Germain and Benfica additionally moved nearer to the last 16 with a draw at Parc des Princes, after Maccabi Haifa had earlier upset Juventus in the identical group.

On a foul night time for Italian titans, AC Milan performed virtually the entire match with 10 males as they misplaced at dwelling to Chelsea.

In Copenhagen, City’s Riyad Mahrez wasted a twenty fifth minute penalty and 5 minutes later defender Sergio Gomez was despatched off.

Pep Guardiola had rested a number of starters, together with Erling Haaland, with an eye fixed to the weekend’s assembly with Liverpool, and his group failed to attain for the primary time in 24 video games, however the coach was content material.

“To play one hour like that is tough. The players gave absolutely everything,” Guardiola mentioned.

Neither Copenhagen nor Sevilla has gained a sport but in Group G and when the Spaniards drew 1-1 in Dortmund within the later match, it ensured Manchester City would advance.

Carlo Ancelotti, the Real Madrid coach, additionally had an eye fixed on an enormous upcoming league sport, the Clasico in opposition to Barcelona on Sunday, and rested a number of starters in opposition to Shakhtar Donetsk in Warsaw.

They virtually paid. Oleksandr Zubkov gave the Ukrainian membership the lead in the beginning of the second half.

The sport had entered the last of 5 minutes added time when Antonio Rudiger leapt to achieve an extended ball ahead and acquired to it simply earlier than goalie Anatoliy Trubin.

As the 2 males fell to the bottom bleeding, the ball went in on a put up to safe Real a 1-1 draw and a last 16 spot.

“We did not play well, but this team never gives up,” Ancelotti mentioned. (*16*)

RB Leipzig climbed to second in Group F, 4 factors behind Real, with a 2-0 win over Celtic in Glasgow.

Kylian Mbappe scored from the penalty spot however Paris Saint-Germain have been held to a 1-1 draw by Benfica in a sport overshadowed by experiences claiming the France star is so sad on the membership he desires to go away in January.

PSG’s soccer advisor took the weird step of talking to tv simply earlier than the kickoff to disclaim experiences Mbappe needed to go away.

“I am with Kylian Mbappe every day and he has never spoken to me about leaving in January,” mentioned Luis Campos.

Joao Mario levelled from the penalty spot for Benfica simply after the hour mark.

‘WE MUST BE ASHAMED’

The end result leaves PSG and Benfica 5 factors away from their two Group H rivals after Maccabi shamed Juventus, 2-0, in Haifa with two objectives from Omer Atzili.

“I’m ashamed of what’s happening right now,” Juventus president Andrea Agnelli instructed Sky Sport Italia.

His coach agreed.

“Agnelli is right when he says we must be ashamed,” mentioned Massimiliano Allegri.

AC Milan began properly in opposition to Chelsea, however the sport turned when Fikayo Tomori fouled his former Chelsea youth team-mate within the 18th minute

Tomori was despatched off and Jorginho transformed the penalty. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang added a second.

“I definitely don’t think the referee has had one of his better evenings,” mentioned Milan coach Stefano Pioli.

Graham Potter, the Chelsea supervisor, appeared lower than satisfied by the purple card.

“It was a big moment, we still felt that we could do enough with 11 v 11 but the referee made a decision and we have to get on with it,” he mentioned.

Chelsea overtook Salzburg on the high of Group E after the Austrians drew 1-1 in opposition to Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia.