NOTTINGHAM – Marcus Rashford scored a blinding solo aim as Manchester United beat Nottingham Forest 3-0 in the primary leg of their League Cup semi-final on Wednesday to just about e-book a spot at Wembley subsequent month.

The England man, having fun with a purple patch following the World Cup, netted his 18th aim of the season in the sixth minute to silence an expectant crowd on the City Ground.

New United mortgage signing Wout Weghorst scored his first aim for the membership simply earlier than half-time, to put the guests in whole management, and Bruno Fernandes added gloss to the scoreline late on.

Erik ten Hag’s males are scorching favourites to attain Wembley as they search to finish their six-year trophy drought, with both Newcastle or Southampton mendacity in wait.

“I’m happy with the performance and I think over 90 minutes we controlled it,” Ten Hag informed Sky Sports.

But he highlighted a disallowed Forest aim in the primary half, warning his facet couldn’t afford to let opponents again into the match once they had been in cost.

The Dutchman was cautious to keep away from any trace of complacency forward of the second leg at Old Trafford on 1 February.

“We have to play one game and we have to do the same. We have to prepare, we have to make a good game plan and the players have to be focused,” he stated.

Former Ajax boss Ten Hag has revitalised United in his first season in cost however can be determined to win silverware to appease the hungry followers.

Brazil midfielder Casemiro was again in the United beginning line-up after being suspended for Sunday’s 3-2 Premier League defeat at leaders Arsenal, which left United fourth in the desk.

Forest, with new boy Danilo in the beginning line-up, got here into the match stuffed with confidence after only one defeat in their previous seven Premier League matches had lifted them to thirteenth in the desk.

RASHFORD HOT STREAK

But the guests took management instantly and opened the scoring in type.

Rashford picked up the ball in his personal half and raced down the left, slicing into the field between Joe Worrall and Remo Freuler earlier than beating Wayne Hennessey at his close to publish with a strong left-footed shot.

It was his tenth aim in 10 video games since getting back from Qatar final month.

Brazil winger Antony went close to making it 2-0 minutes later as United threatened to overwhelm the house staff.

Forest, who’ve received the League Cup 4 occasions in their historical past, thought that they had equalised halfway by means of the primary half when Sam Surridge produced a high-quality end after a rampaging run by means of the center by Morgan Gibbs-White.

But the aim was dominated out by VAR for a good offside in opposition to Surridge.

Gustavo Scarpa stung David de Gea’s palms with an audacious volley as Forest more and more got here into the sport, with Gibbs-White and Brennan Johnson a menace.

But five-time winners United doubled their lead simply earlier than half-time, with Dutch ahead Weghorst reacting well to fireplace dwelling with the surface of his proper foot after Hennessey had denied Antony.

United had been largely untroubled in the second half, coming agonisingly close to extending their lead when Christian Eriksen rattled the crossbar from the sting of the field in the 54th minute.

The guests continued to threaten and rounded off a cushty evening when Fernandes slotted dwelling after a intelligent dinked cross from substitute Anthony Elanga.

Newcastle, chasing their first home trophy since 1955, beat Southampton 1-0 on Tuesday in their first-leg match.

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.

MANCHESTER – Manchester United made a optimistic start to life without Cristiano Ronaldo as Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial stepped out from the Portuguese’s shadow to rating in a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Tuesday.

But supervisor Erik ten Hag continues to be focusing on a striker to change Ronaldo within the switch market to make the Red Devils extra scientific within the ultimate third.

Ronaldo’s rollercoaster second spell at Old Trafford got here to an finish in the course of the World Cup break after an explosive interview wherein he took intention at Ten Hag and the membership’s house owners.

On the sector, his affect had already waned for the reason that Dutch coach took cost on the start of the season.

Rashford has been a participant reworked below Ten Hag and carried his superb kind for England on the World Cup into the Premier League’s return.

“Our players performed really well in the World Cup, I was happy to see that and now they continue,” Ten Hag informed Amazon Prime. “They have to stay on that level, keep going and progress from game to game.”

A brilliantly labored nook opened the floodgates for United as Christian Eriksen picked out an unmarked Rashford inside the world to sweep into the highest nook.

Forest have been without their first alternative goalkeeper Dean Henderson as he’s on mortgage from United and his understudy Wayne Hennessey was culpable when the house facet doubled their lead simply three minutes later.

Rashford’s burst down the left and teed up Martial on the fringe of the field, however the Frenchman’s strike shouldn’t have had sufficient energy to beat the Welsh worldwide goalkeeper.

United have been additionally brief handed on the again with Lisandro Martinez absent following Argentina’s World Cup celebrations, Diogo Dalot injured and Harry Maguire nonetheless feeling the aftereffects of an sickness.

As a end result Raphael Varane was pressured into beginning simply 9 days after enjoying 113 minutes for France within the World Cup ultimate, whereas Luke Shaw lined up as a centre-back in a again 4 for the primary time.

But Forest did little to check a makeshift backline as they continue to be with only one objective away from house within the league all season.

Steve Cooper’s males did have the ball within the internet shortly earlier than half-time, however Willy Boly’s effort was dominated out for offside after a prolonged VAR examine.

GAKPO NO GO

The house facet ought to have added multiple objective within the second half, main Ten Hag to repeat his name for a brand new striker.

United seem to have already missed out on one goal with Cody Gakpo set to be a part of rivals Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven.

“We are looking for a striker because games are coming every three days,” added Ten Hag. “It’s tough and we want to play in all the leagues. Hopefully we can keep going till the end of the season, so we need numbers in the squad.”

Antony fired straight at Hennessey after superb play from Rashford and Bruno Fernandes gave the Brazilian a transparent sight of objective.

Hennessey additionally stood agency to block from Martial and Rashford from shut vary, however United lastly received the third objective they deserved three minutes from time.

The imperious Casemiro strode ahead to win possession and picked out his Brazilian compatriot Fred to slot into the far nook.

Victory takes United to inside one level of the highest 4 and with a sport in hand to come on fourth-placed Tottenham.

Forest stay rooted within the relegation zone, however only one level adrift of security.

LONDON – Harry Kane snatched a 96th minute equaliser to salvage a 2-2 draw for Tottenham from a feisty London derby in opposition to Chelsea on Sunday.

Both managers Antonio Conte and Thomas Tuchel had been sent-off after the full-time whistle for his or her second bodily altercation of the match.

Chelsea regarded set to get a brand new period at Stamford Bridge off to the very best begin as they twice led by Kalidou Koulibaly and Reece James.

Tottenham had been effectively off the extent required if they’re to stay as much as hopes of difficult Manchester City and Liverpool for the title, however confirmed the newfound character instilled by Conte to struggle again for a degree.

The Italian and Tuchel had been each booked within the aftermath of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s first equaliser.

Tempers then flared once more throughout a handshake after Kane nodded in with just about the final motion of the sport.

“It is the Premier League and why we love it. It is emotional coaches on the sidelines,” mentioned Tuchel.

“I think it (the red card) was not necessary. But a lot of things were not necessary today so it is another poor decision from the referee.”

Tottenham have nonetheless solely received as soon as at Stamford Bridge in 32 years within the league, however Conte will probably be delighted to flee with a share of the spoils in opposition to his former membership.

“There is a difference between Chelsea and Tottenham but we are here to reduce this gap,” mentioned the Italian. “Last season we lost three times, this time we drew so it’s a little step forward.”

New Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly was welcomed by an enormous banner from the Chelsea assist and noticed an early return on the close to £170 million ($206 million) funding within the switch market since he sanctioned a £2.5 billion takeover to purchase the membership from Roman Abramovich.

Despite the drastic adjustments within the boardroom, on the sphere it was just like the outdated occasions below Abramovich as Chelsea outthought, outplayed and outmuscled Spurs for the primary 45 minutes.

Two of their new signings mixed for the opening objective as it was from Marc Cucurella’s nook that Koulibaly discovered area to volley dwelling.

SPURS STRIKE BACK

Conte once more resisted the temptation to begin any of his six new signings, but it surely was not till the introduction of Richarlison simply earlier than the hour mark and a swap of formation that Tottenham started to threaten.

Kane had an excellent probability to degree when he uncharacteristically dragged large with solely Edouard Mendy to beat.

Spurs did degree 22 minutes from time in controversial vogue to mild the spark between the 2 managers.

Kai Havertz appeared to be clearly fouled by Rodrigo Bentancur earlier than Tottenham broke ahead and the ball ultimately fell to Hojbjerg to fireplace low and exhausting previous Mendy.

Tuchel reacted furiously to the choice and Conte’s overzealous celebration.

The German fought hearth with hearth as he sprinted down the touchline to have fun when James thrashed dwelling Raheem Sterling’s go to revive Chelsea’s lead 13 minutes from time.

However, Kane had the ultimate say as he flicked in Ivan Perisic’s nook deep into added time.

Earlier, Nottingham Forest celebrated their first dwelling recreation within the Premier League for 23 years by beating West Ham 1-0.

“We were never going to treat it as a normal game, it was more than that,” mentioned Forest supervisor Steve Cooper.

“You could sense since we got promoted everyone was waiting for the first home game.”

The two-time European champions have made 14 new signings in a bid to take care of their top-flight standing and two of these making their dwelling debuts had been the celebs as Taiwo Awoniyi scored the one objective and Dean Henderson saved Declan Rice’s penalty.

MANCHESTER – Premier League clubs have splashed an estimated £1 billion ($1.2 billion) within the arms race for brand spanking new expertise forward of the begin to the 2022/23 season on Friday, however champions Manchester City stay the facet to beat.

After profitable 4 league titles in 5 years, Pep Guardiola’s squad has been bolstered by the most important identify arrival of the summer season in Erling Haaland.

The Norwegian had his selection of Europe’s high clubs after scoring 85 targets in 88 video games for Borussia Dortmund and adopted within the footsteps of his father Alf Inge – a former City captain – to the blue facet of Manchester.

Haaland might have had a debut to neglect as he missed a obtrusive alternative in the direction of the top of City’s 3-1 Community Shield defeat to Liverpool on Saturday, however Guardiola warned the pretenders to his facet’s throne that “the goals will come”.

“There is no reason not to be confident,” added Guardiola. “What these guys have done, not just in the Premier League, but in the cups, the steps we have made in Europe and in many things.”

In a window of serious change on the Etihad, Argentine ahead Julian Alvarez and England worldwide midfielder Kalvin Phillips have additionally arrived.

But Guardiola has let loads of expertise go to Premier League rivals with Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko heading to Arsenal and Raheem Sterling becoming a member of Chelsea.

Liverpool are greatest positioned to pounce on any slipping of City’s requirements.

Jurgen Klopp’s facet have been denied a historic quadruple by the best of margins final season as they have been pipped to the title by a degree and misplaced the Champions League remaining 1-0 to Real Madrid after profitable the League and FA Cup.

The Reds have additionally refreshed their entrance line with the imposing presence of Darwin Nunez coming in to compensate for the lack of Sadio Mane to Bayern Munich.

Nunez did make a right away influence within the Community Shield, profitable a penalty and scoring to show the sport in Liverpool’s favour late within the recreation.

TOTTENHAM TITLE CHALLENGE?

City and Liverpool have dominated English soccer for the previous 5 years, but when there may be to be a problem from the chasing pack, it may come from Tottenham.

Ahead of Antonio Conte’s first full season in cost, the Italian has been closely backed by the usually thrifty Spurs board with the signings of Richarlison, Yves Bissouma, Ivan Perisic, Djed Spence, Clement Lenglet and Fraser Forster.

Crucially, Tottenham have additionally retained the star duo of Harry Kane and Son Heung-min as they goal for a primary league title in 62 years.

Arsenal have been in blistering pre-season type with Jesus on hearth in thrashings of Chelsea and Sevilla.

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel blasted his facet as “not competitive” after dropping 4-0 to the Gunners in Orlando and the Blues are a group in transition following Todd Boehly’s takeover.

There can also be loads of work forward for brand spanking new Manchester United supervisor Erik ten Hag with the unsure way forward for Cristiano Ronaldo hanging over begin of a brand new period for the Red Devils.

NEW BOYS FOREST OUTSPEND NEWCASTLE

Amid the dimensions of massive spending from English clubs, Newcastle have been surprisingly quiet of their first summer season window since a takeover from the Saudi sovereign wealth fund.

The Magpies have spent simply in need of £60 million on Dutch defender Sven Botman, England goalkeeper Nick Pope and a everlasting deal for left-back Matt Targett.

New boys Nottingham Forest have splashed over £70 million on 12 new signings within the two-time European champions’ first season again within the high flight for 23 years

That sum doesn’t even embrace a one-year deal for Jesse Lingard value a reported £200,000-a-week after he joined on a free switch from Manchester United.

Aston Villa’s switch enterprise is arguably the perfect instance of the rising financial gulf between the Premier League and the remainder of Europe.

French worldwide midfielder Boubacar Kamara and Brazilian centre-back Diego Carlos have turned their backs on Champions League soccer with Marseille and Sevilla respectively to hitch Steven Gerrard’s facet, who completed 14th within the English high flight final season.