Bruno Fernandes and Manchester United : A match made in heaven.

Bruno Fernandes has made a stellar impact at Manchester United since joining the club in January 2020.

A Portuguese star joining Manchester United and turning into a superstar is nothing new but the impact that Bruno Fernandes has had at the club in one year is nothing short of extraordinary. 

Bruno Fernandes joined Manchester United with the club in 5th position, 6 points adrift of Top-4 and a staggering 36 points behind the eventual champions Liverpool. The former Sporting Lisbon captain had to proliferate his winning mentality and leadership across this United team and he did so seamlessly. Manchester United stayed unbeaten for the rest of the season and secured a Champions League place with a 2-0 win away to Leicester City. Without Bruno, Manchester United would have almost certainly failed to qualify for the Champions League.

28 Goals. 17 Assists. 1 Portuguese Magnifico.

His win-at-all-cost attitude and incredible work-ethic has galvanized this United team and it's hard to think of a better debut year by a player in the Premier League history. Such comparisons led to Fernandes' debut year being compared to the great Eric Cantona, who joined United midway through the 92-93 season and helped the club end their 26 year wait for the league title but the Portuguese has played down the comparisons.

Fernandes has played down comparison with Cantona.

"It’s really good for me to listen to that and to be talked about alongside such names," Fernandes, told the club’s website. "For me, Cantona was an amazing player for the club and I need to do much better to be compared with him." he added.

Comparisons with Cantona sound a bit premature but no one can deny the impact that Fernandes has had at Manchester United, his stats in his debut year at Old Trafford are ridiculously good.

Bruno has had an outstanding debut year.

Some of the key numbers are...

- With 19 goals and 14 assists, Fernandes has been directly contributed to over half of  Manchester United’s 60 Premier League goals since he made his debut.

- 31 Premier League goal contributions in 2019 saw Fernandes break Frank Lampard’s calendar record for a midfielder of 29, set in 2009.

- The midfielder is the only player to have registered 12+ goals and 12+ assists in the Premier League since his United debut.

- Fernandes has become the first Portuguese player to score 10 goals in a Premier  League season since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008-09.

- Robert Lewandowski and Lionel Messi are the only players with more direct goal contributions in Europe’s top five leagues than Fernandes since the start of February.

- The midfielder is the only player to have registered 12+ goals and 12+ assists in the Premier League since his United debut.

- 4 Premier League Player of the Month awards in a year.
( Stats taken from Planet Football)

You often see players needing time to settle into a new league but Bruno has fit United like a glove to a hand and he is showing no signs of stopping with 45 G/A already. Fernandes has transformed Manchester United from head to toe not just with his goals and assists, but with his presence and his growing aura around the club.

Bruno Fernandes is at the forefront of a Man Utd title challenge.

Now, Bruno Fernandes in spearheading an unexpected Manchester United title-charge with Ole Gunnar Solskjær's team just one point behind neighbors Manchester City. This Man United team has come a long way in the last year and Bruno Fernandes has been at the forefront of it.

It's hard to imagine that Bruno has played in front of a packed Old Trafford only thrice and is already a fan favorite! His allergic winning mentality has made him a darling at Old Trafford and United's Portuguese Magnifico will now be aiming to lift some trophies as United's talisman.

Arsenal 3:1 Chelsea- Mikel Arteta gets everything he asked for Christmas : A little bit of luck.

London derby on Boxing Day brought the best out of Arsenal players as goals from Lacazette, Xhaka and Saka sealed a much needed win for the Gunners against Chelsea.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, said he was "relieved" to finally get a league win and rightly so. His Arsenal team were winless in the Premier League for 56 days since that famous win at Old Trafford on 1st November. 

Mikel Arteta celebrates Arsenal's win

There was a blend of youth and experience in the Arsenal line-up as Arteta gave a first Premier League start to Emile Smith-Rowe and a first league start of the season to Gabriel Martinelli.

One word Mikel Arteta used more than 'percentage' in his recent press conferences was 'luck'. The Spaniard felt that Arsenal have been unlucky in this recent run of winless games and that was soon to chance on Boxing Day.

Arsenal made a bright start to the game with the youthful exuberance of Martinelli and Smith-Rowe. The debutant even had a chance to score early on but he couldn't sort his feet out to tap in Bellerin's cross. On the other end, Mason Mount saw his free-kick hit the post, a first sign of changing fortunes for the Gunners.

Lacazette scored from the spot

The big moment in the first half came around the half hour mark when Arsenal were awarded a controversial penalty! Reece James got the wrong side of Tierney and fouled him from behind and the referee had no hesitation pointing to the spot but after VAR replays it looked like Tierney was already going down when James made contact. The VAR decided to stay with the on-field call and Lacazette put away the penalty to give Arsenal a lead.

At the stroke of half-time the Gunners doubled their lead! Granit Xhaka unleashed one unstoppable free-kick from 25 yards out giving Chelsea's goalkeeper Mendy no chance. 

Arsenal went into the break with a two goal cushion and Chelsea were yet to register a shot on target.

10 minutes into the second half, the gunners scored their third goal of the game and it was a further proof that the 'Footballing Gods' were finally on Arsenal's side. Bukayo Saka's loopy right footed cross-cum-shot ended in the Chelsea's net. His muted celebrations and a smirk suggested he knew as little about it as anyone in The Emirates.

Lacazette and Elneny both had chances to score further goals with the Frenchman hitting his shot straight at Mendy and Elneny thrashing his effort against the crossbar.

Chelsea got one goal back in the 84th minute through Tammy Abraham and were awarded a penalty on the 90 minute mark. Jorginho's 'hop and kick' penalty was saved by Leno to avoid a dramatic finale at The Emirates.

This was Chelsea's 3rd straight away defeat in a row and Frank Lampard's side lost more ground of the Top 4 chasing pack.

This win will feel like a turning point in the season for Mikel Arteta, who'll now feel a whole lot better with results and luck turning in his favour.

Everton 1-0 Chelsea. Sigurdsson's penalty ends Chelsea's 17 games unbeaten run

A total of 2000 Everton fans were back at the Goodison Park to witness a gritty Toffees performance as they beat an in-form Chelsea side.

Frank Lampard's side were unbeaten in their last 17 games across all competitions but faced a tough trip to the blue half of Merseyside to keep this run going.

Chelsea were without wingers, Pulisic and Ziyech, both struggling with hamstring issues. Everton were facing an injury crisis of their own, with both their first choice fullbacks, Coleman and Digne out injured along with the ingenious James Rodriguez.

Chelsea knew a win would take them on top of the Premier League and started brightly in the exchanges of the game. However, the first chance fell to Richarlison. The Brazilian dribbled inside the box from the left wing but his tame effort was straight at Mendy. 

Gylfi Sigurdsson scored from the spot.

Everton were given a penalty on the 20 minutes mark after Mendy clattered into Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The Premier League's top scorer won the header and chased the ball before the Chelsea goalkeeper brought him down. Gylfi Sigurdsson scored from the spot, his first Premier League goal in 17 games, and Everton had a deserved lead.

Everton's goal woke Chelsea up as they chased an equaliser. Reece James came close to a leveler twice in a space of a minute. First, his free-kick was pushed away by Pickford and from the resulting corner, the ball fell to James on the edge of the box but his low volley was superbly saved by Pickford with a little help of the goalpost.

Chelsea were looking likely to get an equaliser as the first half came to a close with decent chances for Zouma and Werner, but Everton held firm and led Chelsea by a goal to nil at half time.

Everton were quicker off the blocks in the second half as they looked to increase their advantage. Richarlison had another effort saved by Mendy before Yerry Mina missed a free header from an inviting cross from Gylfi Sigurdsson. The Icelander, soon was in the thick of action himself as his free kick went inches over the crossbar.

Carlo Ancelotti registered a win against his former club

All the Everton pressure looked to have paid off when Dominic Calvert-Lewin was brought down in the box and the referee whistled for another penalty but VAR overruled the decision as the English forward was offside in the build up to the penalty and Chelsea had a lifeline.

Everton were sitting back and hitting Chelsea on the counter attack and looked threatening everytime they had the ball. 

Chelsea were inches away from equalising, as the game entered the final 10 minutes. Mason Mount's fantastic free-kick had Jordan Pickford beaten but his effort hit the post and kept Chelsea at bay. 

Chelsea had more possession but Everton were more clinical. Everton held on to 3 big points and ended Chelsea's 17 games unbeaten run dating back from 20th September.

It was a good evening's work from former Chelsea Manager, Carlo Ancelotti, as his Everton team moved up to 7th place in the table. Chelsea missed out on an opportunity to go top of the table and stayed at 3rd position.

Arsenal 1-2 Wolves. Neto and Podence sink Arsenal to their 3rd consecutive home defeat in the league

Nuno Espirito Santo managed another feather in his cap as his Wolves team registered a famous win away at Arsenal. 

Goal-shy Arsenal had been struggling for goals in the Premier League of late, scoring just 1 goal in the last 5 PL games and that too was a penalty away at Old Trafford. Mikel Arteta started with Aubameyang up-top with Willock playing as a 'Number 10'.

Wolves started with 4 at the back for the second consecutive time with club captain Conor Coady returning to the team after a self isolation period.

The game got off to a worrying start after Raul Jimenez and David Luiz were involved in a fearful crack of heads. This nasty collision resulted in Jimenez stretched off straight to the hospital and David Luiz bandaged up. After a 10 minutes delay, the game was back under way.

Arsenal, who lost their last 2 home games without scoring, trailed at The Emirates again! Neto poked the ball in after Dendoncker's header hit the crossbar.

Podence scored the winner for Wolves.

The Gunners however, only trailed for 3 minutes, Gabriel rose the highest to head home a cross from Willian to put the hosts level at the half hour mark. 

However, Arsenal's defensive frailties were exposed again when Podence put Wolves ahead for the second time in the game. Adama Traore powered his way through the Arsenal midfield and played in Neto, whose shot was saved by Leno but Podence finished the rebound well to give Wolves a deserved lead again.

The Gunners were finding it hard to contain the Wolves wingers, who were constantly making runs behind the Arsenal defence and lacked the creative imagination to cause the Wolves defence problems. 

Arsenal were yet to win any of their 7 games under Artera when they were trailing at Half Time and had to overcome this bad omen as they went into the break trailing 1-2.

Mikel Arteta's team talk at half time looked to have worked as Arsenal started the second half on the front foot. Saka had a couple of half chances and Willian took aim from a free kick but the hosts could not find an equaliser.

Wolves were playing counter attacking football in the second half and used the pace of Neto and Traore well. Neto played through Podence but his shot was fantastically blocked by Bellerin and Arsenal were still in the game.

As the game entered the final quarter, Arsenal were looking the more menacing side. Substitute Reiss Nelson blasted his shot over the crossbar from close range but the best chance of the second half fell to Aubameyang, who couldn't head the ball on target from an inviting Bellerin cross.

Wolves held on for a famous 3 points and moved up to 6th in the table. Arsenal's poor home form continued as they languished in the 14th position.

Inter Milan 0-2 Real Madrid. A moment of madness by Arturo Vidal amidst a Real Madrid masterclass

A Real Madrid masterclass in Milano means Inter Milan's hopes of reaching the round of 16 hopes are hanging by a thread.

The Matchweek 4 of the UEFA Champions League served up a huge game as Inter Milan hosted Real Madrid in what was the stand-out tie in group B. Both the European giants were struggling to get a firm grip on the ground and this fixture had a feel of a 'must-win' game already.

The Spanish Champions made a few changes to the team that started in the reverse fixture with Ramos and Benzama missing through injuries. That meant a first ever Champions League outing for Martin ødegaard. Inter Milan started with their trusted front two of Lukaku and Martinez while Christian Eriksen started on the bench again.

After an impeccable minutes silence in the memory of Diego Maradona, the game got under way. 

They away side enjoyed the early possession of the ball and were soon given a rewarded for it! Nacho was brought down in the box by a clumsy tackle by Barella and Real Madrid had a penalty. Eden Hazard stepped up to give the Real Madrid the lead.

Vidal was sent off in the first half

The Italian side were struggling to contain Real Madrid's full backs and the visitors' constant switch of play from one side to another almost lead to another goal with Lucas Vazquez's long range shot hitting the post.

The flashpoint of the first-half came on the half hour mark when Arturo Vidal went down in the box and Inter players appealed for a penalty but the referee saw no foul and allowed the game to go on. Arturo Vidal was booked for protesting the decision but still continued to argue with the referee resulting in another booking and a sending off. Real Madrid went into the break a goal and a man up.

Inter began the second half with more intensity and created a couple of openings for themselves but found it difficult to breach the Real Madrid back four.

Eden Hazard scored from the spot

Zidane brought on Rodrygo in the 56th minute and the Brazilian got on the scoresheet within 30 seconds of coming on! Lucas Vazquez's cross from the right wing was met perfectly at the far post by Rodrygo to seal the game and 3 points for the Spanish giants.

Real Madrid secured their first even win against Inter Milan at San Siro and moved up to 2nd place in the table.

Inter Milan are yet to win a game in the group and are languishing at the bottom of the group having drawn to both Shakhtar Donetsk and Borussia M'Gladbach and losing home and away to Real Madrid. 

Liverpool 3-0 Leicester City. Rampant Reds end Leicester City's unbeaten away run.

Headers' were the theme of the evening at Anfield as Liverpool brushed aside Leicester City with a comprehensive win.

The injury-ridden Champions hosted Leicester City in what looked like a tricky game on paper for the champions. Brendon Rodgers' side, who were unbeaten away from home so far in the league came into the game in good form, winning their last six games in all competitions. 

Liverpool started well and Kasper Schmeichel was forced into action early on in the game with both Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota bringing the Danish keeper into action.

The Reds were rewarded for their good start when Jonny Evans scored an own goal from a Liverpool corner. The former Manchester United centre back was too engaged in a physical tussel with Sadio Mane and was unlucky to head the ball into his own net.

Liverpool looked back to their best

Leicester City had their best chance minutes after going behind. A fantastic run from the back by the impressive Fofana, who carried the ball into the midfield before feeding the ball to Vardy, whose cross was hit wide by Harvey Barnes.

Liverpool continued to be the better team and soon had a two goal cushion. An inch perfect cross from Roberton was met by a super header from Diogo Jota, who just can't stop scoring at Anfield! The Portuguese became the first Liverpool player ever to score in his first four Premier League games at Anfield and his goal meant Liverpool went into half time with a comfortable 2-0 lead.

The Champions started the second half as they ended first with pressing Leicester City high up the field and eliminating the threats from Tielemans and Maddison.

Firmino had a chance to kill the game off early in the second half when he met a pin point cross from Jota but his shot was saved by Schmeichel and his follow up header hit the post. The Brazilian had another chance to seal the points but his shot hit the post before being cleared off the line. The ball then fell to Sadio Mane, whose shot hit the crossbar and somehow the score stayed at 2-0. 

The Foxes were struggling to have a spell of possession and couldn't get their creative, flair players into action.

Firmino looked back at his best.

In the dying minutes of the game, Firmino finally got the goal that he thoroughly deserved after a brilliant performance. He rose the highest to win the header and seal three important points for Jurgen Klopp's side.

Liverpool got the win and joined Tottenham Hotspur at the top of the table with 20 points. It was an evening to forget for Leicester City and Brendan Rodgers', who returned back to East Midlands empty handed.

Manchester City 1-1 Liverpool. A tale of two penalties as the Champions hold on to a draw against Manchester City.

The Etihad was set for 'The Game' of the Premier League. The title challengers Manchester City hosted the Champions Liverpool in what promised to be the biggest game of the season so far.

Jurgen Klopp started the ,mid-week hattrick hero, Diogo Jota alongside Firmino, ending the 'either or' dilemma. Jurgen Klopp was yet to beat Pep Guardiola's Man City at the Etihad, with Liverpool last winning on the blue side of Manchester in 2015.

FIRST HALF -

The game got off to a flying start with both teams playing their typical high tempo football. Liverpool started the better of the two sides and were soon rewarded with a penalty ! Sadio Mane dribbled into the box and was brought down by Kyle Walker. Moh Salah stepped up to score his 4th goal in 4 games to give Liverpool a rare lead at the Etihad.

Mo Salah scored from the spot.

City were struggling to get Kevin De Bruyne in the game and were yet to register as shot in the opening 20 minutes. The Belgium superstar though, eventually started to find his feet and played a delightful cross to Sterling who couldn't score past Allison. The shift on moment was clear to see as the home team got more and more into the game as the first half began to settle down.

On the half hour mark, Gabriel Jesus scored the equaliser for The Citizens. The Brazilian controlled Kevin De Bruyne's pass beautifully before poking the ball in from close range. 

The VAR was called into action when De Bruyne's cross appeared to have hit the outstretched arm of Joe Gomez and the referee, Craig Pawson was invited to have a look at the monitor himself and he deemed it to be a penalty. The ever reliable Kevin De Bruyne proved for once that he is human after all when he dragged his penalty wide and both teams entered the break, level at 1-1.

Kevin de Bruyne dragged his penalty wide

SECOND HALF - 

The second half got off to a frantic start with both teams going in hammer and tongs against each other in the Manchester rain. There were changes at both ends as the two Brazilian shot-stoppers were called into action to keep the score level.

An unmarked and onside Gabriel Jesus missed a free header from a tempting cross from Cancelo. The game was finely poised going into the final quarter as both teams had exactly 50% of the possession in the second half.

Liverpool were dealt an injury blow as Trent Alexander-Arnold was forced off due to a calf injury. Firmino was replaced by Shaqiri as Klopp's Liverpool searched for a decisive goal.

As the game drew to a close, in the relentless Manchester rain, both teams looked knackered after their mid-week exhaustions and looked like they'll settle for a draw.

Full time at the Etihad - Manchester City 1-1 Liverpool.

Manchester City failed to score more than once in the Premier League for five consecutive games for the first time in 11 years. Liverpool's winless streak at the Etihad continues. This results moves City up to 10th in the points table and Liverpool move to 3rd place.

Liverpool 2-1 Sheffield United. Reds secure 3 points on a tricky night for the champions

Diogo Jota scored the winner on his Anfield debut

Sheffield United came at Anfield determined to kick start their season and they will be disappointed to leave without a point. The champions had to dig deep and come from behind on the night but secured 3 vital points to get level on points with Merseyside neighbours Everton.

Jurgen Klopp went with 4-2-3-1 formation with Salah leading the line for Liverpool. Allison was deemed fit to start and Fabinho started at centre back again in the absence of Virgil Van Dijk. The visitors who were yet to win a league game this season gave a first league start for the former Liverpool favourite Rhian Brewster, who supported Oliver McBurnie in attack.

The defending champions made another typically strong start to the game, bringing Aaron Ramsdale in action early on to deny an extravagant attempt to score from his own half by Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Liverpool right back saw Ramsdale off the line and decided to goal for goal from just inside his own half but the former Bournemouth goalkeeper scrambled back and tipped it over to top. 

However, against the run of play, Sheffield United got a penalty for a foul on Oliver McBurnie by Fabinho. The referee Mike Dean initially gave a free kick from just outside the box but VAR intervened and deemed that the contact had occurred on the line and Sheffield United were awarded a spot kick. Sander Berge scored from the spot to give Blades a lead in a premier league for the first time this season.

Berge scored from the spot for The Blades

The Champions pressed for the equaliser with Wijnaldum and Fabinho both having chances to level the scores but their efforts were off target. Liverpool chasing the equaliser opened up spaces for Sheffield United on the counter attack but McBurnie and Osberg both missed golden opportunities to double the visitors lead.

Sheffield United were left to regret these missed chances as Liverpool equalised through Roberto Firmino. A rare Anfield goal for the Brazilian, as he tapped the ball in the net after Ramsdale palmed away a Sadio Mane header straight into his path. Firmino's first goal this season for Liverpool meant both teams going in level at half time.

The hosts started the second half as they ended the first with Mo Salah curling one just over the crossbar. Around the hour mark,the Egyptian spelled his magic with a magical touch and a vollied finish but his Bergkamp like goal was rightfully cancelled out for offside. Liverpool were rewarded for their constant pressure as Diogo Jota marked his first Anfield start in the league with a goal. The Portuguese international met Sadio Mane's pinpoint cross with a perfect header to give the champions a lead for the first time on the night.

Sheffield United reacted positively to going behind and kept creating chances. Chris Wilder brought on McGoldrick looking for an equaliser and the Irish international almost made an instant impact seconds after coming on but his shot went over the crossbar. On the other end, Salah had the chance to seal the 3 points for the Reds as he turned away from John Egan and chipped the ball over Ramsdale only to hit the post.

Oliver Burke had a huge chance to steal a point in the stoppage time but he snapped his shot over the top in what was the last meaningful chance of the game.

Sheffield United remain winless after 5 games after a night of If's and But's at Anfield while the Reds from Merseyside get closer to the top of the table.

Marcus Rashford scored late on for Manchester United to register a win at the Parc des Princes and yes, you've heard that before.

Manchester United beat PSG away to start their Champions League campaign with a win.

Marcus Rashford and Manchester United's love story with Paris continued as Ole Gunnar Solskjær's travelling reds registered a crucial win in the opening fixture of their UEFA champions league.

The Manchester United manager was missing key players through injury and opted for a back five, with youngster Axel Tuanzebe making a start for the first time this season as well as a debut for the new signing Alex Telles. PSG were missing some important players themselves but the attacking trio of Neymar, Mbappe and Di Maria were fit to start for the last season's runner ups.

The hosts dominated the ball in the early stages as David de Gea had to pull off crucial saves to keep the game level. First, a curling shot from a former-red Di maria and then a point blank save from Kurzawa. On the other end, Martial was fouled in the box by Diallo and the referee awarded United a spot kick. Bruno Fernandes who missed his penalty on the weekend against Newcastle United missed again but what followed was another VAR intervention. Navas was off the line and a retake was awarded which Bruno Fernandes put away to give United a 1-0 lead going into half time.

The second half started with PSG dominating the ball and trying to breach the United defence but the visitors had the best chances early on with Rashford going through on goal twice and failing to convert both of them. David de Gea was back to his stunning best when he denied Kylian Mbappe but the Spaniard was helpless when Anthony Martial headed the ball into his own net from a corner to get PSG level. 

Paul Pogba replaced Alex Telles to play the final quarter of the game and Manchester United started to look more threatening. In an end to end game both teams had their chances to win it but some fine tacking by Aaron Wan Bissaka and great saves by Keylor Navas and De Gea kept the game at 1-1. The game looked to be heading to a draw but then up stepped Marcus Rashford. The 22 year old received the ball at the edge of the box before hitting a hard low shot towards the bottom corner to restore Manchester United's lead.

This win takes Manchester United to second in Group H in these early Champions League stage. They'll face RB Leipzig at Old Trafford next as PSG will travel away to Istanbul to face Istanbul Basaksehir.

Bernd Leno heroics helps Arsenal beat Liverpool on penalties to enter the Carabao Cup Quarter Finals

Liverpool hosted Arsenal for a second time in 3 days as the premier league champions hosted Gunners for a place in the Quarter Finals of the Carabao Cup. 

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta made a wholesale change to the team that lost to Liverpool just 3 days ago . Bukayo Saka, who is called up for the England squad, was given a start at Anfield along with Dani Ceballos who impressed in the second half on Monday. Liverpool made 9 changes to the winning team from Monday as only Virgil Van Djik and Mo Salah kept their places.

The first half was a very cagey affair with both teams midfield dominating the ball. Arsenal enjoyed early possession of the ball but the best chance in early stages went to Liverpool's Grijic who missed timed his volley after a cross from Jota. Arsenal had the ball in the back of the net from a well worked free kick but the referee disallowed it for a foul on Grijic during the build up to that goal. The best chance of a goalless first half though came right at the end when Leno made a diving save from Jota's shot and Minamino hit the crossbar from close range. 

The second half was more eventful as Liverpool pressed for an opener but Leno was like a wall that they could not break down. The German Keeper put on his 'A-Game' to deny Grujic and then Van Dijk. The Arsenal No.1 dived to his left to make a brilliant reflection save to deny Van Dijk from close range. The saving spree continued as Leno denied Jota on a couple of occasions, once brilliantly diving to his left. 

Arsenal's best chance came in the 70th minute when Holding won a header in the box unchallenged but hit it straight at Adrian who made a good save. A second half dominated by the goalkeepers came to an end with both keepers keeping their clean sheets as the game went to penalties.

On a day when Leno looked unbeatable, fittingly it was the German keeper who saved 2 penalties in the shootout after a host of brilliant saves in 90 minutes to put Arsenal in the Quarter Final draw.

Penalties- 

Milner - ✔️                     Lacazette- ✔️

Wijnaldum-✔️               Cedric - ✔️

Minamino - ✔️              Elneny - ❌

Origi - ❌                        Maitland Niles - ✔️

Jones - ✔️                        Pepe - ✔️

Wilson - ❌                     Willock - ✔️

Spurs best Chelsea on Penalties to enter the Carabao Cup Quarter finals.

 Jose Mourinho's love affair with the League Cup continued as Spurs beat Chelsea on penalties to enter the next round of Carabao Cup.

The 4th round match of The Carabao Cup between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea went into the penalty shootout with Tottenham winning 5-4 on penalties. Mason Mount missed his spot kick as Spurs entered the Quarter Final of the League Cup.

Spurs made 9 changes to their starting XI that faced Newcastle United on Sunday with only Hugo Lloris and Eric Dier keeping their places in the team. Spanish full back Sergio Reguillon made his Spurs debut as Dele Alli was omitted from the squad again. Chelsea's new Goal-Keeper Edouard Mendy made his debut for the Blues. Both teams were looking to get back to winning ways after drawing their Premier League games on the weekend.

Chelsea started the game well and were rewarded in the 18th minute when Timo Werner opened his Chelsea account with a well taken goal from the edge of the box. Azpilicueta's cross was well received and finished emphatically through a crowd of Spurs players. This was Werner's first goal for the Blues after his move from RB Leipzig where he scored 95 times in 4 seasons.

Lamela and Gedson Fernandes had a chance to equalise for Spurs but their attack looked toothless in the first half that Chelsea dominated.

Spurs made a fast start to the second half as Sergio Reguillon's shot was palmed away byMendy. Harry Kane was introduced in the 70th minute as Spurs began to press for an equaliser. 

Werner and Hudson-Odoi missed good chances to put the game beyond Spurs but missed their chances. Hudson Odoi skied his effort and Werner's low drive was saved by Lloris and they were left to rue their chances as Eric Lamela equalised in the 84th min, calmly finishing a Reguillon's cross to take the game into penalties.

Both the teams scored their first 4 penalties leaving it to Harry Kane and Mason Mount to finish the job. Kane calmly slotted the ball into the bottom. Mason Mount's spot kick hit the outside of the post and Spurs entered the quarter final of the Carabao Cup. 

Penalties - 

Eric Dier - ✔️                Tammy Abraham- ✔️

Eric Lamela - ✔️           Azpilicueta - ✔️

Højbjerg - ✔️                 Jorginho - ✔️

Lucas Moura - ✔️         Emerson - ✔️

Harry Kane - ✔️           Mason Mount - ❌