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Jurgen Klopp joked that he used the promise of the captain’s armband to sell Curtis Jones on the idea of playing right-back for Liverpool in Wednesday’s 3-1 Carabao Cup win over Leicester. Jones was the only player retained from Saturday’s 3-1 win over West Ham, but dropped back from midfield to fill in on the right side of defence in the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez, with Stefan Bajcetic on the bench after playing right-back against LASK last week. Even with plenty of experience in the side, the 22-year-old Jones took the armband as he adjusted to a new role. “Yesterday, when I told him he will play right-back, I sold the right-back idea with the captaincy,” Klopp said. “He was already completely excited when I told him he would play right-back, and the way he executed it was super special, I have to say. Wow. “We thought about him because we couldn’t play Stefan, we have to be careful with him. Joey will be OK for the weekend (away to Tottenham) but was not OK for today so we have to find solutions and Curtis was always in my mind as a potential solution. “He enjoys being on the ball and the deeper you are the more often you can get the ball. It was a top performance I have to say for the first time in for him a strange position. I liked that. He’s in a good moment and could probably play each position. “But we will try to use him as often as possible in his natural position.” Jones was one of several Liverpool players to earn praise from Klopp after their come-from-behind victory. He was already completely excited when I told him he would play right-back, and the way he executed it was super special, I have to say. Wow Jurgen Klopp on Curtis Jones Dominik Szoboszlai took the headlines after hitting a superb strike to give Liverpool the lead just five minutes after coming off the bench, completing the turnaround after Cody Gakpo’s goal early in the second half had cancelled out Kasey McAteer’s effort, with Diogo Jota getting a late third. But Klopp reeled off a list of several performances he was impressed by, including those from Wataru Endo, Jarell Quansah, Harvey Elliott, and Ryan Gravenberch. “There were super signs, I really like that a lot,” Klopp said. “The boys enjoyed playing it and you saw how they were pressing until the last second. They really enjoyed it and that’s cool. “Minute by minute, we grew into that game and it was a top performance, to be honest. “With all the quality of Leicester, we have to admit that as well, super-coached team obviously, super set-up, you can pretty much see, feel and smell the confidence they have because of their situation, so that made life difficult. “But we kept going and improved during the game as a team clearly but individually as well, a lot of performances stepped up and here we are, and I like that a lot.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Can United, City or Arsenal dethrone champions Chelsea? – WSL talking points Pep Guardiola takes positives from Man City display despite Carabao Cup exit Eddie Howe hails ‘absolutely outstanding’ Paul Dummett after Man City scalp

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe saluted his supporting cast after seeing a much-changed team edge past Manchester City and into the Carabao Cup fourth round. Howe left out 10 of the men who started Sunday’s 8-0 Premier League romp at Sheffield United for Wednesday night’s clash with the treble winners, yet saw them emerge with a hard-fought 1-0 victory. He reserved particular praise for central defenders Paul Dummett and Jamaal Lascelles, with the former, who has been at the club since the age of nine, turning in a dogged display in his first appearance since August last year. Howe said: “I thought Paul was absolutely outstanding. When you see him behind the scenes every day, his commitment to Newcastle, the professionalism that he shows, his standards have been exemplary since I’ve been here. “That’s why I was so determined to keep him in the summer – and he can still play an important role on the pitch. “He’s got real experience and a really good defensive mindset. I thought him and Jamaal, the pair of them, were really, really good for us and I’m delighted that we showed that strength in our back line because it’s going to be hugely important this season.” The 32-year-old Geordie was part of a team in which only keeper Nick Pope kept his place from the weekend, while there were first starts for summer signings Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall and 17-year-old midfielder Lewis Miley. City were dominant before the break, but created few genuine chances other than a Julian Alvarez strike which was blocked by Pope, and opposite number Stefan Ortega had to be equally resilient to keep out Jacob Murphy’s attempt as the half-time whistle approached. However, the introduction of Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon at the break gave the Magpies a better balance. They took the lead through Alexander Isak’s 53rd-minute goal and never really looked like surrendering it as Pep Guardiola turned to his bench, but left Erling Haaland sitting on it. Newcastle now face a reunion with their conquerors in last season’s final, Manchester United, at Old Trafford in the fourth round as they attempt to deal with the competing demands of a schedule which includes Champions League football for the first time in 20 years. However, asked if victory over competition favourites City might change his priorities, Howe said: “I don’t think we’re looking too far ahead. “We can only look at what’s in front of us and try to continue the good form that we’re in. Then when this competition comes around again, we’ll give it our full focus. “The preparation for today was the same as any other game. Yes, we rotated the team, but we felt that was a necessity. We still wanted to win the game.” Isak, who limped off with a tight calf muscle shortly after scoring, will be assessed ahead of Saturday’s league clash with Burnley. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Pep Guardiola takes positives from Man City display despite Carabao Cup exit Sean Dyche knows process to revive Everton will take time after another win Mauricio Pochettino hopes Chelsea can build momentum after ending winless run

Pep Guardiola was counting the positives despite seeing Manchester City dumped out of the Carabao Cup at Newcastle. Wednesday night’s 1-0 defeat at St James’ Park ended City’s interest at the third-round stage, although boss Guardiola scoffed at the suggestion afterwards that a quadruple to go with last season’s treble was ever on the cards. Nevertheless the Spaniard, who made eight changes for the trip to Tyneside, was focusing on the future and the prospect of more silverware despite the disappointment of defeat. Guardiola said: “We have incredibly positive things for many, many players for their good play. “The competitions we won plus the European Super Cup, we have three more competitions to play in. For the rest of the teams, good luck for the Carabao Cup.” Only Manuel Akanji, Josko Gvardiol and Julian Alvarez of those who started Saturday’s 2-0 Premier League win over Nottingham Forest did so again against the Magpies as Guardiola used the depth of his impressive squad. That meant places in the XI for England duo Kalvin Phillips and Jack Grealish, as well as Mateo Kovacic, and there was a first senior start for 20-year-old midfielder Oscar Bobb and another first-team appearance for teenager Rico Lewis. Oscar was more than brilliant in all parts, offence and defence Pep Guardiola on Oscar Bobb Asked about Bobb’s contribution, Guardiola said: “Oscar was more than brilliant in all parts, offence and defence. “He’s played as a number 10, as a striker, as a winger. We know in the pockets in the middle he moves really well. His intensity is good, he works without the ball.” City dominated the first half without creating clear-cut chances other than an attempt from Alvarez which was blocked by keeper Nick Pope, and ultimately they were made to pay by Alexander Isak, whose 53rd-minute strike as the home side rallied after the break proved decisive. Guardiola said: “We were brilliant first half. I think Newcastle couldn’t accept [our first-half dominance], they increased the rhythm and aggression and kicking and they were there, more aggressive. “We struggled a little, but that’s normal. I said at half-time the second half will not be like the first. I don’t know how many fouls they did and how many we did, but we had double yellow cards. It is what it is. “I said to be there in the bad moments and we were there. At the end, we could not win. Congratulations to Newcastle.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Eddie Howe hails ‘absolutely outstanding’ Paul Dummett after Man City scalp Sean Dyche knows process to revive Everton will take time after another win Mauricio Pochettino hopes Chelsea can build momentum after ending winless run

What the papers say The Daily Mail reports that Real Madrid, Chelsea and Saudi Arabian clubs are spearheading a pursuit for Victor Osimhen, with the possibility of the 24-year-old striker pushing to leave Serie A side Napoli in January. Staying in Italy, the BBC reports that Roma could look to make a move for Tottenham’s Eric Dier in January. The 29-year-old England international has yet to feature for Spurs this season and is out of contract next summer. Manchester United will open contract talks with Hannibal Mejbri to keep him at Old Trafford, according to the BBC, although Spanish side Sevillia are rumoured to have their sights set on the 20-year-old Tunisia midfielder. Social media round-up According to the Transfer News Live Twitter account, Barcelona has verbally agreed to a 35 million euro (£30m) fee with Manchester City to see Joao Cancelo‘s loan turned into a permanent move. Players to watch Jadon Sancho: The i reports that the soured relationship between the England winger and Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag may be beyond repair. Chelsea: Italian football site Calciomercato reckons the Blues are on the hunt for a new left-back, and the Stamford Bridge club apparently have their eyes set on Inter Milan’s Federico Dimarco and AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez as their first stops in the January transfer window. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Gareth Bale will boost the bid from the UK and Ireland to host Euro 2028 by joining the Welsh delegation in Geneva next month. Bale, the Wales men’s team’s most capped player and record goalscorer, retired from football in January after an illustrious career that saw him win five Champions League titles and three FIFA Club World Cups at Real Madrid. The 34-year-old has now offered a helping hand for Wales to become a Euro 2028 co-host alongside England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Republic of Ireland. Turkey are also in the running to stage the tournament, with the final decision to be made in Geneva on October 10 when Bale will be present. Football Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney said: “We are hoping for a successful bid and Gareth is very much part of the FAW and what we do. He has been identified as one of the faces of the bid presentation. “Gareth is globally famous. You can get into a taxi in Sydney or Peru and if you mention you are from Wales they will say ‘Gareth Bale’. It is an instant reaction. “When I go home to the west of Ireland the first thing people say to me is ‘how is Gareth Bale?’ “Gareth is so good for us. We went to him and asked him if he would get involved in the Euro ’28 bid and he just said: ‘What can I do for Wales?’ “It was instant – ‘how can I help you get the bid over the line?'” Ten stadia across the five nations would host matches if the Euro 2028 bid is successful – Wembley, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Etihad Stadium, Everton’s new Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium, Villa Park and St James’ Park being the venues in England. A redeveloped Casement Park in Belfast, the Dublin Arena in the Republic, Hampden Park in Scotland and the Principality Stadium in Wales – the 74,500-capacity home of Welsh rugby – would also stage matches. The Principality Stadium would be referred to as the Cardiff National Stadium during the tournament due to UEFA rules over sponsorship. Wales hope to stage as many as six matches if the bid is successful, with Mooney having said last October that Cardiff could be in line to stage the opening game of the tournament. Mooney said: “Six games for Wales has been mentioned before, but it is ultimately up to UEFA to decide on the division of games, qualification from the five host nations and things like that. “We’re lucky in that we have a fantastic stadium to offer in a magnificent city. Cardiff hosted a very successful Champions League final in 2017 and UEFA were very happy with it. “But we feel we can get more out of hosting a series of games than from a stand alone match. “There were tens of thousands of Spanish and Italian fans in Cardiff for Real Madrid against Juventus, and they all had a great time. But they were gone the next day. “What the 2016 Euros did for France as a brand, and 2024 will do for Germany, was fantastic. “The Covid-hit Euros weren’t the same and the World Cup in Qatar was a different experience.” Mooney is confident that work on upgrading the Principality Stadium to meet UEFA standards will be completed should the bid from the UK and Ireland prove successful. He said: “Cardiff Council and the Welsh Government are backing the bid and are happy with the projected return on investment. “Millions of pounds will need to be spent on the Principality Stadium to get it up to scratch. It needs new floodlights and a scoreboard. “There are also issues over hospitality numbers and the TV compound. But these are all things that will be resolved.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Eddie Howe ends his Pep Guardiola hoodoo as Newcastle knock out Man City Jurgen Klopp hails Dominik Szoboszlai after bright start to Liverpool career Sean Dyche knows process to revive Everton will take time after another win

Eddie Howe was delighted to finally get the better of Pep Guardiola as he steered Newcastle past Manchester City into the Carabao Cup fourth round. Last season’s beaten finalists triumphed 1-0 at St James’ Park, and then saw themselves drawn against City’s derby rivals Manchester United – their conquerors at Wembley in February – at Old Trafford. For Magpies head coach Howe, it was a first win in 14 attempts against Guardiola as a manager, but that was not his main cause for celebration. Howe said: “Yes, my record against him isn’t good, so it’s nice to win, but most importantly it’s not about that it’s about trying to progress in the competition and I’m delighted with the players, delighted with the efforts that they gave. “It was a very difficult game for us in that first half, I thought they played very well. I thought we defended very well – we had to because we struggled, didn’t have much rhythm. “But then the second half was a totally different performance. The balance of of the team was much better and I’m delighted with everyone’s commitment to the game.” While Howe chose to rest 10 of the men who started Sunday’s 8-0 Premier League demolition of Sheffield United, opposite number Pep Guardiola made eight changes, although it was the way in which they used their respective benches which ultimately proved decisive. The Spaniard kept star striker Erling Haaland in reserve and asked substitute Phil Foden to try to rescue the tie for him, while his opposite number changed the pattern of the game by sending on Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon at the break and reaped the rewards. Newcastle have already lost to City and Liverpool in the league this season, so victory over one of the big boys was all the more welcome. Howe said: “The only way you go into these games with more belief is by winning, so hopefully that will serve us well for the future. It shows that we are capable. “Yes, both teams made changes, but all you can do is try to win the game and we did, and I’m delighted with the players.” You think the target was to win the quadruple? Honestly, it's not Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola The game was settled by Alexander Isak’s 53rd-minute finish at the end of a powerful run by Joelinton, although City were left kicking themselves for not capitalising on their domination before the break and their failure to mount a fresh charge after it. Asked if he was disappointed that his side could no longer win a quadruple to go with the treble they landed last season, a bemused Guardiola said: “You think the target was to win the quadruple? Honestly, it’s not. “We competed really well and we are more than satisfied to win the treble. Our expectations are high, but not high enough to not be satisfied with that.” Guardiola opted not to throw Haaland into the mix as time ran down, and was happy to defend that decision. Asked if he considered sending the frontman on, he said: “No. I thought Kyle (Walker had played) a lot of minutes, Erling a lot of minutes. We have a lot of games ahead of us. “Maybe the last 10-15 minutes, but I decided not to do it.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Jurgen Klopp hails Dominik Szoboszlai after bright start to Liverpool career Sean Dyche knows process to revive Everton will take time after another win Mauricio Pochettino hopes Chelsea can build momentum after ending winless run

Sean Dyche insists Everton cannot rush their recovery after the Toffees’ impressive Carabao Cup win at Aston Villa. James Garner and Dominic Calvert-Lewin fired the visitors into the fourth round – and a home tie with Burnley – following their 2-1 victory. Boubacar Kamara pulled a late goal back to spark a Villa rally but any comeback would have been undeserved for the awful hosts. Everton lost 4-0 at Villa Park in the Premier League just five weeks ago but have secured back-to-back wins for the first time in a year as their season splutters into life. Investment firm 777 Partners is also waiting for approval on its takeover and Dyche knows the process to revive the club takes time. “The story of Everton has been a two-to-three season story, the cloud hanging over it a little bit. The only people who can change that story is us,” he said, after four defeats from their opening five league games. “The team starts the process, bonding the club together, bonding the fans. You want that bond. “We want a strong connection with the fans, the rest I can’t control, but a strong connection is something we can get with the way the players go about their business. “We are trying to work with things on and off the pitch, there’s so much alignment which needs to be done from top to bottom. You can’t just fast track everything. The last couple of seasons have not been where Everton want to be. “Now it’s step-by-step, building a team which is more competitive and gets more wins. The rest of it takes care of itself.” Everton’s press unnerved Villa and earned them the opener after 15 minutes when they forced a mistake. Robin Olsen’s poor clearance under pressure landed for Amadou Onana on the edge of the area, with Calvert-Lewin and Arnaut Danjuma returning the ball. Onana slipped a clever pass through to Garner to smash in his first Toffees goal from 10 yards. Olsen stopped a comical John McGinn own goal and thwarted Calvert-Lewin but was powerless to stop the striker adding a second five minutes after the break. Youri Tielemans’ poor pass left Ezri Konsa short and Calvert-Lewin darted in to run through and beat Olsen. It was all the visitors deserved yet they needed Jordan Pickford to stop Moussa Diaby pulling a goal back immediately. Calvert-Lewin tested Olsen but Kamara gave Villa faint hope when his strike from the edge of the box deflected in off Michael Keane. Diaby and Douglas Luiz went close to forcing penalties but poor Villa slumped to their first home defeat since February. “It’s not (about being) tired,” said boss Unai Emery, who made five changes from Sunday’s 1-0 win at Chelsea which lifted Villa to sixth in the Premier League. “I don’t want to use all our effort with the players each match. We are trying to keep a balance with some different players but trying to be competitive. “We’re disappointed with the start and mistakes we made but we are trying to go forward and building the team. “We made the second mistake quickly (in the second half) and it was difficult to come back. “We have to move on quickly, try to recover the players for Saturday (against Brighton) because we need the best performance.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Jurgen Klopp hails Dominik Szoboszlai after bright start to Liverpool career Mauricio Pochettino hopes Chelsea can build momentum after ending winless run Marco Silva knows Fulham need to start taking their chances

Jurgen Klopp praised the impact of Dominik Szoboszlai at Anfield after the summer signing came off the bench to fire Liverpool into the last 16 of the Carabao Cup. Liverpool had to come from behind to beat Championship leaders Leicester 3-1 after Kasey McAteer silenced Anfield just three minutes in. But after Cody Gakpo equalised early in the second half, Szoboszlai struck an unstoppable shot in the 70th minute, moments after coming on, with Diogo Jota wrapping it up with a late goal of his own. Szoboszlai’s rocket from the edge of the D was his second goal since his £60million summer switch from RB Leipzig and another marker into the impressive start the Hungarian has made on Merseyside. “I don’t have to tell him to shoot, he knows that better than me,” Klopp said. “He has a pretty good skill. The next (shot) he had which was slightly over was another grenade as well. It was a super goal.” The ease with which Szoboszlai has made himself at home at Anfield has been key to the strong start Liverpool, second in the Premier League, have made in all competitions as they look to have solved many of the midfield problems that dogged them last season. Asked if Szoboszlai had settled quicker than expected, Klopp said: “It’s so long ago that he’s here that I’ve forgotten what I thought but since the first minute of training it was pretty impressive. “That’s how it is. He’s a top bloke, a top guy and it’s easy to step into the team and the dressing room and stuff like this. “He’s a very naturally confident boy and that helps but it’s super hard work as well and that’s what you see today.” The night started badly for Liverpool when Konstantinos Tsimikas’ early free-kick was cleared and the Greece defender was then left on the deck by Marc Albrighton as Leicester raced away to score. But Klopp said what stood out to him was the way his players responded. It’s so long ago that he’s here that I’ve forgotten what I thought but since the first minute of training it was pretty impressive Jurgen Klopp “The headline is that we are 1-0 down but it was a completely different goal – I’m not sure if it was a foul or not but we could have defended a bit better in that first moment, and then it’s a good pass and a good finish. “Then it is all about the reaction. Our players responded well. We created massive chances that were difficult to miss, but we did, and the goalkeeper saved some and we hit the crossbar. “How (we didn’t score) I have no clue but at half-time it was clear we were going to make sure we didn’t get frustrated. We were not really chasing the game but playing the game and that’s what the boys did. It was a top performance.” It was only a second defeat of the season for Leicester as they chase an instant return to the top flight and Enzo Maresca said the performance was more important than the result. “I’m very, very proud of the players because to come to this stadium against this opponent and to continue playing in the way we want to play I think they showed they were very brave,” he said. “Even after 45 minutes when we were 1-0 up I was not focused on the result, it’s always important of course, but I told them before the game the focus for us is to go there and continue to play in the way we want.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Sean Dyche knows process to revive Everton will take time after another win Mauricio Pochettino hopes Chelsea can build momentum after ending winless run Marco Silva knows Fulham need to start taking their chances

Mauricio Pochettino hailed the character and personality of his players after watching Chelsea end a three-game winless run by beating Brighton in the Carabao Cup third round. Home supporters witnessed a victory at Stamford Bridge for just the third time since March as Nicolas Jackson’s goal proved the difference between the sides and set up a fourth-round meeting with Blackburn. Jackson struck five minutes after half-time with a composed finish into the corner from Cole Palmer’s pass, becoming the first Chelsea player to score since Enzo Fernandez netted in the second round against AFC Wimbledon on 30 August. Pochettino has repeatedly claimed in recent weeks that performances have been better than the team’s results, and he was relieved to finally see the tide turn in what he called a deserved win. “Very pleased with the performance again,” he said. “(I am) happy for the victory and (it is) important to go through and build our momentum. I hope to build momentum for the future from today. “Very pleased when the strikers score, it’s important. He needed to feel the net, it was an important game for him. “All the team was really good. If we assess, all the players were in a very good level. “Cole is a very talented player, he was key in this victory. He’s still young, he still needs to settle in the club and the city but we saw today how good he is. “I think they (the players) showed character and personality.” Chelsea’s night was slightly blighted by uncertain first-half performances from former Brighton pair Robert Sanchez and Marc Cucurella. Sanchez in goal endured a particularly torrid night, with poor distribution gifting chances to Joao Pedro and Ansu Fati, while he also repeatedly hit passes into touch. Pochettino would not be drawn into criticism of the two. “The first half sometimes we didn’t provide Robert and Marc good angles to play and have continuity,” he said. “After half-time I think we fixed that and were much better. But in a difficult moment they showed character. It’s never easy to play in these circumstances. Today was a must-win, we needed to win this game. “Sometimes the pressure to win, you can’t be perfect. In the second half we dominated the game and we deserved the victory.” Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi defended his selection, with a number of first-team regulars having been rested following Sunday’s win over Bournemouth. “We played good enough to win the game but to win you have to score,” he said. “We didn’t score in the first half when we had many chances to score. Not difficult chances. We were not able to score, then you keep the game open. “I am sorry, I’m disappointed for the result because I want to compete in four competitions. I think the first XI was enough to win the game. “We have to adapt, we have to improve, The young players have to progress, but quickly, because in football we don’t have time. “I don’t want to make any excuses. It was the right first XI to win the game.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Marco Silva knows Fulham need to start taking their chances Bournemouth facing anxious wait over Dominic Solanke’s ankle injury Billy McKinlay relieved West Ham avoided upset against Lincoln

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is sweating on Dominic Solanke’s fitness after the striker limped off with an ankle injury late on in the 2-0 win over Stoke at the Vitality Stadium. Striker Solanke was brought on at half-time to reinvigorate Bournemouth and put his side ahead six minutes after coming on. Joe Rothwell smashed in a free-kick to confirm the Cherries’ spot in the fourth round – where they will host Liverpool – but Solanke was replaced with five minutes to go to sour the evening. “Dom has played well,” said Iraola, of his top scorer. “We needed a change of energy and the whole of the team had a different attitude in the second half. “Unfortunately, he couldn’t finish the game, that was probably the worst part of the evening. “We will see tomorrow if the ankle is swollen or not but we have a very tight schedule so it will be tough for him to play at the weekend.” Former Liverpool forward Solanke controlled a low cross from Adam Smith before finishing with a neat swivel for his fourth goal of the season. Three minutes later, the Cherries were in complete control when Rothwell’s free-kick from the left side of the box escaped everyone’s touch and bounced into the bottom corner. It was the midfielder’s first goal since arriving from Blackburn before last season. Iraola was happy to progress but not to be up against Jurgen Klopp’s Reds in the next round. The Spaniard said: “We wouldn’t have chosen Liverpool, for sure, but I think we have to make them play a good game and come here and beat us. It isn’t an easy draw.” Stoke manager Alex Neil was angered by some naivety before Solanke’s goal. The Scot said: “I thought we competed really well for the majority of the match. “First half there wasn’t a lot in the game which is summed up by them bringing two strong attacking players on at half-time. “You could see at the start of the second half that they visibly upped the tempo and the lads that came on are naturally good players and got the fans behind them. “I think the biggest disappointment is that when you are playing Premier League players you can semi-accept that you can get undone by quality play but the first goal for us is so frustrating. “We gave the free-kick away and then after that we kicked the ball back to them, we weren’t set and the ball ends up in the back of the net. “All the hard work we’d done in the first half was wasted because of the lapse of concentration and naivety. “If you take the game in its entirety in terms of just playing I thought we competed and was good in spells.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Marco Silva knows Fulham need to start taking their chances Billy McKinlay relieved West Ham avoided upset against Lincoln Mikel Arteta praises returning Aaron Ramsdale as he helps Arsenal beat Brentford

Marco Silva called for Fulham to be more ruthless in front of goal after their narrow 2-1 win over Norwich in the Carabao Cup third round. Goals from Carlos Vinicius and Alex Iwobi sealed victory for the Cottagers despite Borja Sainz’s 75th-minute effort for the visitors. Manager Silva believes Fulham need to convert more chances after they nearly paid the price for their earlier missed opportunities. “We had some good moments but we missed many chances to kill the game before and to score more goals,” Silva said. “Until the moment (Iwobi’s goal) we did not take the goal and against this type of team who have enthusiasm in this competition the game was tough and was always open. “We created a big number of chances but we need to be more ruthless and effective. “We have to finish moments when the ball is inside the box. We had it from the right and from the left so many times. “We need to be more assertive in those moments because we created enough.” Iwobi’s memorable second-half strike was his first Fulham goal since his reported £22million move from Everton on deadline day. Silva lauded the Nigerian and mentioned the reasons behind signing the midfielder. “As you know he’s a player I know really well and I was responsible for him to sign for Everton as well,” Silva added. “I know what he can do as a player for ourselves in different positions on the pitch. “He has qualities, he’s dynamic and his energy as well is going to make him an important player for us.” Norwich manager David Wagner credited his side’s performance on a night where they narrowly avoided drawing level and forcing the game to penalties. He said: “It was good to see us play by our structure and principles. We are a side who can be good against a Premier League side which is still the case even though we made changes. “It was good and it will give us a major boost for what is in front of us.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Bournemouth facing anxious wait over Dominic Solanke’s ankle injury Billy McKinlay relieved West Ham avoided upset against Lincoln Mikel Arteta praises returning Aaron Ramsdale as he helps Arsenal beat Brentford

West Ham assistant manager Billy McKinlay was pleased his much-changed side were able to come through a tough test at Lincoln in the Carabao Cup. The Premier League Hammers, who made 10 changes from their defeat at Liverpool on Sunday, were pushed hard by the League One Imps but battled to a 1-0 win. Only Tomas Soucek remained in the starting XI from the Anfield game and that proved vital as he scored the only goal in the 70th minute. “I thought we deserved the win, it was a tough night but we got through,” McKinlay said. “We caused our own problems a little bit and gave them encouragement. In the second half, it was a bit better and we had some good opportunities to create a bit more. “But we’re delighted to get through. “As the game goes on you’re always wary that one goal might be the one that wins the game, so we had to get it. “All in all we are happy and glad to be in the next round.” On making 10 changes, McKinlay added: “We have got a really strong squad, plenty of players are fighting for the shirt. “At the moment the boys who are playing in the Premier League probably have possession of that but that can change very quickly. “If you’re in the team and playing well you keep the shirt and that’s what we want to see.” Lincoln, who beat Sheffield United in the previous round, were eyeing another upset and things might have been different had Reeco Hackett buried a free header just before half-time. The Imps were not able to recreate a strong first-half performance but still bowed out with their heads held high. Boss Mark Kennedy said: “I thought it was a really good game of football from both teams. “It is fine margins in the end. I was really impressed with West Ham, I’m not going to say the best team lost but we definitely deserved something from the game. “We knew we had to be at our maximum and hope they’re not. “I thought everyone who stepped on to the pitch did themselves proud. “I’m incredibly proud, the players should be very proud of themselves. I thought everyone did themselves justice.”