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Mikel Arteta had no doubt Aaron Ramsdale would perform when called upon after the goalkeeper kept Brentford at bay. Reiss Nelson’s early goal secured a 1-0 victory at the Gtech Community Stadium to send Arsenal through to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup. But it was two fine saves from Ramsdale in the second half which denied the Bees the chance to get back into the match. Ramsdale had sat out the last three matches, including Sunday’s north London derby draw against Tottenham, with Arteta preferring David Raya, the summer signing from Brentford. The Gunners fans sung his name before kick-off and Arteta said: “For sure, he’s been exceptional around the place and especially with the situation. “We love him, for sure. We know his character and what he brings to the team and we are happy to have him. Every player is very important. Today he had the opportunity to play and he had a really good game. “I’m really happy. It was two very different halves. In the second they had a more aggressive approach and we were too direct and it became a difficult game. “When we don’t play that well you need some big blocks in the box and we did that.” The winning goal came after only eight minutes thanks to a mistake by the recalled Mathias Jorgensen, whose pass back wrong-footed Ethan Pinnock. Eddie Nketiah leapt on the error, cutting the ball back for Nelson who stepped past a sliding Nathan Collins before neatly finishing past Mark Flekken. Brentford improved after the break but were frustrated when Ramsdale tipped Yoane Wissa’s snap-shot against a post, and then aimed a fist pump at the home fans behind the goal who had been giving him stick. “I didn’t see the second part, but I saw the first. It was a great save and crucial for us to win the game,” added Arteta. Ramsdale then flung himself to his left to deny Frank Onyeka with time running out. Bees boss Thomas Frank said: “I hate losing so it’s always tough to take but very pleased with the performance. That is the thing we can build on. “Good performance in the first half and excellent in the second half. I think Arsenal were very lucky to get away with this with the chances we created in the second half.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Billy Vunipola ready to resume physical role for England when required Alexander Isak grabs winner as Newcastle beat Manchester City in Carabao Cup Carlos Vinicius and Alex Iwobi strike in Fulham’s win over Norwich

Alexander Isak fired Newcastle into the Carabao Cup fourth round at the expense of Manchester City. The Sweden international struck eight minutes after the break to seal a 1-0 victory for the Magpies – their first over City in any competition in 11 attempts – in front of a crowd of 51,692 at St James Park. Their place in the draw was reward for a dogged display by a team featuring 10 changes to the one which started Sunday’s 8-0 Premier League victory Sheffield United, but one which was particularly hard-earned after they were given the run-around before the break by Pep Guardiola’s under-studies. Guardiola made eight changes, three of them to include Mateo Kovacic, Kalvin Phillips and Jack Grealish, and – while having indicated in advance that the competition was the least of his priorities – saw his side dominate for long periods but ultimately fail to turn the pressure they exerted into goals. With Phillips and Kovacic controlling the midfield battle, the Magpies were absent as an attacking force for much of the first half. By contrast the link between Rico Lewis, Oscar Bobb – making his first senior start – and Sergio Gomez down the City right proved profitable repeatedly. Goalkeeper Nick Pope was called upon for the first time with 18 minutes gone when Bobb turned smartly on Phillips’ ball to feet and raced towards goal before feeding Julian Alvarez, whose low shot was blocked by the keeper’s boot. Paul Dummett had to make a perfectly-timed challenge to deny Grealish a clear run at goal and Sandro Tonali threw himself into the path of Kovacic’s goal-bound strike with Newcastle’s inability to retain the ball causing them all kinds of problems. Alvarez blazed a 28th-minute shot across goal after running on to Bobb’s clever flick from Kovacic’s square ball as the home side chased shadows, although they might have changed the narrative of the first half four minutes before the break. Joelinton’s interception on halfway allowed Isak to feed Jacob Murphy, who surged forward before firing across keeper Stefan Ortega, who blocked with a leg. Eddie Howe made a double change before the restart, replacing Lewis Hall and 17-year-old midfielder Lewis Miley, who was also starting for the first time, with Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon and the Magpies instantly had a better balance. Tonali saw a 48th-minute shot blocked after he, Murphy and Tino Livramento had combined down the right and Newcastle were ahead five minutes later. Murphy cut inside and found Joelinton, who powered his way into the penalty area before smashing the ball across goal from a tight angle to find the unmarked Isak, who finished with ease at the far post. In an instant, the atmosphere inside St James’ Park changed with the visitors finding themselves under sustained pressure for the first time. Grealish curled a 75th-minute shot into Pope’s arms as City responded, but their efforts were tepid and Guardiola was booked by referee Chris Kavanagh as he vented his frustration on the sideline. His mood did not improve as City’s weak efforts to redeem themselves came to nothing despite Phil Foden’s introduction. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Billy Vunipola ready to resume physical role for England when required Carlos Vinicius and Alex Iwobi strike in Fulham’s win over Norwich Everton secure back-to-back wins with cup victory at disappointing Aston Villa

Chelsea earned respite from their difficult start to the season under Mauricio Pochettino as Nicolas Jackson’s second-half goal gave them a 1-0 win against Brighton in the third round of the Carabao Cup. Roberto De Zerbi’s high-flying visitors dominated possession for much of the game but home fans witnessed their side put on an effective counter-attacking display at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea had gone three games without scoring, but that run ended when Jackson struck early in the second half after being set up by Cole Palmer, planting a composed finish into the corner to ease his personal struggles in front of goal. Pochettino made five changes from the side beaten by Aston Villa on Sunday, with Palmer brought in for his first start. The former Manchester City forward began in an advanced three alongside Mykhailo Mudryk and Ian Maatsen, but was at his most effective when dropping to receive the ball deep, seeking out the critical final-third passes that have eluded Chelsea and meant they have scored just five league goals in six games. Jackson had an early sight of goal, winning the ball on the edge of Brighton’s box and hitting a left-footed drive that deflected over. Robert Sanchez was one of three former Brighton players in the Chelsea line-up and twice in the first period the goalkeeper almost gifted his former side the lead, first passing the ball straight to the feet of Joao Pedro who chipped it inches over the bar, then putting Moises Caicedo under pressure in a central position. He was dispossessed by Carlo Baleba, who rolled the ball to Ansu Fati to fire wide from the best opening of the half. Brighton had enjoyed 66 per cent possession by the half-hour mark, leaving Chelsea to look for openings on the break. The lively Mudryk ran in behind from Caicedo’s defence-splitting pass, only for Tariq Lamptey to slide in with an expertly timed intervention. Minutes later, Mudryk turned provider, latching on to Levi Colwill’s forceful tackle that sent the ball spinning upfield and crossing low to the near post for Palmer to side-foot wide under pressure from Igor Julio. Chelsea had endured their worst start to a season in 45 years but relief looked finally to have arrived five minutes after half-time. Maatsen received the ball centrally and laid it into the feet of Palmer, who had been a lurking first-half threat playing between the lines. He tucked it in cleverly to Jackson, who wrong-footed Bart Verbruggen to guide home his second goal for the club. It was just the third time this season that Pochettino had seen his team take the lead, and they should have gone further in front when Mudryk’s energetic midfield pressing won the ball and set Jackson away, but this time the goalkeeper got the best of their duel after spreading himself well. Home fans thought Jackson had scored the second goal his performance deserved when he slotted home from Palmer’s pass, but the offside flag cut short celebrations. Brighton had late chances to level, first when Pervis Estupinan collected a raking ball and ran it to the byline, but no one had gambled as his cross fizzed across goal. Pedro then thumped a volley over the bar from Axel Disasi’s weak headed clearance but Chelsea held on to finally hand Pochettino room to breathe. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Carlos Vinicius and Alex Iwobi strike in Fulham’s win over Norwich Everton secure back-to-back wins with cup victory at disappointing Aston Villa Dominic Solanke helps fire Bournemouth into next round after beating Stoke

The expectation is that the College Football Playoff Selection Committee will amend its autobid proposal model from 6-6 to more of a 5-7. One more at-large bid will probably come about after the demise of the Pac-12 after this college football season.

Caleb Williams remains the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy and repeat for only the second time in college football history. But a challenger has joined him atop the odds board.

People looking to eat at a high-end restaurant in New York City ultimately learned that the entire thing was an elaborate prank. On Saturday 23 September, Mehran’s Steakhouse finally had a table available in its East Village location after previously having a waitlist with nearly 3,000 names on it. Around 140 diners showed up with no idea that the restaurant wasn’t real. The origins of the prank date back to 2021, when Mehran Jalali and his 16 housemates were having biweekly steak dinners that he would cook in their Upper East Side apartment. As a joke, the roommates made a Google page where they could leave good reviews. Strangers eventually found them and assumed the reviews were real. After more people got accidentally wrapped up in the prank, the roommates created a website for the steakhouse, and by 2022, the wait list had 2,600 names on it. The group then attempted to make their prank real this past weekend, when they rented an event space in the East Village, and obtained a one-day liquor license and food-handling permits before inviting those who’d put their names on the reservation list. Members of the press were able to attend the restaurant, including a New York Times food writer, as well as a reporter from the New York Post. The $144 main entree was called the Bovine Circle of Life, better known as steak and potatoes. The restaurant’s simple salad also came with an elaborate name, Agrarian Synergies. A waiter even walked around with a gallon of milk, claiming it was from a cow from Uganda named Phillip as part of the meal’s concept. Part of the prank also included a selection of framed photographs of Jalali posing with celebrities he had “cooked for” over his years as a chef, including Albert Einstein, Marilyn Monroe, Barack Obama and John F Kennedy. “The worst-case scenario for me would’ve been if like, people realise that it was a fake steakhouse not because like, like the pranks and stuff, you know, that the lies were absurd, but because just like the food wasn’t that good, which ended up not happening,” the 21-year-old told Inside Edition. The group also staged a celebrity appearance. “We had some of our friends come and hold posters for Drake so that way people walking by, people walking would think that Drake was actually inside when he really wasn’t,” one of the pranksters, Riley Walz, told the outlet. According to the Daily Mail, the creators said they hoped the night wouldn’t be a “one hit wonder”. “People said they wouldn’t change a single thing about the steak,” the chef added. Since the one-night opening, more people have taken to Google to leave the steakhouse a review. “I got the luxury of being able to attend the one night only pop up and it did not disappoint!” one review began. “The waiter was very attentive and he didn’t bat an eye even when my husband asked him to recook the steak five times! Always smiling. We received complimentary wine because of this event. It was delicious.” The review continued: “The chef told me he personally crushed the grapes with his feet and fermented the juice for 98 years. Wine was amazing but the showstopper was the steak. The aroma in the restaurant alone almost made me pass out. I was getting lightheaded as I did not eat for four days just so that I would be able to eat as much as possible today. The first bite was better than anything on Earth. I levitated ... Turns out Drake was there a bit earlier than me?! He has great taste haha.” The Independent has contacted Jalali for comment. Read More Starbucks faces lawsuit as customers claim refreshers contain no fruit Subway enthusiasts stew over launch of first ever 3-inch sandwich 8 of the best wine regions to travel to around the world Cold-weather recipes to get on your radar now Five easy recipes to cook with your kids Baked beans and pasta become kitchen cupboard staples in British households

Antony has returned to the UK from Brazil and will meet Greater Manchester Police for questioning over allegations of abuse made against him, the PA news agency understands. The 23-year-old, who joined Manchester United from Ajax last summer, has been on a leave of absence from the Premier League club since September 10. Antony is facing several accusations of physical aggression towards his former girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin, who spoke to Brazilian outlet UOL earlier this month. The winger has denied those allegations, as well as further assault claims made by Rayssa de Freitas and Ingrid Lana. Antony said in a statement on September 10: “I want to reiterate my innocence of the things I have been accused of, and I will fully cooperate with the police to help them reach the truth.” The winger has been in Brazil since the start of September, when he joined up with the national team only to be withdrawn from the squad when the allegations emerged. Antony returned to England on Tuesday, having cooperated with police inquiries in Brazil, and is now set to meet GMP. He remains on leave and it is understood he will hand over his phone to the police for inspection. The player was voluntarily interviewed by Brazilian police in June but has not been arrested or charged. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Manchester United winger Antony has flown back to the UK to face the police over allegations of abuse and violence against women made against him. Antony has agreed to hand over his phone to Greater Manchester Police (GMP) to aid their investigation into the complaints made by the footballer’s ex-partner Gabriela Cavallin. Cavallin was in a relationship with Antony for two years and submitted allegations of “physical and psychological violence” by the Brazilian star to both GMP and São Paulo police earlier this month. Further assault allegations followed from Rayssa de Freitas and Ingrid Lana, with Lana’s complaints relating to a meeting between the pair in Manchester. Antony has denied all the allegations in an interview on Brazilian TV. The 23-year-old flew back to England on Tuesday from Brazil, where he was voluntarily interviewed by police in June and they have confirmed they don’t need any more information from him. He has now agreed to voluntarily meet with GMP. Earlier this month, Antony agreed to take a “period of absence” from Manchester United on full pay to address the allegations, meaning he would not play or train with the club until further notice. Despite returning to the UK, he will still not be considered for selection At the time, a club statement read: “Manchester United acknowledges the allegations made against Antony. It has been agreed with Antony that he will delay his return until further notice in order to address the allegations. As a club we condemn acts of violence and abuse. We recognise the importance of safeguarding all those involved in this situation, and acknowledge the impact these allegations have on survivors of abuse.” This was accompanied by a statement from Antony himself, stating: “I have agreed with Manchester United to take a period of absence while I address the allegations made against me. “This was a mutual decision to avoid distraction to my teammates and unnecessary controversy for the club. I want to reiterate my innocence of the things I have been accused of, and I will fully cooperate with the police to help them reach the truth. I look forward to returning to play as soon as possible.” Read More Erik ten Hag consulted as Antony put on ‘period of absence’ from Man Utd amid abuse allegations Man Utd winger Antony appears on Brazilian TV to deny assault allegations Clubs send out wrong message playing footballers accused of abuse – Women’s Aid

Deadline-day signing Sofyan Amrabat says he only ever wanted to join Manchester United and believes Erik ten Hag’s side can “do something big” this season. The 27-year-old’s qualities came to the fore during the 2022 World Cup, where his outstanding midfield displays helped Morocco on their historic run to the semi-finals. Amrabat was linked with moves aplenty after Qatar and numerous clubs expressed their interest in a player that only wanted to leave Fiorentina this summer for one destination. The midfielder played under Ten Hag at Utrecht at the start of his career and was determined to link back up with him at United as he wrapped up a long-discussed deal at the start of September. Asked if it was a difficult process waiting to get the move, Amrabat said: “Yes, of course. “After the last game with the club, it was the Conference League final with West Ham and from that moment, the window started for me. “A lot of clubs, a lot of speaking, talking, but for me it was clear I wanted Manchester United. “It was long, long months for me, difficult months for me, but at the end it’s nice on the last day that I signed here and that I’m here is now the most important (thing).” United paid 10million euros (£8.6m) to sign Amrabat on loan for the season, with the deal including the option to trigger a permanent move. The Serie A will receive a 20m euros (£17.1m) fee and up to 5m euros (£4.3m) in potential add-ons if that option is taken by Ten Hag’s men. “I don’t think about that,” Amrabat said of his future beyond this season. “For me, today, I am a Manchester United player. “The only thing I can do is every day to give everything that I have, to do my best, to try to help the team. “I hope we have a fantastic season, I hope we can win something and then later we will see what will happen. “Of course, I would love to stay here, but that’s not important for me. I don’t look too far into the future.” Amrabat spoke as he basked in the afterglow of an impressive first appearance at Old Trafford, where he helped United beat Crystal Palace 3-0 in the Carabao Cup third round. “It was fantastic,” he said with a smile. “It was a dream of mine. Since I was a child I worked for this every day and to be here is a dream, it’s fantastic.” After a small injury delayed his debut, Amrabat finally made his bow off the bench in Saturday’s much-needed win at Burnley before making his first start against Palace three days later. Those back-to-back victories have lifted the mood around Old Trafford after what had been a challenging start to the season on and off the field for absentee-hit United. Pressure and scrutiny had grown having lost four of their opening six matches of a season for the first time since 1986, but Amrabat is confident they can kick on and enjoy a successful season. “I have a lot of confidence because I see that we have so much quality,” he said. “I think it was a bit unlucky with the injuries we had. Of course for every team it’s difficult if you have a lot of injuries. “But I see a lot of quality, we have a fantastic coach, we have fantastic fans, so I believe that we can do something big. “But at the end you have to show it on the pitch, not with talking, not with speaking, you have to work for it and hopefully we can reach something very nice.” United won the Carabao Cup in their first season under Ten Hag, who described Amrabat as a “warrior” on Tuesday as he started as makeshift left-back due to a string of absentees. “First of all, when I make a step on the pitch, for me it’s normal that you give everything, that you fight for every metre and give your all for the team,” the Morocco international added. “Of course you can make technical mistakes, everyone can have a bad game, but I think – at the end – most importantly, you fight for the badge, for the club and that’s the minimum you can do. “I think, for me, that’s normal and that’s what I try always. “The manager knows me very well, a long time – maybe seven years ago that we worked together, so it’s a long time. “But he knows me, I know him, I know what he wants and I try to do that at the best (level).” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Jonny May says Marcus Smith ‘probably the fastest off the mark’ in England squad Attack coach Alex King says Wales ‘worked so hard’ to reach World Cup last eight I’ve waited my whole life for this – Rosie Eccles ready to seize Olympic chance

Shakira charged with tax fraud in Spain, the Phillies clinched the top NL wild card spot, Lou Holtz fired back at Ryan Day and more in the Roundup.

After a summer in which the England team took another historic step forward, the Women’s Super League returns this week with the next major phase in its development on the horizon. New ground was broken by the Lionesses once again as, a year on from claiming their first major trophy with Euros glory on home soil, they reached a maiden World Cup final. While they ended up being edged 1-0 by Spain on August 20, the exploits of Sarina Wiegman’s side at the tournament in Australia and New Zealand only further strengthened the sense of momentum surrounding the English women’s game. The WSL has been a key contributor to that as well and, as the start of the 2023-24 season draws near, there has been much talk about the division – which has been fully professional since 2018 – entering a new era. An independent company currently being referred to as ‘NewCo’ is set to take over the running of the league and the second-tier Championship from the Football Association from the start of 2024-25 onwards, and WSL chair Dawn Airey has spoken about the ambition to create the first billion-pound league structure in women’s football. Indicators of the growth the WSL has enjoyed to this point include its broadcast deal with Sky and the BBC that started in 2021 and runs to the end of this coming season, and attendance figures, with the FA reporting the average rose by 170 per cent in 2022-23 compared to 2021-22, and a record 47,367 watching Arsenal v Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium last September. That high mark may well be surpassed on the first day of the 2023-24 campaign this Sunday, when Arsenal are back at the stadium to kick-off with a clash against Liverpool – ticket sales hit 48,000 with a few days still to go in the build-up to the match. The season will see a number of matches taking place at Premier League grounds, with three of those coming in the opening round. Arsenal have committed to Jonas Eidevall’s Gunners, who came third last term as well as winning the League Cup, playing five WSL games at the Emirates across the season. And the number is four for champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, starting with Sunday’s meeting with Tottenham as Emma Hayes’ side – also FA Cup winners last term – open their bid for a fifth league title on the bounce. The runners-up to the Blues in both the league and FA Cup last season, their best finish in either competition, were Manchester United, who begin on Sunday by facing Aston Villa at Villa Park – minus Alessia Russo, after the England striker left in the summer and joined Arsenal. It has also been confirmed that Marc Skinner’s United will play their WSL derbies against Manchester City this term at Old Trafford (November) and the Etihad Stadium (March). Elsewhere on the opening day, Gareth Taylor’s City, seeking to bounce back after finishing outside the Champions League berths in fourth last season, are away against West Ham, who have a new boss in Rehanne Skinner. Skinner, successor to Paul Konchesky, was previously at Tottenham, where Robert Vilahamn has replaced interim Vicky Jepson in the division’s other summer managerial change. Everton host Brighton at Walton Hall Park, while newly-promoted Bristol City start their top-flight return by taking on Leicester at Ashton Gate, the ground set to be the venue for all the Robins’ WSL home games this term. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Vincent Kompany excited about Wilson Odobert’s potential after impressive debut Demi Stokes insists Manchester City well placed to challenge for WSL title Pain of missing Ryder Cup will hit home now with LIV rebels – Rory McIlroy

Demi Stokes believes Manchester City can rise to the challenge as the competition in the Women’s Super League gets ever tougher. City were forced to settle for a disappointing fourth place last season, finishing outside the Champions League berths for the first time since 2014. After winning the title in 2016 and then finishing runners-up in four successive seasons, City have been muscled out of the top positions in recent years. Chelsea have been the dominant force, having won the past four WSL crowns, but first Arsenal and now Manchester United have got their noses in front of City. Yet far from being frustrated, City defender Stokes has welcomed the increased competition as a sign of the growing strength of the women’s game and is convinced her side can match them. “I think if you look at last year, we had some very good performances,” the 31-year-old left-back told the PA news agency. “We were obviously disappointed with how we finished but I think if you look at the team and the depth that we’ve got, we’ve got everything that we need to win and it’s just about being consistent. “Obviously the league is getting harder and harder but that’s what we want. Other teams are improving, but we’re improving. It is going to be tight. “You know that you have to be consistent every week and every game is hard. It’s not just a handful that are going to be hard – each game is hard. “Everyone can take points off everyone. If you don’t turn up on the day, you’ll get punished for it. “But we know what we need to do. We’ve had our conversations and we’re just looking forward to the season starting.” Stokes, a member of England’s successful Euro 2022 squad, was overlooked for this summer’s World Cup campaign. She enjoyed watching the Lionesses run to the final as a fan but has not given up hope of forcing her way back into the international picture. “I had a good summer and I enjoyed watching it,” said Stokes, who signed a new one-year contract at City in June. “The girls did really well and they should be proud. “For me, I got my holidays in and it’s almost been like having a reset button and going again. “I’ve just got to concentrate on City now and then see where that goes. Play minutes – injury free – and we’ll go from there.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Vincent Kompany excited about Wilson Odobert’s potential after impressive debut Changes on and off the pitch as a new era approaches for Women’s Super League Pain of missing Ryder Cup will hit home now with LIV rebels – Rory McIlroy