While all the focus was on the Chelsea striker going into the match, Spurs were so chaotic that he faded into the backgroundYou have to hand it to Tottenham defenders. Whatever their faults, at least nobody can doubt their entertainment value. After all they even managed to pull off the impossible during the first leg of this Carabao Cup semi-final, somehow dragging the spotlight away from Chelsea’s extremely apologetic record signing with a performance of spectacular slapstick at the back.This must have been a form of rare torture for Antonio Conte. Even with Romelu Lukaku straining for touch and composure, Chelsea were dominant after welcoming their former manager back to Stamford Bridge for the first time. Thomas Tuchel had come...
The Carabao Cup final brought fans back inside a stadium again and they saw City dominate Spurs on the way to victoryAfter the leave of enforced absence, after that failed heist masquerading as a Super League, after a year and counting of isolation and anxiety. Well, here comes everyone.With 34 minutes gone at Wembley there was a moment of authentic match-going beauty. João Cancelo played a wondrous fizzed, flat, crossfield pass to Riyad Mahrez. He took the ball with a super-soft touch, jinked inside – as he must always jink inside – then spanked a thrilling shot back on the same zigzagging angle just past the far post. Related: Manchester City win fourth Carabao Cup in a row as Laporte...
Tottenham rely on the mercurial Frenchman to feed Son and Kane, and he delivered in his manager’s biggest game at the clubJosé Mourinho said last week: “It’s not easy for him to last 90 minutes.” This time, however, as Tottenham booked their place in the Carabao Cup final with a 2-0 victory over Brentford, Tanguy Ndombele proved him wrong.From the first minute when he burst from his own half before picking out Lucas Moura with an inch-perfect pass, the imposing France international looked determined to make an impression in a match his manager had described as the biggest since he arrived at Tottenham in November 2019. Related: Tottenham beat Brentford to reach Carabao Cup final after Son seals win Related:...
A performance of ethereal grace by Manchester City’s prodigy at Wembley proved he is ready for the biggest stage of allYou can take our freedom. But you’ll never take our largely routine domestic cup victories! On a fun, occasionally full‑throated afternoon at Wembley Manchester City extended their hugely impressive winning run to six of the past seven domestic trophies.At times City seemed to doze a little at the wheel. Aston Villa played with heart and might have made it 2-2 at the death. But there was a fleeing always of the domestic trophy juggernaut, holding its opponent at arm’s length. Related: Manchester City sink Aston Villa to win third successive Carabao Cup Related: Aston Villa 1-2 Manchester City: Carabao Cup...
The idea of a Villa seriously challenging a City feels more remote with every passing year – perhaps avoiding a trouncing is their trophyThe pivotal scene in the wonderful Oscar‑winning film Parasite comes about halfway through, with the impoverished Kim family gathered in the living room of a luxurious mansion they do not own, glugging expensive whisky they have not bought, enjoying a life that is not theirs. Through various nefarious schemes they have all managed to worm their way into the confidences of the fabulously wealthy Park family and, with their hosts away on a camping trip, they can simply spread out on the opulent chaise longue, look out over a perfect manicured lawn and imagine this all belongs...