Tag: Carabao Cup

Arsenal Get Boost as EFL Blocks Marc Guehi From Carabao Cup Fina

Marc Guéhi
January 2026

The EFL rejected City’s push to change eligibility rules, meaning Guéhi remains ineligible for the Carabao Cup final despite joining City in January. EFL rules prevent a player from featuring for a second club in the competition if they join after the semi-final first leg. Guéhi signed after City’s first-leg win over Newcastle, so he could not play the second leg and cannot play the final. Semenyo remains eligible because he joined before the semi-final first leg.

Ruud Gullit Questions Chelsea Using Liam Delap Out Wide in Semi-Final Loss

Liam Delap
January 2026

Gullit said Delap looked unhappy and ineffective playing right wing, and argued Chelsea lacked creativity in a cautious approach that ended with a 4-2 aggregate exit. Rosenior set up to control the psychological momentum and avoid early concession, using Delap for long-ball outlets, then introducing Palmer and Estêvão later. Gullit said the team only became braver after those subs, partly because Arsenal dropped off.

Fans Criticise Erling Haaland Despite Manchester City Reaching Carabao Cup Final

Erling Haaland
January 2026

City beat Newcastle comfortably to reach the final vs Arsenal, but some fans targeted Haaland after he started on the bench and remains on a poor scoring run (one goal in eight games). City protected a 2-0 first-leg advantage, then extended the tie with a Marmoush brace and a Reijnders goal. Haaland came on in the second half but did not score.

Martin Odegaard Misses Chelsea Clash After Late Knock

Martin Ødegaard
January 2026

Odegaard was a surprise omission from Arsenal’s squad against Chelsea and was not even on the bench. Arteta said he had picked up an untimely knock before kickoff, forcing a reshuffle. Eze started in the No.10 role, with Arsenal opting not to risk Odegaard after the late issue emerged.

Paul Merson Slams Chelsea After Semi-Final Exit at Arsenal

Paul Merson
January 2026


Merson tore into Chelsea’s display after they lost 1-0 at the Emirates and went out 4-2 on aggregate, saying they “never had a go” and exited “with a whimper.” Havertz scored late to settle the tie. Chelsea created little, tested Kepa rarely, and posted modest chance creation (0.68 xG cited). Merson argued they should have taken risks to chase the final rather than drifting through the game.

Bukayo Saka Given Tentative Return Window After Warm-Up Injury

Bukayo Saka
January 2026

Saka pulled out of Arsenal’s starting XI after picking up a groin issue in the warm-up at Elland Road. He is expected to miss the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea, but Arsenal believe the injury is not serious and he could return soon. Arteta said Saka felt a niggle in the warm-up, improved the next day, and Arsenal will monitor how he responds before deciding if he can feature “tomorrow or the weekend.”

Arsenal Concerned Havertz Knee Setback Could Require Ongoing Minutes Management

Kai Havertz
January 2026

Arsenal are reportedly concerned about Havertz’s long-term knee condition after a flare-up during his return, raising the prospect of careful workload control for the rest of the season and possibly beyond. Havertz has not started since August 17, returned in limited minutes in cup games, and was unexpectedly unused in a Champions League match as Arsenal balance his recovery after reported ligament damage and renewed discomfort.

Casemiro Confirms Manchester United Exit at Season End as Contract Runs Out

Casemiro
January 2026

Manchester United and Casemiro confirmed he will leave in the summer when his contract expires, ending a four-season spell at Old Trafford. United’s statement highlighted 146 games, 21 goals, plus Carabao Cup 2023 and FA Cup 2024 success, with a final home tribute planned versus Nottingham Forest. Reporting notes a one-year extension clause tied to a starts threshold that became unrealistic after cup eliminations.

Declan Rice Rages at Arteta Coach in Stamford Bridge Tunnel as Arsenal Edge Chelsea

Declan Rice
January 2026

Rice was caught on camera in a heated, foul-mouthed exchange with Stuivenberg at half-time despite Arsenal leading, with lip-reading claims detailing his complaint about the coach’s comments. The row happened as players went down the tunnel, Gabriel Magalhaes tried to calm things, and Arsenal later held on for a 3-2 win after goals from Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi, while Alejandro Garnacho scored twice for Chelsea.

Arteta Demands Arsenal Finish the Job as Title Lead Holds at New Year

Mikel Arteta
January 2026

Mikel Arteta has challenged Arsenal to finally win the Premier League after several near-misses, with the club top of the table and four points clear of Manchester City. Arsenal are also in strong positions across cups and Europe. Arsenal have combined elite defensive numbers with depth through injuries, including a 4-1 win over Aston Villa without Declan Rice. Arteta’s test is turning a mid-season lead into the trophy, after multiple past seasons ended with Arsenal losing ground late.

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