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I know I scored one goal and assisted one, but that guy was the best player yesterday…Even as his teammate I was shocked”: Viktor Gyokeres says ONE Arsenal player was better him against Chelsea yesterday
Chelsea clinging on as Arsenal take Carabao Cup initiative.
A Carabao Cup semi-final first leg often carries the feeling of incompleteness, a story paused rather than finished. At Stamford Bridge, that sense lingered long after the final whistle. Arsenal left with a 3-2 advantage, Chelsea with enough belief to imagine a different ending, and both clubs aware that control of the tie is still up for debate.
For Chelsea, the evening felt shaped by moments rather than momentum. Arsenal were sharper early, punishing uncertainty and turning set-pieces into leverage. Yet Chelsea refused to retreat, finding a lifeline through Alejandro Garnacho and carrying it into a second leg that now feels alive rather than academic.
Goalkeeping moments define early narrative
The opening goal arrived in the seventh minute and set the tone. Robert Sanchez misjudged Declan Rice’s corner, allowing Ben White to head in from close range. It was Arsenal’s 18th goal from a corner this season, a detail that speaks to rehearsal and ruthlessness.
Chelsea steadied themselves after that, matching Arsenal across midfield and creating chances of their own. Enzo Fernandez and Estevao Willian both tested Arsenal’s resolve, while at the other end Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi and William Saliba were wasteful with half chances.
Shortly after half time, the tie tilted again. Sanchez allowed a cross to slip through his hands, gifting Gyokeres a simple finish for 2-0. It felt decisive in the moment, but Chelsea refused to accept the script.
Garnacho shifts momentum for Chelsea
Introduced by new head coach Liam Rosenior, Garnacho altered the rhythm immediately. Twelve minutes into the second half he guided Pedro Neto’s cross into the net, a goal built on pressing and intent rather than structure.
Arsenal responded with quality. Zubimendi skipped past Andrey Santos and Wesley Fofana before finishing from just inside the box, restoring the two goal cushion. Yet Chelsea still had a reply. Garnacho volleyed in his second after Kepa Arrizabalaga’s clearance dropped kindly, cutting the deficit to one and reigniting the contest.
Estevao went close again late on, while Gabriel Magalhaes and Mikel Merino threatened at the other end. The sense was of a game stretched by ambition rather than settled by control.
Arsenal depth underlines growing maturity
Mikel Arteta’s ability to rotate and still impose himself felt significant. Eight changes from the FA Cup win at Portsmouth did not dilute Arsenal’s authority, particularly from set-pieces. Their 24th set-piece goal in all competitions underlined a defining strength.
Gyokeres, who also assisted Zubimendi, offered a reminder of his value, while Arsenal extended their unbeaten run to 10 matches.
Chelsea, who have won only three of their last 13 games, now head to the Emirates on 3 February needing a response. With issues beyond Rosenior’s control still swirling, belief may be their most valuable asset.
GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Man City (Szoboszlai, 74)
HE’S DONE IT AGAIN!
An absolutely sensational free-kick goal from Dominik Szoboszlai. This one might be even better than the one against Arsenal.
From a central position, around 25 yards out, it’s an absolutely sensational hit which swerves out of reach of Donnarumma, who doesn’t even dive, and slams into the net off the post.
Amazing. And what could that mean for the title race? Arsenal staying nine points clear as it stands.
GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Man City (Szoboszlai, 74)
HE’S DONE IT AGAIN!
An absolutely sensational free-kick goal from Dominik Szoboszlai. This one might be even better than the one against Arsenal.
From a central position, around 25 yards out, it’s an absolutely sensational hit which swerves out of reach of Donnarumma, who doesn’t even dive, and slams into the net off the post.
Amazing. And what could that mean for the title race? Arsenal staying nine points clear as it stLiverpool vs Man City LIVE! Premier League match updates, news, score, stream and highlights – live on Sky Sports
Sunday 8 February 2026 18:05, UK
Second Half: Liverpool 1-0 Man City – live on Sky
Szoboszlai scores OUTRAGEOUS free-kick! View post
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Ekitike missed huge chance as Liverpool came to life View post | Teams
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Liverpool vs Man City LIVE! Premier League match updates, news, score, stream and highlights – live on Sky Sports
Sunday 8 February 2026 16:30, UK
First Half: Liverpool 0-0 Man City – live on Sky
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Updates, tables and teams
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Liverpool FC team news vs. Man City: 6 defenders unavailable for Arne Slot
Liverpool have six defenders unavailable for their game against Man City, with Arne Slot‘s hand forced at centre-back and right-back.
Liverpool are down to their bare bones at the back, with six defenders unable to start as the Reds try to keep pace with their top-four competitors in the Premier League.
Liverpool Injury & Absentee List
PlayerInjury TypeStatusExpected ReturnJoe GomezKneeDoubtMan City (H)Jeremie FrimpongGroinUnavailableEarly MarchConor BradleyKnee (Surgery)UnavailablePre-season 2026Giovanni LeoniACL (Surgery)UnavailableNext seasonAlexander IsakFibula FractureUnavailableLate MarchStefan BajceticHamstringRehabLate FebruaryJayden DannsHamstringRehabFebruaryWellity LuckyHamstringUnavailableApril
Joe Gomez‘s fitness is the main talking point ahead of the match at Anfield, given his presence would provide cover at centre-back and full-back.
He didn’t train on Thursday, though, and Slot explained: “We have a little bit of hope that he might train on Saturday.
“So not available to start, but maybe available to help the team if needed during the game because, as you know, there are not that many defenders available at the moment.”
With Giovanni Leoni out until next season, academy defenders Amara Nallo and Wellity Lucky have made the bench in the Premier League a combined five times this season.
The latter is injured, however, so unable to come in against Man City.
Nallo got injured during Tuesday’s UEFA Youth League exit to MSK Zilina, but was named to start for the U21s on Saturday, meaning he will not be available at Anfield.
As for Lucky’s injury, the 20-year-old is set to be sidelined until April due to a hamstring injury sustained in training midway through January.
Also on Liverpool’s list of absentees is right-back Conor Bradley, who will miss the rest of the campaign.
Like Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong is currently injured but his outlook is more positive than his teammate’s.
Slot gave a brief update on the flying Dutchman’s fitness, saying he “will definitely not train this week” due to his ongoing groin problem.
With Nallo featuring at academy level, Liverpool will be without six defensive options against Man City.
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Liverpool Predicted XI vs. Man City: Szoboszlai right-back, no start for Jones
Liverpool’s available squad vs. Man City
Goalkeepers: Alisson, Mamardashvili, Woodman
Defenders: Van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez, Robertson, Ramsay
Midfielders: Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Jones, Mac Allister, Endo, Nyoni
Forwards: Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo, Ekitike, Ngumoha, Chiesa
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