Mohamed Salah patted the badge on his chest as the Kop chorused his song. It was a rare feat, even by his standards: just the third time in his Liverpool career he had scored, assisted and won a penalty in the same game.

As Salah was able to celebrate with his public again after scoring, his 252nd goal for Liverpool was only his second since his incendiary interview at Leeds. The process of reintegration began with a cameo against Brighton in December. It accelerated with a spot-kick against Albion in February.

He won it and scored it, tripped by Pascal Gross, rifling his shot into the roof of the net. He had only struck once in his previous 12 games for Liverpool, and that was against Qarabag. He had not found the net against a Premier League club since Aston Villa’s visit at the start of November. This meant a lot. “It was very big for the confidence,” said Salah. “It was very big, for sure.” It felt like another step in the healing process. “It is very nice to have him on the scoresheet again but what I like is that he is helping the team defensively,” said Arne Slot.

Whatever the summer holds for him, Liverpool could enjoy the sight of Salah looking irrepressible. Perhaps, too, they could be grateful that what looked a crisis was defused. That may reflect well on Slot and if the Dutchman has had too few games this season when every decision he has made has brought a rich reward, this victory came with sweet vindication.

As the Liverpool manager fielded his latest line-up without a specialist right-back, the assumption might have been that Dominik Szoboszlai was in the back four and Curtis Jones in midfield. Instead, it was the other way around.

Each was on the scoresheet, and in a way that reflected the role Slot had given him. Jones scored for the first time since 2024 by materialising at the far post. Szoboszlai used his running power to burst through the inside-right channel and unleash his second unstoppable shot in as many weeks at Anfield.

open image in gallery

open image in gallery

In the process, Slot may have learned a lesson from a game when his choices backfired. At the corresponding stage of the FA Cup a year ago, he selected too much of a weakened side and suffered the embarrassment of defeat to Plymouth. Twelve months on, he started with nine of his strongest available 11 and, while Hugo Ekitike and Ryan Gravenberch began on the bench, the Dutchman’s rest permitted Jones’ return and allowed Szoboszlai to play in midfield.

The context has changed from Slot’s first taste of the FA Cup, which ended so ignominiously in Devon. Now it is Liverpool’s most realistic chance of silverware this season, and they swept into the fifth round. Their league position remains unsatisfactory but they have only been beaten twice in 18 outings in all competitions and, after the frustration of last week’s loss to Manchester City, they have conjured a response by beating Sunderland and Brighton.

Their season has been a story of makeshift right-backs and, for all the issues injuries have posed, they have added some productivity. Szoboszlai has twin spectacular free kicks against Arsenal and City when deployed as a defender. Jones ended a lengthy drought when – in theory, anyway – stationed further from the Brighton goal. “There have been times I’ve scored more but not played as well as I am now,” he said after getting a first goal in 58 games.

The Liverpudlian had come agonisingly close with a left-footed shot from 20 yards. Then, meeting Milos Kerkez’s inviting cross on the half-volley, he crashed in a shot off the underside of the bar. “It was very pleasing the first goal was an assist from the left-back to the right-back,” Slot said.

Kerkez ended up being overshadowed – not least by his fellow Hungairan – but he was terrific. He married deft skill with dynamic runs. He had drawn a fine save from Jason Steele with a rising, rasping half-volley. Then came his assist.

open image in gallery

“The second goal was even nicer than the first one,” Slot said. Salah cushioned a pass into the path of the surging Szoboszlai and, without breaking stride, he drove a shot past Steele.“He is one of the best players in the world right now,” said Salah. Szoboszlai earned a fourth assist for the Egyptian since his return from the African Cup of Nations.

When the 33-year-old then scored himself from the penalty spot, it was cue for Slot to substitute him, to a rousing ovation. His replacement Rio Ngumoha had a goal ruled out for offside; there was no VAR to prove he was onside. Meanwhile, Brighton objected to Salah’s spot kick. “Poor decision,” said Fabian Hurzeler. “Never a penalty.”

open image in gallery

Advertisement

He could also lament moments either side of the interval. “We had enough chances to score a goal,” added Hurzeler. But Alisson saved from Diego Gomez, coming to Jones’ rescue after he slipped. He clawed away Lewis Dunk’s header. After his error against City, it was a redemptive return to Anfield for Alisson, and justification for Slot in selecting him, rather than Giorgi Mamardashvili.

So there was no seismic double for Brighton, conquerors of Manchester United at Old Trafford in the third round, no cup run deflect from underachievement in the Premier League.

“We are not in a good moment,” Hurzeler said. But now Salah is.

Ryan Garcia challenges Mario Barrios for the WBC Welterweight World title next weekend in Las Vegas. Conor Benn, mandatory challenger for the winner, seems to have finally settled on a prediction.

Barrios took the vacant title in June of 2025 after it was vacated by Terence Crawford. He has retained twice, though through draws against Abel Ramos and a returning Manny Pacquaio.

The challenger made his welterweight debut in May last year following a year’s doping ban. He was dropped and beaten over the distance by Rolando Romero, but was somehow mandated for this fight by the WBC.

Benn, who has made no secret that he will target the winner to win the same green and gold belt that his father Nigel so proudly boasted, was confident in January of a Garcia win.

“I’ll be there ringside and I want the winner. No doubt [it will be] Garcia. So, Garcia-Benn – I like the sound of that.”

Speaking on social media today, however, the Brit revealed he is now backing Barrios to retain via stoppage.

“You lot think I’m joking… I bet any money Barrios stops Garcia. I bet you any money. I’m not even joking. [Garcia] is gonna fumble the bag. Barrios, any money, stops Garcia. I am 100% confident. Taking bets.”

Whether or not it’s mind games targetting Garcia – who Benn has said he would prefer to face over Barrios – remains to be seen. Barrios has not recorded a stoppage win since beating Jovanie Santiago in February of 2023.

Benn’s prediction will hold some legitimacy in the eyes of fans, however, given Garcia’s two losses coming at the top level against Gervonta Davis and ‘Rolly’ Romero. He has been known to blow hot and cold, and has worried fans with erratic behaviour in the lead-up to fights, the best example of which came before he faced Devin Haney, missing weight and ultimately failing a doping test to see his victory ultimately overturned.

With the fight now just seven days out, there isn’t long before we find out whether or not there will be a shift in the division with ‘King Ryan’ finally fulfilling his superstar promise and becoming a world champion. On the other hand, he may prove his status as this generation’s nearly man.

High-profile sports and talent agent Casey Wasserman announced to staff he will be selling his talent agency in the aftermath of recently released emails between him and Ghislaine Maxwell, The Associated Press reported Saturday.

Wasserman, the founder and CEO of Wasserman Agency and chairman of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics organizing committee, exchanged flirtatious emails in 2003 with Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein’s right-hand woman, according to documents included in the most recent release by the Department of Justice.

The memo arrived days after the LA28 board’s executive committee met to discuss Wasserman’s appearance in the Epstein files. The committee said it and an outside legal firm conducted a review of Wasserman’s interactions with Epstein and Maxwell with Wasserman’s full cooperation.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM 

Casey Wasserman, chairman of the LA2028 Olympics Organizing Committee, speaks during a ceremonial lighting of the LA28 Olympic cauldron at the Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles Jan. 13, 2026, ahead of the launch of ticket registration for the 2028 Summer Olympic Games.  (Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images)

“We found Mr. Wasserman’s relationship with Epstein and Maxwell did not go beyond what has already been publicly documented,” the committee said in a statement, adding that Wasserman “should continue to lead LA28 and deliver a safe and successful games.”

Wasserman has said previously he flew on a humanitarian mission to Africa on Epstein’s private plane at the invitation of the Clinton Foundation in 2002. He said in his memo to staff that his interactions with Maxwell and Epstein were limited and that he regrets the emails.

“It was years before their criminal conduct came to light, and, in its entirety, consisted of one humanitarian trip to Africa and a handful of emails that I deeply regret sending. And I’m heartbroken that my brief contact with them 23 years ago has caused you, this company, and its clients so much hardship over the past days and weeks,” the memo said.

Casey Wasserman, chairman of LA28, speaks during the IOC session at the Main Media Centre MPC at Allianz MiCo Feb. 3, 2026, in Milan, Italy. (Andreas Rentz/Getty Images)

AMERICANS ATTENDING OLYMPICS URGED TO ‘EXERCISE CAUTION’ AFTER ITALIAN RAILWAYS HIT BY SUSPECTED ‘SABOTAGE’

“I never had a personal or business relationship with Jeffrey Epstein,” Wasserman said in a prior statement. “As is well documented, I went on a humanitarian trip as part of a delegation with the Clinton Foundation in 2002 on the Epstein plane. I am terribly sorry for having any association with either of them.”

United States women’s national soccer team legend Abby Wambach announced earlier this week she was leaving the agency. Chappell Roan also left the agency.

In the email exchanges, Wasserman told Maxwell, “I think of you all the time. So, what do I have to do to see you in a tight leather outfit?” Another exchange showed Maxwell asking Wasserman whether it would be foggy enough during an upcoming visit “so that you can float naked down the beach and no one can see you unless they are close up?” Wasserman responded, “or something like that.”

Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell attend a performance by Rod Stewart at Cipriani Wall Street on March 15, 2005, in New York City. ( Joe Schildhorn/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Wasserman has not been accused of any wrongdoing.

Fox News’ Scott Thompson and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter

Caleb Wilson is North Carolina’s best player and emotional leader; big man Henri Veesaar is North Carolina’s second-best player by every metric. UNC knew it was not going to have Wilson a fracture in his left hand was discovered earlier this week, but Veesaar was under the weather and was held out of Saturday’s home tilt against Pitt.

And yet, the 11th-ranked Tar Heels comfortably held off Jeff Capel’s Panthers 79-65 in a game that was not as close as the final score indicated without a starting front line that had been as dominant as any frontcourt in college basketball outside of Michigan, Florida and Arizona.

Pitt is one of the ACC bottom-feeders, but UNC played well and showed glimpses of the new way it’s going to have to win ballgames with Wilson sidelined indefinitely.

Michigan makes case to jump Arizona for the No. 1 spot in next AP Top 25 poll after dominant win over UCLA

Cameron Salerno

Advertisement

Let’s dive into key observations.

Talented options shine in new roles

It’s time for Luka Bogavac to get it rolling. The international veteran had been shifted to a second-unit role, but he got re-inserted into the starting lineup and balled out with 15 points and four assists in 33 minutes. His individual creation is something this UNC offense needs to create some semblance of a jolt. 

Alabama transfer Jarin Stevenson also shined in an expanded role. Stevenson didn’t shot-hunt at all. He just took what the defense gave him, and that resulted in 19 points on just seven shots. Stevenson drilled three triples and all four of his free throws. He played 36 turnover-free minutes. That’s exactly what the doctor ordered.

One guy can’t replace Wilson’s production, but Stevenson and Bogavac have to raise their level.

They did just that on Saturday. 

Can they do it again?

Don’t expect much on the offensive glass

UNC averages over 12 second-chance points, which ranks in the 77th percentile nationally, per CBB Analytics, thanks to the relentless effort from Wilson and Veesaar. 

Unsurprisingly, UNC was not able to be an impactful offensive-rebounding team against the Panthers. UNC totaled just six offensive rebounds on its 32 missed shots. That 18.8 offensive rebound rate is the second-lowest mark of the season for UNC.

The Tar Heels’ shot selection is going to have to be even better moving forward because those second-chance points that have fueled the Heels for long stretches this season is not going to be a strength while Wilson is on the mend. 

Dixon’s steady hand steers the ship

Ball control will be even more paramount for UNC without the offensive rebounding to serve as a buffer. That means a freshman like Derek Dixon just has to play clean basketball.

He was great against Pitt. He had seven assists and just one turnover. He got the ball where it needed to go and was super unselfish in setting the table for this group and getting the ball where it needed to go. Backup big man Zayden High delivered a career-high 15 points, but it was Dixon who expertly set up High left and right.

More of that, por favor.

Interior defense pros and cons

Pitt got whatever it wanted in the paint against UNC. The Panthers shot 13 for 20 at the rim and totaled 34 paint points. Pitt big man Cam Corhen got rolling early with some pick-and-pop treys and then started eating inside the arc on his way to a 23-point showing. He was terrific. UNC also struggled to contain versatile forward Roman Siulepa (14 points on 10 shots) for stretches.

It just is what it is with High as the primary shot-blocker. There’s just very little resistance when High and Stevenson are the primary interior defenders. 

But Saturday was the worst it could be. Veesaar’s return is imminent — he’s expected to suit up for Tuesday’s road tilt against rival N.C. State — and UNC’s defense needs its 7-footer on the floor as soon as possible. Wilson will be unquestionably missed, but Veesaar can keep UNC’s defense afloat with his interior rim protection and mobility on the perimeter. Thankfully for UNC, none of its next three opponents (NC State, Syracuse and Louisville) has that bruising center that you’re terrified of.

U.S. Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn said she can finally return home after multiple surgeries. 

She is six days removed from an infamous crash just 13 seconds into her run at the women’s downhill in Milan Cortina. She has had four surgeries while pent-up in an Italian hospital. 

“Surgery went well today! Thankfully, I will be able to finally go back to the US,” Vonn wrote in an Instagram post. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

The United States’ Lindsey Vonn arrives at the finish area of an alpine skiing women’s downhill training at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, Feb. 7, 2026.  (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

Vonn held back from revealing certain details about her condition.

“Once I’m back I will give you more updates and info about my injury,” she added. 

“I have been reading a lot of messages and comments saying that what has happened to me makes them sad. Please, don’t be sad.”

Vonn became one of the top stories of the Winter Games, making her return to the world stage after a temporary retirement. She was competing just days after an ACL rupture. When the crash happened, it sent countless American fans into shock and sent Vonn to the operating table for extensive medical procedures.

“When I think back on my crash, I didn’t stand in the starting gate unaware of the potential consequences. I knew what I was doing. I chose to take a risk. Every skier in that starting gate took the same risk. Because even if you are the strongest person in the world, the mountain always holds the cards,” she added.

“I was willing to risk and push and sacrifice for something I knew I was absolutely capable of doing. I will always take the risk of crashing while giving it my all, rather than not ski to my potential and have regret. I never want to cross finish line and say, ‘what if?’ And to be perfectly honest, I was stronger physically in that moment than I have been often in the past.”

LINDSEY VONN UNDERGOES SURGERY FOR LEG FRACTURE AFTER HARD CRASH DURING OLYMPIC RUN

The United States’ Lindsey Vonn concentrates ahead of an alpine skiing women’s downhill training session at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, Friday, Feb. 6, 2026.  (AP Photo/Marco Trovati)

She says she believes she felt “stronger” for this year’s games with a ruptured ACL than she was in 2019 at the time of her first retirement. 

“Certainly stronger than I was when I ended career in 2019 where I got a bronze medal in the World Championships. And mentally…. Mentally I was perfect. Clear, focused, hungry, aggressive yet completely calm… just as I had practiced over the past few months when I was on the podium in every downhill this season. 2 wins and leading the standings… that was all a test to prepare me for the Olympics. Mentally, I was more ready than I have ever been,” she said.

“But just because I was ready, that didn’t guarantee me anything. Nothing in life is guaranteed. That’s the gamble of chasing your dreams, you might fall but if you don’t try you’ll never know.”

Her medical procedures may not be over. She suggested she would need additional surgeries in a Friday Instagram post. 

“I’m finally feeling more like myself but I have a long, long way to go,” Vonn said Friday.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

The United States’ Lindsey Vonn is airlifted after a crash during an alpine skiing women’s downhill race at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026.  (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

“Tomorrow, I’ll have another surgery, and, hopefully, that goes well. And then I can potentially leave and go back home, at which point, I’ll need another surgery. Still don’t know exactly what that entails yet until I get some better imaging.”

But now she can at least recover at home. 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Scotland travel to Cardiff as hot favourites, but without three players from the Calcutta Cup. Victory has come at a cost.

Jack Dempsey, belligerence on legs, Jamie Ritchie, a warrior in his 40 minutes, and Jamie Dobie, class in every area after a rough experience in Rome, are not going to make it to Wales.

Dempsey and Ritchie might not be seen again in the championship.

Townsend could have done without those blows, but he’s used to the carnage of Six Nations rugby. He also has decent deputies in store for the trip to the Principality Stadium.

One win must become two or else the significance of what happened at Murrayfield goes away like so many of the other victories over England. Unless it’s properly built upon then it’s a one-off and everybody connected with this team is fed up with one-offs.

All the self-doubt Scotland owned now transfers to England. It’s a heavy burden. It’s said, endlessly, that Scotland get up for England more than they get up for any other opposition. We can debate the accuracy of that until the cows come home.

The relevant question about this England team, and the ones that have come before them in a run of five defeats in six against the Scots is why don’t they get up for Scotland?

The dawning of reality should be close at hand now for England players – ‘maybe it’s not you, Scotland, maybe it’s us’.

Tuipulotu said on Friday his team were desperate and he wanted to see that desperation visited upon England. He got his wish.

We know Scotland had this kind of performance deep within them – there’s been plenty, if fleeting, evidence of their class – but what we didn’t know, what we could not take on trust, was their ability to deliver this kind of controlled fury for 80 minutes.

But they did. This was as dominant a Scotland performance as you’ll get over England, a thing of thunder and beauty, class and heart, ruthlessness and intelligence. All those combined Calcutta Cup teams that people did pre-match – Scotland had an average of three or four players in a joint side – were ripped to shreds. A new version would have more tartan than a shortbread factory.

It was a game that threw up dozens of cameos to ponder, not just the creation and execution of the Scotland tries but the bare-knuckle stuff they delivered in defence. To a man, starting team and bench, they stood up.

Stood up for themselves, for their coach, for their supporters.

With each demonic play in defence during that second half you got a snapshot of how difficult this past week has been for them and how they were prepared to do anything – anything – to make it better.

Real Madrid 4-1 Real Sociedad (García, Vinícius Júnior x2 & Valverde). A great performance with goals to match… This is my immediate reaction to the big win. Get more: Player ratings, interviews and a post game podcast.

Real Sociedad presented one of the biggest challenges so far Álvaro Arbeloa and his Real Madrid side, and the team would be without the likes of Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo Goes. Gonzalo García would get the nod, ahead of even Kylian Mbappé, as he was joined by Vinícius Júnior in attack. Trent Alexander-Arnold was back, allowing Fede Valverde into the midfield. Castilla player of the season (so far) Cesár Palacios was called into the bench. Fede Valverde was the captain.

One of the annual highlights of NBA All-Star Weekend features the league’s best marksmen competing from beyond the arc, and the 2026 NBA 3-Point Contest will take place on Saturday. The NBA 3-Point Contest field features two past winners in Devin Booker and two-time champion Damian Lillard, as well as All-Stars Donovan Mitchell, Tyrese Maxey, Jamal Murray and Norman Powell. Veteran Bobby Portis and rookie Kon Knueppel round out the field. The event takes place at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles during NBA All-Star Saturday Night, which has a start time of 5 p.m. ET.

Knueppel (+250) and Lillard (+430) are the top-two favorites to win, per the latest 2026 3-Point Contest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook, with Booker at +600. Murray is +600, followed by Mitchell (+650) and Tyrese Maxey (+750). There’s potentially value at the bottom of the odds board in Powell (+1100), a former LA Clipper who is familiar with the Intuit Dome rims, and in Portis (+1600) who leads the field in 3-point percentage. 

Before making any 2026 NBA 3-Point Contest picks, be sure to check out the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend predictions from SportsLine expert Mike Barner.

New users can target the DraftKings promo code, which offers $300 in bonus bets if your first $5+ bet wins:

Barner is one of the most respected voices in the industry, and his work has appeared in Sports Illustrated and on Yahoo, RotoWire and KFFL. He’s also been featured on ESPN Radio. He digs deep into the data, examining team trends and projecting game outcomes. If there’s anybody who can spot an edge in a matchup or identify a player in position to break out, it’s him.

Barner’s expertise has been on full display lately as he enters the All-Star break on a 40-17 run on NBA picks (+2014). He is coming off a dominant 2024-25 NBA season, finishing 239-178-2 and returning $3,209 to $100 bettors. Anyone following at sportsbooks and on betting apps could have seen huge returns.

Now, he has analyzed the 2026 NBA 3-Point Contest lineups from all angles and just locked in his coveted pick and predictions. He is only sharing his NBA picks and analysis at SportsLine.

Top 2026 NBA 3-Point Contest predictions

Barner is fading Damian Lillard (+430), despite him being one of the favorites and a two-time winner of this event (2023, 2024). Lillard has not played this season as he recovers from a torn Achilles, which poses two issues. One is that his movement around the ball racks may be a bit limited compared to his prior contest appearances. Another is that he will likely lack rhythm having not played a competitive game in nearly 10 months.

While Lillard has played just one game at the Intuit Dome, which came last season, it’s worth noting his 3-point shooting in that contest. He went 1 for 9 from beyond the arc for an 11.1% rate. Among his 50 games last season with at least 7 attempts from downtown, that 1 for 9 performance was his worst all year. Thus, Barner doesn’t see Lillard joining Larry Bird and Craig Hodges as the only three-time winners of the NBA 3-Point Contest. See more predictions at SportsLine.

New users can check out the latest Kalshi promo code CBSSPORTS to get a $10 cash bonus after making $10 in trades:

How to make 2026 NBA 3-Point Contest picks

Barner has studied the NBA 3-Point Contest from every angle and predicts the winner will “make history” with his performance. See who it is over at SportsLine.

Who wins the NBA 3-Point Contest 2026, and who is poised to have a historic performance? Visit SportsLine now to get Mike Barner’s pick for the NBA Three-Point Contest 2026, all from the expert who has crushed his NBA picks, and find out.

2026 NBA 3-Point Contest odds, field

See picks at SportsLine.

3-Point Contest odds (via FanDuel)
Kon Knueppel +250
Damian Lillard +430
Devin Booker +600
Jamal Murray +600
Donovan Mitchell +650
Tyrese Maxey +750
Norman Powell +1100
Bobby Portis +1600

Manchester City were poor in their FA Cup win over Salford but an own goal was added to late on by substitute Marc Guehi.

Manchester City are through to the FA Cup fifth round after a dismal home win over League Two Salford City. An early cross from Rayan Ait-Nouri was inadvertently pushed into the net by Salford’s Alfie Dorrington but the Blues failed to stamp their authority on the game beyond that despite enjoying the vast majority of possession.

Salford twice went close to beating James Trafford and could feel hard done by that they did not get more out of a game where they posed a significant threat. Pep Guardiola brought Rodri, Antoine Semenyo, Marc Guehi and Nico O’Reilly on in the second half in an attempt to turn the game back in City’s favour.

It worked, with a set-piece won by Semenyo ending with Guehi putting it in the back of the net. Here are the player ratings from the Manchester Evening News.

Try MEN Premium NOW for just £1

Trafford: Had to be alert to tip over Woodburn’s effort at the end of the first half. 7

Alleyne: Slid across well to cover for an error from Stones and was unfortunately injured as he did. 6

Khusanov: Some sensible play to keep City safe at the back as they threatened to creak. 6

Stones: Looked incredibly rusty on his first start for nearly three months, caught out on a number of occasions. 5

Ait-Nouri: Started brightly and made the first goal, but struggled to stay involved as play stayed on the other flank. 6

Gonzalez: City had bags of possession, especially in the first half, but he couldn’t keep a handle on the midfield. 5

Reijnders: Particularly poor on the ball, making too many bad decisions to see any promising City attacks fade away. 4

Foden: Just as culpable, failing to find the spaces and create in the final third until he was hooked after an hour. 4

Lewis: Pulled back to right-back after Alleyne’s early injury but was still unable to make an impact on the game. 5

Cherki: It has felt a surprise at times in recent weeks that he hasn’t started, but if he plays like this the next benching won’t be. 5

Marmoush: Unlucky that he was incorrectly ruled offside when he scored a wondergoal, but he was offside far too often otherwise. 5

FOLLOW OUR MAN CITY FACEBOOK PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester City Facebook page

Substitutes

McAidoo (for Alleyne, 21) Couldn’t have the joy that he had against Exeter but put a shift in. 6

Guehi (for Stones, 65) Got the goal to make the game safe. 7

Semenyo (for Foden, 65) Gave City a threat they hadn’t had. 7

O’Reilly (for Ait-Nouri, 65) Made his presence felt in defence. 7

Rodri (for Gonzalez, 75) Solid. 6

Not used: Donnarumma, Dias, Nunes, Samba

Buy Carabao Cup Final VIP tickets

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

From £1,599

Seat Unique

Buy tickets here

The Carabao Cup Final will see Arsenal v Manchester City at London’s Wembley Stadium this March.

Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings