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Bologna 0-1 Inter: Icardi strike sends Mancini's men top
Mauro Icardi scored the only goal of the game as Inter ran out 1-0 winners against Bologna at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara.
The Argentina striker had been criticised for a series of lacklustre displays but he was on hand to tap in Adem Ljajic's low cross on 66 minutes, securing an important three points despite Felipe Melo's red card minutes earlier.
Bologna were unbeaten in three meetings with Inter but could not find an equaliser against the 10 men, who had drawn their three previous matches.
Under-fire Bologna coach Delio Rossi made attacking changes in a bid to force a leveller, but his substitutions made little difference and the struggling Rossoblu fell to yet another defeat.
Inter have the best defensive record in Serie A and another clean sheet ensured they returned to top spot at the expense of Roma.
Bologna started the match the brighter of their two sides despite their lowly league position, with 18-year-old Amadou Diawara pulling the strings in midfield as the Nerazzurri struggled to retain possession.
Ivan Perisic scored at the weekend against Palermo but could not add to his two Inter goals after 28 minutes, heading out Ljajic's free-kick for a throw-in from a fine position. Perisic then wasted another decent headed chance moments later.
Bologna should have taken the lead after brilliant work from Emanuele Giaccherini freed Mancosu, but Anthony Mounier could not reach the low cross. Alex Ferrari then danced his way into the box with superb skill on 39 minutes, but Santon did well to block his effort.
With the last kick of the half, Ljajic forced goalkeeper Angelo da Costa into his first action of the game, holding on to the Serbian's set piece.
Icardi had barely touched the ball in the first half but two minutes after the break he should have scored, instead planting his header straight at Da Costa.
The game was livening up and Luca Rizzo shot straight at Handanovic before Da Costa intercepted a low cross from Ljajic.
Icardi was becoming more involved and, on 54 minutes, teed up Marcelo Brozovic, but the midfielder's hopeful strike was easily dealt with by Da Costa despite the shot dipping.
On the hour mark Roberto Mancini's men were reduced to 10 for the second successive game.
Felipe Melo had to walk after Rizzo nutmegged him and the Brazilian, booked for fouling Giaccherini in the first half, was shown a second yellow card for blocking the Bologna player.
But the 10 men took the lead six minutes later with Icardi scoring his third goal of the season. Brozovic opened the Rossoblu up and Ljajic squared for the Argentina striker to tap in.
Inter seemed to improve after the red card and almost doubled their lead through Icardi, but his deflected effort from Fredy Guarin's cross was just over the bar.
The hosts created little despite Rossi's changes and the result leaves Bologna stuck in the bottom three of Serie A, while Inter are top once more.
Mancini himself was sent off in the dying moments for complaining angrily to the officials but his side held on throughout the five added minutes, Handanovic making a tremendous save in the last minute of injury time from substitute Mattia Destro to preserve Inter's lead.
Mauro Icardi scored the only goal of the game as Inter ran out 1-0 winners against Bologna at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara.
The Argentina striker had been criticised for a series of lacklustre displays but he was on hand to tap in Adem Ljajic's low cross on 66 minutes, securing an important three points despite Felipe Melo's red card minutes earlier.
Bologna were unbeaten in three meetings with Inter but could not find an equaliser against the 10 men, who had drawn their three previous matches.
Under-fire Bologna coach Delio Rossi made attacking changes in a bid to force a leveller, but his substitutions made little difference and the struggling Rossoblu fell to yet another defeat.
Inter have the best defensive record in Serie A and another clean sheet ensured they returned to top spot at the expense of Roma.
Bologna started the match the brighter of their two sides despite their lowly league position, with 18-year-old Amadou Diawara pulling the strings in midfield as the Nerazzurri struggled to retain possession.
Ivan Perisic scored at the weekend against Palermo but could not add to his two Inter goals after 28 minutes, heading out Ljajic's free-kick for a throw-in from a fine position. Perisic then wasted another decent headed chance moments later.
Bologna should have taken the lead after brilliant work from Emanuele Giaccherini freed Mancosu, but Anthony Mounier could not reach the low cross. Alex Ferrari then danced his way into the box with superb skill on 39 minutes, but Santon did well to block his effort.
With the last kick of the half, Ljajic forced goalkeeper Angelo da Costa into his first action of the game, holding on to the Serbian's set piece.
Icardi had barely touched the ball in the first half but two minutes after the break he should have scored, instead planting his header straight at Da Costa.
The game was livening up and Luca Rizzo shot straight at Handanovic before Da Costa intercepted a low cross from Ljajic.
Icardi was becoming more involved and, on 54 minutes, teed up Marcelo Brozovic, but the midfielder's hopeful strike was easily dealt with by Da Costa despite the shot dipping.
On the hour mark Roberto Mancini's men were reduced to 10 for the second successive game.
Felipe Melo had to walk after Rizzo nutmegged him and the Brazilian, booked for fouling Giaccherini in the first half, was shown a second yellow card for blocking the Bologna player.
But the 10 men took the lead six minutes later with Icardi scoring his third goal of the season. Brozovic opened the Rossoblu up and Ljajic squared for the Argentina striker to tap in.
Inter seemed to improve after the red card and almost doubled their lead through Icardi, but his deflected effort from Fredy Guarin's cross was just over the bar.
The hosts created little despite Rossi's changes and the result leaves Bologna stuck in the bottom three of Serie A, while Inter are top once more.
Mancini himself was sent off in the dying moments for complaining angrily to the officials but his side held on throughout the five added minutes, Handanovic making a tremendous save in the last minute of injury time from substitute Mattia Destro to preserve Inter's lead.
Hull City 1-1 Leicester City (5-4 pens): Mahrez miss proves decisive
Riyad Mahrez missed the crucial penalty as Leicester City crashed out of the League Cup with a 5-4 shootout defeat at Hull City on Tuesday.
Mahrez, who had earlier put Leicester 1-0 up in extra-time before Abel Hernandez equalised to force penalties, took the first spot-kick of the shootout but was denied by Hull goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic.
All nine subsequent penalties were scored, with David Meyler netting Hull's fifth and final kick to send the Championship outfit into the League Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history with a shock victory over the Premier League high-flyers.
After a goalless 90 minutes, Leicester drew first blood when Mahrez turned home after Jamie Vardy's initial effort had been saved in the 100th minute.But in-form Hull striker Hernandez levelled on the stroke of half-time in the extra 30 minutes, and Steve Bruce's players kept their cool in the shootout.
Hull had a flurry of early chances and could have been ahead after just three minutes had Ritchie De Laet not produced a crucial block to deny Greg Luer.Leicester had to wait until the 39th minute for their first meaningful opportunity.
Marc Albrighton, the only player to retain his place in the starting XI that beat Crystal Palace 1-0 at the weekend, galloped through on a 50-yard run before seeing his shot blocked.Claudio Ranieri had seen enough and threw on talisman Jamie Vardy, but the Premier League's top scorer was unable to inspire his team.
Then with eight minutes to go, Hull thought they had snatched the victory as Mark Schwarzer made a mess of Hernandez's header, spilling the ball on the line.The ball appeared agonisingly close to crossing the line, but the officials did not have the benefit of goalline technology and no goal was awarded.
Referee Stuart Atwell made another big decision three minutes into extra-time when Chuba Akpom appeared to be fouled just inside the box, only for the Arsenal loanee to be shown a yellow card for simulation.
Vardy eventually did have his say when he stormed through one-on-one with Jakupovic and was denied, only for Mahrez to fire home into the unguarded goal and give Leicester the lead.But Hull hit back just before half-time in extra-time as Hernandez turned the ball home after Akpom's initial effort had been parried back into the danger area by Schwarzer.
And Mahrez would soon turn from potential hero to villain, as Jakupovic saved his penalty to provide the platform from which Hull reached the last eight.
Riyad Mahrez missed the crucial penalty as Leicester City crashed out of the League Cup with a 5-4 shootout defeat at Hull City on Tuesday.
Mahrez, who had earlier put Leicester 1-0 up in extra-time before Abel Hernandez equalised to force penalties, took the first spot-kick of the shootout but was denied by Hull goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic.
All nine subsequent penalties were scored, with David Meyler netting Hull's fifth and final kick to send the Championship outfit into the League Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history with a shock victory over the Premier League high-flyers.
After a goalless 90 minutes, Leicester drew first blood when Mahrez turned home after Jamie Vardy's initial effort had been saved in the 100th minute.But in-form Hull striker Hernandez levelled on the stroke of half-time in the extra 30 minutes, and Steve Bruce's players kept their cool in the shootout.
Hull had a flurry of early chances and could have been ahead after just three minutes had Ritchie De Laet not produced a crucial block to deny Greg Luer.Leicester had to wait until the 39th minute for their first meaningful opportunity.
Marc Albrighton, the only player to retain his place in the starting XI that beat Crystal Palace 1-0 at the weekend, galloped through on a 50-yard run before seeing his shot blocked.Claudio Ranieri had seen enough and threw on talisman Jamie Vardy, but the Premier League's top scorer was unable to inspire his team.
Then with eight minutes to go, Hull thought they had snatched the victory as Mark Schwarzer made a mess of Hernandez's header, spilling the ball on the line.The ball appeared agonisingly close to crossing the line, but the officials did not have the benefit of goalline technology and no goal was awarded.
Referee Stuart Atwell made another big decision three minutes into extra-time when Chuba Akpom appeared to be fouled just inside the box, only for the Arsenal loanee to be shown a yellow card for simulation.
Vardy eventually did have his say when he stormed through one-on-one with Jakupovic and was denied, only for Mahrez to fire home into the unguarded goal and give Leicester the lead.But Hull hit back just before half-time in extra-time as Hernandez turned the ball home after Akpom's initial effort had been parried back into the danger area by Schwarzer.
And Mahrez would soon turn from potential hero to villain, as Jakupovic saved his penalty to provide the platform from which Hull reached the last eight.
Icardi: I needed a goal
Inter striker Mauro Icardi was both happy and relieved for his goal that his side a 1-0 win at Bologna and moved them back to the top of Serie A.
The Argentine forward was on hand to tuck in Adem Ljajic's cross from close range midway through the second half, sealing all three points despite Felipe Melo's red card minutes earlier.Last season's Serie A top goalscorer Icardi had been criticised ahead of Tuesday's game after a series of lacklustre displays in front of goal.
However, the Nerazzurri captain finally found the back of the net after failing to do so for the last three matches, prompting him to reveal his delight.
"I knew I had to score because that's the job of a striker," Icardi told reporters after the match."Ljajic put it on a plate for me today and when you get assists like that it's so much easier. There's quality throughout the squad and we can do well."
Inter had drawn their three previous matches but are temporarily back at the summit Serie A ahead of their weekend clash against fellow Scudetto contenders Roma - who can reclaim top spot when they take on Udinese on Wednesday.
"We had to win and we've done just that," added Icardi."It was a tough match out there, but in the end we got the goal that gives us all three points."
Inter striker Mauro Icardi was both happy and relieved for his goal that his side a 1-0 win at Bologna and moved them back to the top of Serie A.
The Argentine forward was on hand to tuck in Adem Ljajic's cross from close range midway through the second half, sealing all three points despite Felipe Melo's red card minutes earlier.Last season's Serie A top goalscorer Icardi had been criticised ahead of Tuesday's game after a series of lacklustre displays in front of goal.
However, the Nerazzurri captain finally found the back of the net after failing to do so for the last three matches, prompting him to reveal his delight.
"I knew I had to score because that's the job of a striker," Icardi told reporters after the match."Ljajic put it on a plate for me today and when you get assists like that it's so much easier. There's quality throughout the squad and we can do well."
Inter had drawn their three previous matches but are temporarily back at the summit Serie A ahead of their weekend clash against fellow Scudetto contenders Roma - who can reclaim top spot when they take on Udinese on Wednesday.
"We had to win and we've done just that," added Icardi."It was a tough match out there, but in the end we got the goal that gives us all three points."
Everton 1-1 Norwich City (4-3 pens): Martinez's men edge through to last eight
Everton edged into the League Cup quarter-finals with a 4-3 penalty shootout win on Tuesday, having come from behind to draw 1-1 against Norwich City at Goodison Park.
Both goals came in the second half, with Sebastien Bassong's opener cancelled out by Leon Osman.
The hosts then netted all four of their spot-kicks after extra-time failed to produce a winner, Wes Hoolahan seeing his penalty saved before Nathan Redmond fired over to consign the visitors to defeat.
Gerard Deulofeu, Ross Barkley, Romelu Lukaku and Darron Gibson were the men to hold their nerve from 12 yards for the Toffess. As Phil Jagielka began two months on the sidelines with a knee injury, the Everton defence was often exposed in their captain's absence.
The backline's uncertainty at set-pieces was punished by Bassong in the 51st minute but Roberto Martinez's decision to introduce the creative talents of Barkley and Deulofeu in a double substitution visibly lifted his ailing team.
They were back on terms when long-serving midfielder Osman marked his second appearance of the season with a goal and the additional 30 minutes were required after Everton goalkeeper Joel Robles and his Norwich counterpart Declan Rudd both excelled.
Everton made no mistake from 12 yards with their efforts and the decisive contribution in the shootout would come from Robles, who denied Hoolahan before Redmond – influential during the match – blazed a woeful spot kick into the Gwladys Street End.
Martinez made eight changes to opposite number Alex Neil's seven, with the visitors handing a full debut to Youssouf Mulumbu The midfielder almost enjoyed a dream start when he saw an effort deflected narrowly wide in the fourth minute.
Robles flapped at the resulting set-piece, with John Stones clearing off the line.
An unimpressive start from Everton continued when Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe failed to turn home a corner at the back post.Robles touched a 14th-minute drive from Hoolahan behind and City were unable to turn their sustained early pressure into a goal.
Everton's first meaningful attack after 31 minutes ended with Lukaku colliding with the post, sliding in an attempt to convert James McCarthy's low cross at the end of a superb team move.
Redmond cut in from the left of the box and forced Robles to tip over for Norwich's eighth corner of the first half, but there would be no way though before the break.
By the ninth corner, six minutes into the second period, Everton were defending with no greater conviction and twice failed to clear before City captain Gary O'Neil fed the ball back towards the six-yard box for Bassong to score.
Martinez sought to rouse his side from their slumber by sending on Barkley and Deulofeu in place of Tyias Browning and Arouna Kone after 62 minutes – the latter player's departure coming as boos from the terraces displayed the frustrations of the Goodison Park faithful.They were in a more celebratory mood six minutes later when Kevin Mirallas supplied the ammunition for Osman to sweep a left-footed shot beyond Rudd.
Everton remained unconvincing around their own penalty area – Lewis Grabban drawing another fine stop from Robles after some haphazard defending from Gibson.The game had come to life by the time Deulofeu galloped into the Norwich area from the right to be denied by Rudd and see McCarthy's follow-up blocked.
There were heroics from both goalkeepers - Rudd pushing a sweetly struck Mirallas free-kick over and Robles spectacularly clawing another Grabban header to safety - to herald extra time.
A measured pass by Barkley released Mirallas from the Norwich defence in the 96th minute but his angled low shop slipped just wide.Jarvis' header from Redmond's floated cross drifted narrowly over before Barkley blazed over in the final act of open play.
The England man would join his team-mates in being far more clinical from 12 yards a few moments later, as Hoolahan and Redmond lost their nerve.
Everton edged into the League Cup quarter-finals with a 4-3 penalty shootout win on Tuesday, having come from behind to draw 1-1 against Norwich City at Goodison Park.
Both goals came in the second half, with Sebastien Bassong's opener cancelled out by Leon Osman.
The hosts then netted all four of their spot-kicks after extra-time failed to produce a winner, Wes Hoolahan seeing his penalty saved before Nathan Redmond fired over to consign the visitors to defeat.
Gerard Deulofeu, Ross Barkley, Romelu Lukaku and Darron Gibson were the men to hold their nerve from 12 yards for the Toffess. As Phil Jagielka began two months on the sidelines with a knee injury, the Everton defence was often exposed in their captain's absence.
The backline's uncertainty at set-pieces was punished by Bassong in the 51st minute but Roberto Martinez's decision to introduce the creative talents of Barkley and Deulofeu in a double substitution visibly lifted his ailing team.
They were back on terms when long-serving midfielder Osman marked his second appearance of the season with a goal and the additional 30 minutes were required after Everton goalkeeper Joel Robles and his Norwich counterpart Declan Rudd both excelled.
Everton made no mistake from 12 yards with their efforts and the decisive contribution in the shootout would come from Robles, who denied Hoolahan before Redmond – influential during the match – blazed a woeful spot kick into the Gwladys Street End.
Martinez made eight changes to opposite number Alex Neil's seven, with the visitors handing a full debut to Youssouf Mulumbu The midfielder almost enjoyed a dream start when he saw an effort deflected narrowly wide in the fourth minute.
Robles flapped at the resulting set-piece, with John Stones clearing off the line.
An unimpressive start from Everton continued when Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe failed to turn home a corner at the back post.Robles touched a 14th-minute drive from Hoolahan behind and City were unable to turn their sustained early pressure into a goal.
Everton's first meaningful attack after 31 minutes ended with Lukaku colliding with the post, sliding in an attempt to convert James McCarthy's low cross at the end of a superb team move.
Redmond cut in from the left of the box and forced Robles to tip over for Norwich's eighth corner of the first half, but there would be no way though before the break.
By the ninth corner, six minutes into the second period, Everton were defending with no greater conviction and twice failed to clear before City captain Gary O'Neil fed the ball back towards the six-yard box for Bassong to score.
Martinez sought to rouse his side from their slumber by sending on Barkley and Deulofeu in place of Tyias Browning and Arouna Kone after 62 minutes – the latter player's departure coming as boos from the terraces displayed the frustrations of the Goodison Park faithful.They were in a more celebratory mood six minutes later when Kevin Mirallas supplied the ammunition for Osman to sweep a left-footed shot beyond Rudd.
Everton remained unconvincing around their own penalty area – Lewis Grabban drawing another fine stop from Robles after some haphazard defending from Gibson.The game had come to life by the time Deulofeu galloped into the Norwich area from the right to be denied by Rudd and see McCarthy's follow-up blocked.
There were heroics from both goalkeepers - Rudd pushing a sweetly struck Mirallas free-kick over and Robles spectacularly clawing another Grabban header to safety - to herald extra time.
A measured pass by Barkley released Mirallas from the Norwich defence in the 96th minute but his angled low shop slipped just wide.Jarvis' header from Redmond's floated cross drifted narrowly over before Barkley blazed over in the final act of open play.
The England man would join his team-mates in being far more clinical from 12 yards a few moments later, as Hoolahan and Redmond lost their nerve.
Stoke City 1-1 Chelsea (5-4 pens): Mourinho beaten again as Hazard miss proves costly
Holders Chelsea crashed out of the League Cup in the fourth round after Jack Butland's penalty shootout heroics earned 10-man Stoke City a 5-4 spot-kick win that cranked the pressure up on Jose Mourinho.
Butland, who pulled off a string of fine stops throughout normal and extra time, saved from Eden Hazard to decide a tense contest that Chelsea had dragged themselves back into at the end of normal time.
Jonathan Walters struck a goal worthy of winning any contest to give Stoke the lead early in the second half, before Loic Remy’s injury-time equaliser took the tie the distance at the Britannia Stadium.
Despite seeing his team outplay Stoke for much of the game on Tuesday, Mourinho was subjected to 'sacked in the morning' taunts from the home side's supporters as Chelsea suffered another significant setback following a poor start to their Premier League title defence. An injury blow to Diego Costa compounded matters further.
For Stoke, who had Phil Bardsley sent off, the victory was a welcome return to the form that saw Mark Hughes' men win four games in a row before defeat against Watford on Saturday, and few sides will want to face them in the League Cup quarter-finals.
Chelsea began brightly and Costa's cross-cum-shot was cleared off the line by Glenn Whelan, while former Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic had barely had a touch in the Chelsea goal when Marko Arnautovic fired a looping overhead kick just over the crossbar after 25 minutes.
Costa, who had picked up a knock, was removed after half an hour, while Hazard and Ramires felt the force of some heavy Stoke tackling as the hosts tried to unsettle Chelsea.
But the visitors continued to pile forward and Butland made a top save from Hazard to keep the scores level, before John Terry's close-range finish was ruled out for offside.Despite Chelsea's dominance, the best chance of the first half fell to Walters, but he failed to beat Begovic from point-blank range.
Walters more than made amends for his miss seven minutes after the break as he broke the deadlock in style. Charlie Adam's pass found him on the edge of the penalty area and Walters flicked the ball up before hitting a scorching half-volley into the top of the net, giving Begovic no chance.
The goal ignited the atmosphere inside the stadium, as the home crowd sensed they put Mourinho on the brink, and Walters went within inches of adding a spectacular second when he fired a scorching shot just over from 20 yards.
Just as it seemed Stoke's battling performance had drained the fight out of Chelsea, Kurt Zouma flicked a corner on to Remy, who lashed the ball into the top of the net from close range.Stoke were then reduced to 10 men when Bardsley was shown a second yellow card for a cynical challenge on Kenedy.
Chelsea were buoyant in extra-time and Hazard came close to winning it when he hooked a shot just wide with Butland at full stretch.Butland's outstanding performance in the first 90 minutes continued throughout extra-time and it was his save from Kenedy in the dying moments that took the tie to penalties.
After nine out of the first nine spot-kicks were clinically despatched - with the likes of Adam, Arnautovic, Oscar, Remy and Willian successful - Hazard saw his attempt brilliantly saved by Butland, who earned his side a place in the last eight.
Holders Chelsea crashed out of the League Cup in the fourth round after Jack Butland's penalty shootout heroics earned 10-man Stoke City a 5-4 spot-kick win that cranked the pressure up on Jose Mourinho.
Butland, who pulled off a string of fine stops throughout normal and extra time, saved from Eden Hazard to decide a tense contest that Chelsea had dragged themselves back into at the end of normal time.
Jonathan Walters struck a goal worthy of winning any contest to give Stoke the lead early in the second half, before Loic Remy’s injury-time equaliser took the tie the distance at the Britannia Stadium.
Despite seeing his team outplay Stoke for much of the game on Tuesday, Mourinho was subjected to 'sacked in the morning' taunts from the home side's supporters as Chelsea suffered another significant setback following a poor start to their Premier League title defence. An injury blow to Diego Costa compounded matters further.
For Stoke, who had Phil Bardsley sent off, the victory was a welcome return to the form that saw Mark Hughes' men win four games in a row before defeat against Watford on Saturday, and few sides will want to face them in the League Cup quarter-finals.
Chelsea began brightly and Costa's cross-cum-shot was cleared off the line by Glenn Whelan, while former Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic had barely had a touch in the Chelsea goal when Marko Arnautovic fired a looping overhead kick just over the crossbar after 25 minutes.
Costa, who had picked up a knock, was removed after half an hour, while Hazard and Ramires felt the force of some heavy Stoke tackling as the hosts tried to unsettle Chelsea.
But the visitors continued to pile forward and Butland made a top save from Hazard to keep the scores level, before John Terry's close-range finish was ruled out for offside.Despite Chelsea's dominance, the best chance of the first half fell to Walters, but he failed to beat Begovic from point-blank range.
Walters more than made amends for his miss seven minutes after the break as he broke the deadlock in style. Charlie Adam's pass found him on the edge of the penalty area and Walters flicked the ball up before hitting a scorching half-volley into the top of the net, giving Begovic no chance.
The goal ignited the atmosphere inside the stadium, as the home crowd sensed they put Mourinho on the brink, and Walters went within inches of adding a spectacular second when he fired a scorching shot just over from 20 yards.
Just as it seemed Stoke's battling performance had drained the fight out of Chelsea, Kurt Zouma flicked a corner on to Remy, who lashed the ball into the top of the net from close range.Stoke were then reduced to 10 men when Bardsley was shown a second yellow card for a cynical challenge on Kenedy.
Chelsea were buoyant in extra-time and Hazard came close to winning it when he hooked a shot just wide with Butland at full stretch.Butland's outstanding performance in the first 90 minutes continued throughout extra-time and it was his save from Kenedy in the dying moments that took the tie to penalties.
After nine out of the first nine spot-kicks were clinically despatched - with the likes of Adam, Arnautovic, Oscar, Remy and Willian successful - Hazard saw his attempt brilliantly saved by Butland, who earned his side a place in the last eight.
Wenger on Arsenal injuries: I did well not to play Alexis & Ozil!
Arsene Wenger admitted he was relieved not to have risked more of his Arsenal stars in Tuesday's shock 3-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday after seeing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott suffer injuries.
Oxlade-Chamberlain was named in Arsenal's starting XI for the League Cup fourth-round clash but was forced off after just four minutes due to a hamstring problem.
Walcott came off the bench to replace him but was withdrawn just 15 minutes later with a calf injury of his own.
And though the defeat saw the Premier League high-flyers exit the competition with a whimper, Wenger felt justified in his decision to field a weakened side and rest the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil.
"We have to manage the workload of the players and I left six players at home," he told Sky Sports. "It was a very bad night for us because we lost two important players in the first part of the game.
"I think I did well when I look at the two players who got injured today.
"We are short now because we lost Chamberlain and Walcott today and we already have a few injuries.
"It is a big blow for us today to lose the game but even more for the other competitions which are very important for us, to lose two players of that stature."
It was a very bad night for us because we lost two important players in the first part of the game.
Arsene Wenger admitted he was relieved not to have risked more of his Arsenal stars in Tuesday's shock 3-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday after seeing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott suffer injuries.
Oxlade-Chamberlain was named in Arsenal's starting XI for the League Cup fourth-round clash but was forced off after just four minutes due to a hamstring problem.
Walcott came off the bench to replace him but was withdrawn just 15 minutes later with a calf injury of his own.
And though the defeat saw the Premier League high-flyers exit the competition with a whimper, Wenger felt justified in his decision to field a weakened side and rest the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil.
"We have to manage the workload of the players and I left six players at home," he told Sky Sports. "It was a very bad night for us because we lost two important players in the first part of the game.
"I think I did well when I look at the two players who got injured today.
"We are short now because we lost Chamberlain and Walcott today and we already have a few injuries.
"It is a big blow for us today to lose the game but even more for the other competitions which are very important for us, to lose two players of that stature."
It was a very bad night for us because we lost two important players in the first part of the game.
Mancini criticises Serie A referees
Inter coach Roberto Mancini has criticised Serie A refereeing following Felipe Melo's red card against Bologna on Tuesday.
Melo received two yellow cards in the space of seven minutes for challenges on Emanuele Giaccherini and Luca Rizzo as Inter scraped to a 1-0 away win over Bologna.Mauro Icardi scored the only goal of the game on 67 minutes, with the win moving Inter to the top of the table.
But Mancini - who was himself sent to the stands for dissent in the final minute - blasted the decision to show Melo a second caution, and claimed officials were unfairly targeting his team.
"I didn't agree with Felipe Melo's sending off, but you can hardly expect me to," Mancini said."The referees are dishing out too many cards. We can't send off players for fouls like that otherwise the game will never improve.
"This is the third match we've had to play a man light. We can't go on like this – games should be played 11 versus 11. The same thing happened [in a 1-1 draw] at Palermo, where Murillo should never have been given a second yellow."
Mancini himself was sent off for dissent in stoppage time but the 50-year-old believes he did nothing wrong. "As for my own sending off, you'll have to ask the referee about that because I said nothing wrong at all."
Inter coach Roberto Mancini has criticised Serie A refereeing following Felipe Melo's red card against Bologna on Tuesday.
Melo received two yellow cards in the space of seven minutes for challenges on Emanuele Giaccherini and Luca Rizzo as Inter scraped to a 1-0 away win over Bologna.Mauro Icardi scored the only goal of the game on 67 minutes, with the win moving Inter to the top of the table.
But Mancini - who was himself sent to the stands for dissent in the final minute - blasted the decision to show Melo a second caution, and claimed officials were unfairly targeting his team.
"I didn't agree with Felipe Melo's sending off, but you can hardly expect me to," Mancini said."The referees are dishing out too many cards. We can't send off players for fouls like that otherwise the game will never improve.
"This is the third match we've had to play a man light. We can't go on like this – games should be played 11 versus 11. The same thing happened [in a 1-1 draw] at Palermo, where Murillo should never have been given a second yellow."
Mancini himself was sent off for dissent in stoppage time but the 50-year-old believes he did nothing wrong. "As for my own sending off, you'll have to ask the referee about that because I said nothing wrong at all."
Has Mourinho finally run out of lives at Chelsea?
The League Cup has usually served as the start of something for Jose Mourinho and Chelsea but this time, following the defeat to Stoke City on penalties, it could be closing in on the end. There cannot be many more chances left for the Portuguese manager at Stamford Bridge.
As Goal revealed on Monday, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich plans to review the former Real Madrid coach’s position at the club during the international break in two weeks time, and while patience is running thin after two defeats in the space of four days, it is unlikely that the club will move before mid-November.
The 2-1 defeat to West Ham on Saturday demonstrated the air of desperation permeating the club, as Nemanja Matic was sent off, acting as the catalyst for a complete emotional collapse, with Cesc Fabregas and John Terry booked for dissent and Mourinho ultimately sent to the stands for an incident at half-time.
Tuesday night’s defeat, in the difficult conditions of Stoke’s Britannia Stadium, was less despondent and more controlled. There were few histrionics, few outbursts at the referee or stinging challenges, but the club still ultimately sunk to another defeat as Eden Hazard, usually reliable from the penalty spot, missed the final spot-kick of the shoot-out. Chelsea appear broken and Mourinho doesn’t seem to know how to fix it.
Sitting 11 points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City, it looks an almost impossible challenge for Chelsea to retain their Premier League crown but now, following Hazard’s missed penalty, the Blues have also failed to regain the League Cup trophy, won against city rivals Tottenham last season.
That trophy was the 21st of Mourinho’s career, adding his 22nd with the Premier League title, but the Portuguese boss has never looked further from adding to his tally. After that win, captain John Terry, who scored in the final, said: "It is the start of something. We've got a great squad, with some great young players, and hungry and experienced players too. It's a great mix.”
Now, with the league almost a distant memory and the League Cup gone for the season, the perception is that the squad is ageing and imbalanced and there should have been more additions in the summer. What worked last season is now failing and Mourinho is at the centre of that. It is perhaps ironic that Hazard, the player that failed to convert the decisive spot-kick, has seen a usually good relationship with the Portuguese manager fracture over recent weeks, with the Belgian left out of the 2-0 win over Aston Villa and criticised for his defensive efforts.
As well as playing host to some sort of bust-up, Mourinho’s sides have been known for beginning a winning cycle with the League Cup, as they did in 2004-05 and 2014-15, but they have also been known for grinding out dogged results in robust fixtures at challenging away grounds. The cliche in English football suggests that a wet weekday away to Stoke can be one of the biggest tests of an aspirational side, with Chelsea usually rising to that challenge.
But, despite an improved performance since the weekend, this season is different for Chelsea and Mourinho may be quickly running out of time as the defeats begin add up
The League Cup has usually served as the start of something for Jose Mourinho and Chelsea but this time, following the defeat to Stoke City on penalties, it could be closing in on the end. There cannot be many more chances left for the Portuguese manager at Stamford Bridge.
As Goal revealed on Monday, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich plans to review the former Real Madrid coach’s position at the club during the international break in two weeks time, and while patience is running thin after two defeats in the space of four days, it is unlikely that the club will move before mid-November.
The 2-1 defeat to West Ham on Saturday demonstrated the air of desperation permeating the club, as Nemanja Matic was sent off, acting as the catalyst for a complete emotional collapse, with Cesc Fabregas and John Terry booked for dissent and Mourinho ultimately sent to the stands for an incident at half-time.
Tuesday night’s defeat, in the difficult conditions of Stoke’s Britannia Stadium, was less despondent and more controlled. There were few histrionics, few outbursts at the referee or stinging challenges, but the club still ultimately sunk to another defeat as Eden Hazard, usually reliable from the penalty spot, missed the final spot-kick of the shoot-out. Chelsea appear broken and Mourinho doesn’t seem to know how to fix it.
Sitting 11 points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City, it looks an almost impossible challenge for Chelsea to retain their Premier League crown but now, following Hazard’s missed penalty, the Blues have also failed to regain the League Cup trophy, won against city rivals Tottenham last season.
That trophy was the 21st of Mourinho’s career, adding his 22nd with the Premier League title, but the Portuguese boss has never looked further from adding to his tally. After that win, captain John Terry, who scored in the final, said: "It is the start of something. We've got a great squad, with some great young players, and hungry and experienced players too. It's a great mix.”
Now, with the league almost a distant memory and the League Cup gone for the season, the perception is that the squad is ageing and imbalanced and there should have been more additions in the summer. What worked last season is now failing and Mourinho is at the centre of that. It is perhaps ironic that Hazard, the player that failed to convert the decisive spot-kick, has seen a usually good relationship with the Portuguese manager fracture over recent weeks, with the Belgian left out of the 2-0 win over Aston Villa and criticised for his defensive efforts.
As well as playing host to some sort of bust-up, Mourinho’s sides have been known for beginning a winning cycle with the League Cup, as they did in 2004-05 and 2014-15, but they have also been known for grinding out dogged results in robust fixtures at challenging away grounds. The cliche in English football suggests that a wet weekday away to Stoke can be one of the biggest tests of an aspirational side, with Chelsea usually rising to that challenge.
But, despite an improved performance since the weekend, this season is different for Chelsea and Mourinho may be quickly running out of time as the defeats begin add up
'You are stupid!' - Mourinho hails Chelsea stars for answering their critics
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says his players answered their critics despite being knocked out of the League Cup by Stoke City, going down 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out at the Britannia Stadium.
The Blues went behind to Jon Walters's strike but looked to have rescued matters when Loic Remy equalised in stoppage time and Stoke saw Phil Bardsley sent off.
However, the Potters' held on to take the tie to penalties, prevailing 5-4 after Eden Hazard missed the crucial kick, but Mourinho defended his players after yet another defeat.
"What the players did tonight is face some people that write and speak, and said: 'You are stupid'," he told reporters.
"What some people write and say is really bad for the players. Maybe they think my players are like them when they were players. My players don't do that, they tried everything.
"If anyone saw the second half the other day, playing with 10 men the way they did, it's a lack of respect for the players."
Mourinho also insisted he was not downhearted despite being knocked out of the competition with the Blues now set for another tough test on Saturday when they take on Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.
"We played so well. This first half could finish the game at half-time. Then second half, goal, and they keep going," he explained. "I told TV last year we won here 2-0. We didn't play 25% of what we did today.
"A few months ago I won a few matches and I was champion. People were saying there are things more important than results," he added. "Now, people say results are the most important thing. It's a contradiction
"It's difficult. It's more difficult when you play bad and lose than play well and lose. We go with sadness but a positive feeling."
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says his players answered their critics despite being knocked out of the League Cup by Stoke City, going down 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out at the Britannia Stadium.
The Blues went behind to Jon Walters's strike but looked to have rescued matters when Loic Remy equalised in stoppage time and Stoke saw Phil Bardsley sent off.
However, the Potters' held on to take the tie to penalties, prevailing 5-4 after Eden Hazard missed the crucial kick, but Mourinho defended his players after yet another defeat.
"What the players did tonight is face some people that write and speak, and said: 'You are stupid'," he told reporters.
"What some people write and say is really bad for the players. Maybe they think my players are like them when they were players. My players don't do that, they tried everything.
"If anyone saw the second half the other day, playing with 10 men the way they did, it's a lack of respect for the players."
Mourinho also insisted he was not downhearted despite being knocked out of the competition with the Blues now set for another tough test on Saturday when they take on Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.
"We played so well. This first half could finish the game at half-time. Then second half, goal, and they keep going," he explained. "I told TV last year we won here 2-0. We didn't play 25% of what we did today.
"A few months ago I won a few matches and I was champion. People were saying there are things more important than results," he added. "Now, people say results are the most important thing. It's a contradiction
"It's difficult. It's more difficult when you play bad and lose than play well and lose. We go with sadness but a positive feeling."
Guardiola hails Bayern Munich aggression in Wolfsburg win
Pep Guardiola has voiced his delight with Bayern Munich's "aggresive" performance in their 3-1 DFB-Pokal win over holders Wolfsburg on Tuesday.The Bundesliga champions created numerous chances in the opening 45 minutes as they effectively put the match to bed before the break, with Douglas Costa and Thomas Muller's brace helping Bayern to a 3-0 lead at half-time.
Andre Schurrle would eventually pull one back for Wolfsburg in the closing stages of the encounter, yet Guardiola had nothing but praise for his players.
"I can only congratulate the team. The lads put in a great performance and were very aggressive on the ball," Guardiola said post-match."We were very tidy on the ball and hardly ever lost possession. We were aware of Wolfsburg's quality and wanted to defend high up the pitch.
"The opening 45 minutes were incredibly convincing. We are very, very happy with our performance and with the result."The draw for the DFB-Pokal round of 16 takes place on Sunday.
Pep Guardiola has voiced his delight with Bayern Munich's "aggresive" performance in their 3-1 DFB-Pokal win over holders Wolfsburg on Tuesday.The Bundesliga champions created numerous chances in the opening 45 minutes as they effectively put the match to bed before the break, with Douglas Costa and Thomas Muller's brace helping Bayern to a 3-0 lead at half-time.
Andre Schurrle would eventually pull one back for Wolfsburg in the closing stages of the encounter, yet Guardiola had nothing but praise for his players.
"I can only congratulate the team. The lads put in a great performance and were very aggressive on the ball," Guardiola said post-match."We were very tidy on the ball and hardly ever lost possession. We were aware of Wolfsburg's quality and wanted to defend high up the pitch.
"The opening 45 minutes were incredibly convincing. We are very, very happy with our performance and with the result."The draw for the DFB-Pokal round of 16 takes place on Sunday.
Diego Costa hospitalised to add to Mourinho's woes
Chelsea striker Diego Costa was forced off with injury in the first-half of Chelsea's League Cup fixture with Stoke City on Tuesday night, adding to the problems of beleaguered boss Jose Mourinho.
The Spain international had started brightly, testing the home side's defence, but went down holding the side of his chest in the opening thirty minutes.
After lengthy treatment, Costa opted to continue before being forced off as he again broke down minutes later.
The Chelsea striker left the field with a pained expression as Loic Remy was summoned from the bench.
And Mourinho later confirmed that Costa had been sent to hospital for further treatment on a rib injury.
Chelsea striker Diego Costa was forced off with injury in the first-half of Chelsea's League Cup fixture with Stoke City on Tuesday night, adding to the problems of beleaguered boss Jose Mourinho.
The Spain international had started brightly, testing the home side's defence, but went down holding the side of his chest in the opening thirty minutes.
After lengthy treatment, Costa opted to continue before being forced off as he again broke down minutes later.
The Chelsea striker left the field with a pained expression as Loic Remy was summoned from the bench.
And Mourinho later confirmed that Costa had been sent to hospital for further treatment on a rib injury.
Mourinho: I do not blame Hazard
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has refused to blame Eden Hazard for his side's League Cup exit at the hands of Stoke City after the Belgium international missed the decisive spot kick on Tuesday.
A late Loic Remy equaliser cancelled out Jonathan Walters' opening goal to send the game into extra-time and eventually spot kicks at the Britannia Stadium.
Willian, Oscar, Remy and Kurt Zouma all found the net from 12 yards for Chelsea, but Stoke made no mistakes from the spot either
Hazard then saw his attempt saved by Jack Butland as Chelsea crashed out of the League Cup, but Mourinho refused to point the finger at the former Lille star.
"I remember some penalty shootouts. There were misses form Arjen Robben, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka. And now our best penalty taker as well," Mourinho said at a news conference.
"I never blame a player for missing a penalty, though."
The defeat represented yet another disappointing result for Chelsea, who have also been struggling badly in the league and Champions League, but Mourinho sees no reason for panic.
"I am happy with our performance. I can take a day off on Wednesday with no problems. I think we played well. We played some attacking football and could have been three or four up at half-time. The team did everything after we fell a goal behind. It was no more than deserved when we equalised," he added.
"We go out with sadness, but also with a positive feeling. It's more difficult when you play bad and lose than play well and lose. The players must be frustrated because they're not getting what they deserve.
"A few months ago I won a few matches and I was champion. People were saying there are things more important than results, yet now, people say results are the most important thing. It's a contradiction."
The Chelsea boss then went on to defend his players against recent criticism and feels they deserve more respect.
"There is a lack of respect towards my players. What some people write and say is really bad for the players. Maybe they think my players are like them when they were players. My players don't do that, they tried everything.
"If anyone saw the second half the other day, playing with 10 men the way my players did ... the things they say and write is a lack of respect for the players."
Next up for Chelsea is a challenging meeting with Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Saturday.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has refused to blame Eden Hazard for his side's League Cup exit at the hands of Stoke City after the Belgium international missed the decisive spot kick on Tuesday.
A late Loic Remy equaliser cancelled out Jonathan Walters' opening goal to send the game into extra-time and eventually spot kicks at the Britannia Stadium.
Willian, Oscar, Remy and Kurt Zouma all found the net from 12 yards for Chelsea, but Stoke made no mistakes from the spot either
Hazard then saw his attempt saved by Jack Butland as Chelsea crashed out of the League Cup, but Mourinho refused to point the finger at the former Lille star.
"I remember some penalty shootouts. There were misses form Arjen Robben, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka. And now our best penalty taker as well," Mourinho said at a news conference.
"I never blame a player for missing a penalty, though."
The defeat represented yet another disappointing result for Chelsea, who have also been struggling badly in the league and Champions League, but Mourinho sees no reason for panic.
"I am happy with our performance. I can take a day off on Wednesday with no problems. I think we played well. We played some attacking football and could have been three or four up at half-time. The team did everything after we fell a goal behind. It was no more than deserved when we equalised," he added.
"We go out with sadness, but also with a positive feeling. It's more difficult when you play bad and lose than play well and lose. The players must be frustrated because they're not getting what they deserve.
"A few months ago I won a few matches and I was champion. People were saying there are things more important than results, yet now, people say results are the most important thing. It's a contradiction."
The Chelsea boss then went on to defend his players against recent criticism and feels they deserve more respect.
"There is a lack of respect towards my players. What some people write and say is really bad for the players. Maybe they think my players are like them when they were players. My players don't do that, they tried everything.
"If anyone saw the second half the other day, playing with 10 men the way my players did ... the things they say and write is a lack of respect for the players."
Next up for Chelsea is a challenging meeting with Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Saturday.
Van Gaal rules out Valencia
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has ruled Antonio Valencia out of the club's League Cup match at home to Middlesbrough on Wednesday.
The Ecuador international limped off with a foot injury in the derby stalemate against Manchester City on Sunday.
Valencia suffered the injury mid-way through the first half but continued to play until he was replaced by Matteo Darmian in the final ten minutes.
Van Gaal confirmed the 30-year-old will miss United's fourth-round encounter against Championship opposition and conceded there are a lot of players in the injury "red zone".
"Of course, Valencia is injured - that we could all see," Van Gaal told MUTV.
"But I have a lot of players in the 'red zone' because we have had a lot of matches and we have a lot of matches to play. I have to see if I can use them or not.
"I have to decide tomorrow [Wednesday]. We need all the days to recover at this moment, so it is difficult to say."
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has ruled Antonio Valencia out of the club's League Cup match at home to Middlesbrough on Wednesday.
The Ecuador international limped off with a foot injury in the derby stalemate against Manchester City on Sunday.
Valencia suffered the injury mid-way through the first half but continued to play until he was replaced by Matteo Darmian in the final ten minutes.
Van Gaal confirmed the 30-year-old will miss United's fourth-round encounter against Championship opposition and conceded there are a lot of players in the injury "red zone".
"Of course, Valencia is injured - that we could all see," Van Gaal told MUTV.
"But I have a lot of players in the 'red zone' because we have had a lot of matches and we have a lot of matches to play. I have to see if I can use them or not.
"I have to decide tomorrow [Wednesday]. We need all the days to recover at this moment, so it is difficult to say."
Xavi: Rooney is gifted enough to play in midfield
Former Barcelona midfielder Xavi believes Wayne Rooney must drop into midfield if he wants to prolong his career with Manchester United.
Rooney has failed to impress for United this season, scoring just two Premier League goals in nine appearances, with his struggles raising doubts over the captain's ability to continue leading the line in Manchester.
However, World Cup winner Xavi - who left Barcelona for Qatari outfit Al Sadd in the summer - sees a potential solution in the 30-year-old adapting to play in a deeper playmaking role."Wayne Rooney is a player I have admired for a long time. He is an extraordinary player with extraordinary capabilities," Xavi told reporters.
"Personally I think Rooney still has much to offer, but maybe it's time for him to adapt."You get to an age and you can't play the game you once used to, you can't cover the ground you used to. But intelligent players adapt and there's no doubting Rooney has a very good footballing brain.
"Maybe it's time for a new striker at Manchester United, who can run for 90 minutes, but Rooney would be very dangerous in a deeper role. He has the vision and the passing range to play that role very well.
"If he can adapt, there's no reason why he can't play at the top level for another five or six seasons. But as a player you must admit to yourself your body is changing and can't do what it used to be able to do."
Former Barcelona midfielder Xavi believes Wayne Rooney must drop into midfield if he wants to prolong his career with Manchester United.
Rooney has failed to impress for United this season, scoring just two Premier League goals in nine appearances, with his struggles raising doubts over the captain's ability to continue leading the line in Manchester.
However, World Cup winner Xavi - who left Barcelona for Qatari outfit Al Sadd in the summer - sees a potential solution in the 30-year-old adapting to play in a deeper playmaking role."Wayne Rooney is a player I have admired for a long time. He is an extraordinary player with extraordinary capabilities," Xavi told reporters.
"Personally I think Rooney still has much to offer, but maybe it's time for him to adapt."You get to an age and you can't play the game you once used to, you can't cover the ground you used to. But intelligent players adapt and there's no doubting Rooney has a very good footballing brain.
"Maybe it's time for a new striker at Manchester United, who can run for 90 minutes, but Rooney would be very dangerous in a deeper role. He has the vision and the passing range to play that role very well.
"If he can adapt, there's no reason why he can't play at the top level for another five or six seasons. But as a player you must admit to yourself your body is changing and can't do what it used to be able to do."
Capital One Cup Fixtures 2015.10.28
Capital One Cup Fixtures 2015.10.28
Liverpool Vs Bournemouth
Manchester City Vs Crystal Palace
Southampton Vs Aston Villa
Manchester United Vs Middlesbrough
Liverpool Vs Bournemouth
Manchester City Vs Crystal Palace
Southampton Vs Aston Villa
Manchester United Vs Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough last season Capital One Cup 1keth unpredictable team 1kak una
meh sareth kiyanna baha.So hoda fight 1kak denna wei beat karanna
Good luck Manchester United!
meh sareth kiyanna baha.So hoda fight 1kak denna wei beat karannaGood luck Manchester United!
Serie A 2015.10.28 Fixtures
Serie A 2015.10.28 Fixtures
AC Milan Vs Chievo
Roma Vs Udinese
Atalanta Vs Lazio
Frosinone Vs Carpi
Hellas Verona Vs Fiorentina
Napoli Vs Palermo
Sassuolo Vs Juventus
Torino Vs Genoa
AC Milan Vs Chievo
Roma Vs Udinese
Atalanta Vs Lazio
Frosinone Vs Carpi
Hellas Verona Vs Fiorentina
Napoli Vs Palermo
Sassuolo Vs Juventus
Torino Vs Genoa
- Status
