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Marco Silva called for Fulham to be more ruthless in front of goal after their narrow 2-1 win over Norwich in the Carabao Cup third round. Goals from Carlos Vinicius and Alex Iwobi sealed victory for the Cottagers despite Borja Sainz’s 75th-minute effort for the visitors. Manager Silva believes Fulham need to convert more chances after they nearly paid the price for their earlier missed opportunities. “We had some good moments but we missed many chances to kill the game before and to score more goals,” Silva said. “Until the moment (Iwobi’s goal) we did not take the goal and against this type of team who have enthusiasm in this competition the game was tough and was always open. “We created a big number of chances but we need to be more ruthless and effective. “We have to finish moments when the ball is inside the box. We had it from the right and from the left so many times. “We need to be more assertive in those moments because we created enough.” Iwobi’s memorable second-half strike was his first Fulham goal since his reported £22million move from Everton on deadline day. Silva lauded the Nigerian and mentioned the reasons behind signing the midfielder. “As you know he’s a player I know really well and I was responsible for him to sign for Everton as well,” Silva added. “I know what he can do as a player for ourselves in different positions on the pitch. “He has qualities, he’s dynamic and his energy as well is going to make him an important player for us.” Norwich manager David Wagner credited his side’s performance on a night where they narrowly avoided drawing level and forcing the game to penalties. He said: “It was good to see us play by our structure and principles. We are a side who can be good against a Premier League side which is still the case even though we made changes. “It was good and it will give us a major boost for what is in front of us.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Bournemouth facing anxious wait over Dominic Solanke’s ankle injury Billy McKinlay relieved West Ham avoided upset against Lincoln Mikel Arteta praises returning Aaron Ramsdale as he helps Arsenal beat Brentford

Mauricio Pochettino hailed the character and personality of his players after watching Chelsea end a three-game winless run by beating Brighton in the Carabao Cup third round. Home supporters witnessed a victory at Stamford Bridge for just the third time since March as Nicolas Jackson’s goal proved the difference between the sides and set up a fourth-round meeting with Blackburn. Jackson struck five minutes after half-time with a composed finish into the corner from Cole Palmer’s pass, becoming the first Chelsea player to score since Enzo Fernandez netted in the second round against AFC Wimbledon on 30 August. Pochettino has repeatedly claimed in recent weeks that performances have been better than the team’s results, and he was relieved to finally see the tide turn in what he called a deserved win. “Very pleased with the performance again,” he said. “(I am) happy for the victory and (it is) important to go through and build our momentum. I hope to build momentum for the future from today. “Very pleased when the strikers score, it’s important. He needed to feel the net, it was an important game for him. “All the team was really good. If we assess, all the players were in a very good level. “Cole is a very talented player, he was key in this victory. He’s still young, he still needs to settle in the club and the city but we saw today how good he is. “I think they (the players) showed character and personality.” Chelsea’s night was slightly blighted by uncertain first-half performances from former Brighton pair Robert Sanchez and Marc Cucurella. Sanchez in goal endured a particularly torrid night, with poor distribution gifting chances to Joao Pedro and Ansu Fati, while he also repeatedly hit passes into touch. Pochettino would not be drawn into criticism of the two. “The first half sometimes we didn’t provide Robert and Marc good angles to play and have continuity,” he said. “After half-time I think we fixed that and were much better. But in a difficult moment they showed character. It’s never easy to play in these circumstances. Today was a must-win, we needed to win this game. “Sometimes the pressure to win, you can’t be perfect. In the second half we dominated the game and we deserved the victory.” Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi defended his selection, with a number of first-team regulars having been rested following Sunday’s win over Bournemouth. “We played good enough to win the game but to win you have to score,” he said. “We didn’t score in the first half when we had many chances to score. Not difficult chances. We were not able to score, then you keep the game open. “I am sorry, I’m disappointed for the result because I want to compete in four competitions. I think the first XI was enough to win the game. “We have to adapt, we have to improve, The young players have to progress, but quickly, because in football we don’t have time. “I don’t want to make any excuses. It was the right first XI to win the game.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Marco Silva knows Fulham need to start taking their chances Bournemouth facing anxious wait over Dominic Solanke’s ankle injury Billy McKinlay relieved West Ham avoided upset against Lincoln

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is sweating on Dominic Solanke’s fitness after the striker limped off with an ankle injury late on in the 2-0 win over Stoke at the Vitality Stadium. Striker Solanke was brought on at half-time to reinvigorate Bournemouth and put his side ahead six minutes after coming on. Joe Rothwell smashed in a free-kick to confirm the Cherries’ spot in the fourth round – where they will host Liverpool – but Solanke was replaced with five minutes to go to sour the evening. “Dom has played well,” said Iraola, of his top scorer. “We needed a change of energy and the whole of the team had a different attitude in the second half. “Unfortunately, he couldn’t finish the game, that was probably the worst part of the evening. “We will see tomorrow if the ankle is swollen or not but we have a very tight schedule so it will be tough for him to play at the weekend.” Former Liverpool forward Solanke controlled a low cross from Adam Smith before finishing with a neat swivel for his fourth goal of the season. Three minutes later, the Cherries were in complete control when Rothwell’s free-kick from the left side of the box escaped everyone’s touch and bounced into the bottom corner. It was the midfielder’s first goal since arriving from Blackburn before last season. Iraola was happy to progress but not to be up against Jurgen Klopp’s Reds in the next round. The Spaniard said: “We wouldn’t have chosen Liverpool, for sure, but I think we have to make them play a good game and come here and beat us. It isn’t an easy draw.” Stoke manager Alex Neil was angered by some naivety before Solanke’s goal. The Scot said: “I thought we competed really well for the majority of the match. “First half there wasn’t a lot in the game which is summed up by them bringing two strong attacking players on at half-time. “You could see at the start of the second half that they visibly upped the tempo and the lads that came on are naturally good players and got the fans behind them. “I think the biggest disappointment is that when you are playing Premier League players you can semi-accept that you can get undone by quality play but the first goal for us is so frustrating. “We gave the free-kick away and then after that we kicked the ball back to them, we weren’t set and the ball ends up in the back of the net. “All the hard work we’d done in the first half was wasted because of the lapse of concentration and naivety. “If you take the game in its entirety in terms of just playing I thought we competed and was good in spells.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Marco Silva knows Fulham need to start taking their chances Billy McKinlay relieved West Ham avoided upset against Lincoln Mikel Arteta praises returning Aaron Ramsdale as he helps Arsenal beat Brentford

West Ham assistant manager Billy McKinlay was pleased his much-changed side were able to come through a tough test at Lincoln in the Carabao Cup. The Premier League Hammers, who made 10 changes from their defeat at Liverpool on Sunday, were pushed hard by the League One Imps but battled to a 1-0 win. Only Tomas Soucek remained in the starting XI from the Anfield game and that proved vital as he scored the only goal in the 70th minute. “I thought we deserved the win, it was a tough night but we got through,” McKinlay said. “We caused our own problems a little bit and gave them encouragement. In the second half, it was a bit better and we had some good opportunities to create a bit more. “But we’re delighted to get through. “As the game goes on you’re always wary that one goal might be the one that wins the game, so we had to get it. “All in all we are happy and glad to be in the next round.” On making 10 changes, McKinlay added: “We have got a really strong squad, plenty of players are fighting for the shirt. “At the moment the boys who are playing in the Premier League probably have possession of that but that can change very quickly. “If you’re in the team and playing well you keep the shirt and that’s what we want to see.” Lincoln, who beat Sheffield United in the previous round, were eyeing another upset and things might have been different had Reeco Hackett buried a free header just before half-time. The Imps were not able to recreate a strong first-half performance but still bowed out with their heads held high. Boss Mark Kennedy said: “I thought it was a really good game of football from both teams. “It is fine margins in the end. I was really impressed with West Ham, I’m not going to say the best team lost but we definitely deserved something from the game. “We knew we had to be at our maximum and hope they’re not. “I thought everyone who stepped on to the pitch did themselves proud. “I’m incredibly proud, the players should be very proud of themselves. I thought everyone did themselves justice.”

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Mikel Arteta had no doubt Aaron Ramsdale would perform when called upon after the goalkeeper kept Brentford at bay. Reiss Nelson’s early goal secured a 1-0 victory at the Gtech Community Stadium to send Arsenal through to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup. But it was two fine saves from Ramsdale in the second half which denied the Bees the chance to get back into the match. Ramsdale had sat out the last three matches, including Sunday’s north London derby draw against Tottenham, with Arteta preferring David Raya, the summer signing from Brentford. The Gunners fans sung his name before kick-off and Arteta said: “For sure, he’s been exceptional around the place and especially with the situation. “We love him, for sure. We know his character and what he brings to the team and we are happy to have him. Every player is very important. Today he had the opportunity to play and he had a really good game. “I’m really happy. It was two very different halves. In the second they had a more aggressive approach and we were too direct and it became a difficult game. “When we don’t play that well you need some big blocks in the box and we did that.” The winning goal came after only eight minutes thanks to a mistake by the recalled Mathias Jorgensen, whose pass back wrong-footed Ethan Pinnock. Eddie Nketiah leapt on the error, cutting the ball back for Nelson who stepped past a sliding Nathan Collins before neatly finishing past Mark Flekken. Brentford improved after the break but were frustrated when Ramsdale tipped Yoane Wissa’s snap-shot against a post, and then aimed a fist pump at the home fans behind the goal who had been giving him stick. “I didn’t see the second part, but I saw the first. It was a great save and crucial for us to win the game,” added Arteta. Ramsdale then flung himself to his left to deny Frank Onyeka with time running out. Bees boss Thomas Frank said: “I hate losing so it’s always tough to take but very pleased with the performance. That is the thing we can build on. “Good performance in the first half and excellent in the second half. I think Arsenal were very lucky to get away with this with the chances we created in the second half.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Billy Vunipola ready to resume physical role for England when required Alexander Isak grabs winner as Newcastle beat Manchester City in Carabao Cup Carlos Vinicius and Alex Iwobi strike in Fulham’s win over Norwich

Alexander Isak fired Newcastle into the Carabao Cup fourth round at the expense of Manchester City. The Sweden international struck eight minutes after the break to seal a 1-0 victory for the Magpies – their first over City in any competition in 11 attempts – in front of a crowd of 51,692 at St James Park. Their place in the draw was reward for a dogged display by a team featuring 10 changes to the one which started Sunday’s 8-0 Premier League victory Sheffield United, but one which was particularly hard-earned after they were given the run-around before the break by Pep Guardiola’s under-studies. Guardiola made eight changes, three of them to include Mateo Kovacic, Kalvin Phillips and Jack Grealish, and – while having indicated in advance that the competition was the least of his priorities – saw his side dominate for long periods but ultimately fail to turn the pressure they exerted into goals. With Phillips and Kovacic controlling the midfield battle, the Magpies were absent as an attacking force for much of the first half. By contrast the link between Rico Lewis, Oscar Bobb – making his first senior start – and Sergio Gomez down the City right proved profitable repeatedly. Goalkeeper Nick Pope was called upon for the first time with 18 minutes gone when Bobb turned smartly on Phillips’ ball to feet and raced towards goal before feeding Julian Alvarez, whose low shot was blocked by the keeper’s boot. Paul Dummett had to make a perfectly-timed challenge to deny Grealish a clear run at goal and Sandro Tonali threw himself into the path of Kovacic’s goal-bound strike with Newcastle’s inability to retain the ball causing them all kinds of problems. Alvarez blazed a 28th-minute shot across goal after running on to Bobb’s clever flick from Kovacic’s square ball as the home side chased shadows, although they might have changed the narrative of the first half four minutes before the break. Joelinton’s interception on halfway allowed Isak to feed Jacob Murphy, who surged forward before firing across keeper Stefan Ortega, who blocked with a leg. Eddie Howe made a double change before the restart, replacing Lewis Hall and 17-year-old midfielder Lewis Miley, who was also starting for the first time, with Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon and the Magpies instantly had a better balance. Tonali saw a 48th-minute shot blocked after he, Murphy and Tino Livramento had combined down the right and Newcastle were ahead five minutes later. Murphy cut inside and found Joelinton, who powered his way into the penalty area before smashing the ball across goal from a tight angle to find the unmarked Isak, who finished with ease at the far post. In an instant, the atmosphere inside St James’ Park changed with the visitors finding themselves under sustained pressure for the first time. Grealish curled a 75th-minute shot into Pope’s arms as City responded, but their efforts were tepid and Guardiola was booked by referee Chris Kavanagh as he vented his frustration on the sideline. His mood did not improve as City’s weak efforts to redeem themselves came to nothing despite Phil Foden’s introduction. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Billy Vunipola ready to resume physical role for England when required Carlos Vinicius and Alex Iwobi strike in Fulham’s win over Norwich Everton secure back-to-back wins with cup victory at disappointing Aston Villa

Chelsea earned respite from their difficult start to the season under Mauricio Pochettino as Nicolas Jackson’s second-half goal gave them a 1-0 win against Brighton in the third round of the Carabao Cup. Roberto De Zerbi’s high-flying visitors dominated possession for much of the game but home fans witnessed their side put on an effective counter-attacking display at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea had gone three games without scoring, but that run ended when Jackson struck early in the second half after being set up by Cole Palmer, planting a composed finish into the corner to ease his personal struggles in front of goal. Pochettino made five changes from the side beaten by Aston Villa on Sunday, with Palmer brought in for his first start. The former Manchester City forward began in an advanced three alongside Mykhailo Mudryk and Ian Maatsen, but was at his most effective when dropping to receive the ball deep, seeking out the critical final-third passes that have eluded Chelsea and meant they have scored just five league goals in six games. Jackson had an early sight of goal, winning the ball on the edge of Brighton’s box and hitting a left-footed drive that deflected over. Robert Sanchez was one of three former Brighton players in the Chelsea line-up and twice in the first period the goalkeeper almost gifted his former side the lead, first passing the ball straight to the feet of Joao Pedro who chipped it inches over the bar, then putting Moises Caicedo under pressure in a central position. He was dispossessed by Carlo Baleba, who rolled the ball to Ansu Fati to fire wide from the best opening of the half. Brighton had enjoyed 66 per cent possession by the half-hour mark, leaving Chelsea to look for openings on the break. The lively Mudryk ran in behind from Caicedo’s defence-splitting pass, only for Tariq Lamptey to slide in with an expertly timed intervention. Minutes later, Mudryk turned provider, latching on to Levi Colwill’s forceful tackle that sent the ball spinning upfield and crossing low to the near post for Palmer to side-foot wide under pressure from Igor Julio. Chelsea had endured their worst start to a season in 45 years but relief looked finally to have arrived five minutes after half-time. Maatsen received the ball centrally and laid it into the feet of Palmer, who had been a lurking first-half threat playing between the lines. He tucked it in cleverly to Jackson, who wrong-footed Bart Verbruggen to guide home his second goal for the club. It was just the third time this season that Pochettino had seen his team take the lead, and they should have gone further in front when Mudryk’s energetic midfield pressing won the ball and set Jackson away, but this time the goalkeeper got the best of their duel after spreading himself well. Home fans thought Jackson had scored the second goal his performance deserved when he slotted home from Palmer’s pass, but the offside flag cut short celebrations. Brighton had late chances to level, first when Pervis Estupinan collected a raking ball and ran it to the byline, but no one had gambled as his cross fizzed across goal. Pedro then thumped a volley over the bar from Axel Disasi’s weak headed clearance but Chelsea held on to finally hand Pochettino room to breathe. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Carlos Vinicius and Alex Iwobi strike in Fulham’s win over Norwich Everton secure back-to-back wins with cup victory at disappointing Aston Villa Dominic Solanke helps fire Bournemouth into next round after beating Stoke

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