Scott Murray's Blog, page 130

Young Boys 0-3 Manchester United: Champions League – as it happened

Paul Pogba was the star of the show as United saw off spirited Young Boys with ease.

10.23pm BST

And with that, this MBM comes to a natural end. Congratulations to Manchester United, who make a winning start to their Champions League campaign. Jamie Jackson was in Berne, and here’s his verdict. Thanks for reading; nighty night and sweet dreams!

Related: Paul Pogba hits double as Manchester United start with comfortable win

10.22pm BST

And now Jose talks! “Job done. Not phenomenal but good enough. We had a difficult start, they were intense and compact, but after the first goal the game was under our control. There was probably some fear of injures early on; some players had sore ankles and backs after training yesterday. We are not used to playing on it. Now I can say because the game is over: I don’t understand how you can play the best club competition on an artificial pitch. I would not say this before the match. Paul Pogba had a good performance. He was tired which was why I took him off, but he gave the team class and scored a very good goal. And his penalty showed personality. Diogo Dalot did very well, as did Luke Shaw. Both full-backs were very, very good. Diogo is one of the best young right-backs in Europe already. It was important for us to win, because every team is probably going to make six points against Young Boys.”

10.07pm BST

Luke Shaw speaks: “It was an extremely difficult first 35 minutes, we didn’t start brightly. The pitch was difficult, but we got to grips with it. Paul came up with a bit of magic for the first goal. We’re always the favourites in games like this, but it’s always tough with the crowd and the atmosphere. It doesn’t matter how we play, it’s about getting the points, and we did that today. We’re professional footballers and we need to be able to play on any surface. Pogba gets some stick sometimes but for me he’s one of the best midfielders in the world. He’s shown what a leader he is, and long may that continue.”

Diogo Dalot adds: “I feel very good. I am happy for my debut, and happy for the win. My team-mates helped me to be comfortable, and I am so thankful for that, it helped me today. Young Boys are used to playing on this pitch, and I think it will be difficult for other teams to come here.”

10.03pm BST

That’s a brilliant night all round for United. They weathered an early storm from Young Boys, showcasing their spirit and tenacity; Paul Pogba crafted a superb goal from the tightest of spots; Anthony Martial gave Jose Mourinho a reminder of his talent; and the debutant Diogo Dalot looks a proper find. It’s a third away win in a row; confidence has been thoroughly restored after a shaky start to the season. Throw in Cristiano Ronaldo’s red card at Valencia - he could miss the match at Old Trafford now - and Manchester City’s shock home defeat to Lyon, and it’s been pretty much a perfect evening for them. They’re a crisis club, apparently.

9.57pm BST

That result means United top Group H after one game. But they’re joined on three points by ten-man Juventus, who have won 2-0 at Valencia despite Cristiano Ronaldo’s first-half dismissal. Miralem Pjanić was their two-penalty hero. Daniel Parejo had a chance to score a consolation from the spot with the very last kick of the game, but Wojciech Szczęsny saved spectacularly. Who needs Gigi Buffon?

9.52pm BST

Dalot swings a cross into the Young Boys area from the right. Lukaku bundles the ball into the net. But he’s offside. And that’s that. Four would have been very harsh on Young Boys, who gave United a game before the class of Paul Pogba told. United win their third away match in a row, and open their Champions League campaign with a win and a performance that started out solid but ended up very assured. Crisis, what crisis?!

9.49pm BST

90 min: There will be three added minutes. Someone ambles onto the pitch, smiling, and is quietly escorted off. A plastic pitch invasion.

9.47pm BST

88 min: Moumi Ngamaleu embarks on a George Best style dribble, left to right across the face of the United box. He lays off for Mbabu, whose cross hits Shaw on the upper arm. It’s not a penalty, though you can’t blame Mbabu, harshly judged when conceding a spot kick himself, for asking. United have been the better team tonight, and thoroughly deserve their win. But the big decisions have gone their way too.

9.44pm BST

86 min: Benito releases Suljemani down the left. Suljemani pulls one back for Nsame, who shoots for the bottom left and forces de Gea to turn the ball round the post for a corner. But the flag goes up for offside, correctly, on Suljemani. Only a sliver in it, though, and that was a good move by Young Boys.

9.42pm BST

85 min: Moumi Ngamaleu has a snapshot from the edge of the box, but it wafts into the arms of de Gea at low speed.

9.42pm BST

84 min: A right-wing cross hits Fellaini, standing just inside his own area. The crowd make an ironic holler for a penalty, not that any of it really matters now.

9.41pm BST

83 min: Now it’s Martial teeing up Mata with a low cross from the left. This time Mata’s shot flies harmlessly over the bar. He’s still feeling that challenge by Assale, if his furrowed brow is anything to go by.

9.40pm BST

82 min: Assale is booked for a late tackle on Mata. He can have no complaints. Mata felt that, and grimaces accordingly.

9.39pm BST

81 min: Shaw drives down the left and sends a low cross into the middle. Mata, arriving late, whistles a first-time shot inches wide of the bottom-left corner. Squint a bit, and that gorgeous high-speed combination could have been performed by David Beckham and Paul Scholes.

9.36pm BST

79 min: Sanogo loops a pass down the right and finds Nsame, who attempts a Marco van Bastenesque volley from a tight angle. It hits the corner flag on the left.

9.34pm BST

77 min: The first true lull of the evening. It’s been a highly entertaining game. “Let’s face it, it’s men against Boys out there.” Put your hands together for Peter Oh, ladies and gentleman. He’s here all week. Try the fondue.

9.32pm BST

75 min: Both teams make their final change. Hoarau is replaced by Nsame, while United’s two-goal hero Pogba is replaced by Pereira.

9.31pm BST

74 min: A corner for Young Boys down the right. Sulejmani takes, and sends a dipping curler onto the right foot of Camara, six yards out. He’s got to score, but sidefoots wide right. What an absurd miss!

9.30pm BST

72 min: Moumi Ngamaleu crosses deep from the right. Smalling heads it clear, above the now-quietened Hoarau, but the ball only falls to Aebischer on the edge of the box. He should work de Gea, but only manages to slash wildly over the bar.

9.29pm BST

71 min: The Young Boys fans are giving it plenty, a defiant display. They know their team of underdogs have put in a good performance this evening, despite the way it’s gone.

9.26pm BST

69 min: Now he makes that change. Mata and Fellaini are sent on, in place of Fred and ... Rashford.

9.26pm BST

68 min: Mourinho was preparing to make a double change when that move unfolded. He’s having a quick rethink now. I’m guessing Martial was about to be hooked.

9.24pm BST

This was so simple. Pogba latches onto a loose ball and strides down the middle of the park. He could be forgiven for shooting for his hat-trick goal - he’s got time and space - but slips a pass to the left for Martial, who steps into the box and whacks low and hard. The ball deflects off the toe of Camara and into the bottom left, Von Ballmoos totally wrong-footed. Pogba has been simply wonderful tonight.

9.22pm BST

65 min: A second change for Young Boys: Fassnacht is replaced by Moumi Ngamaleu.

9.21pm BST

64 min: ... and blooters it witlessly into the wall.

9.21pm BST

63 min: Martial skips in from the left and draws a foul from Aebischer. It’s a free kick, 25 yards out, to the left of centre. Rashford stands over it ...

9.19pm BST

62 min: Aebischer tries to thread a pass between Smalling and Shaw with the outside of his boot. If it had come off, Assale was clean through, but Smalling shuts the door just in time and intercepts.

9.17pm BST

60 min: Rashford has a speculative effort from distance. Nope. United have very much quietened the home crowd, though.

9.16pm BST

59 min: Sow pulls up, hamstrung. He limps off in sorrow, to be replaced by Aebischer.

9.16pm BST

58 min: Assale slips a ball down the inside-right channel for Fassnacht to chase. Fassnacht gets to the ball first, but Shaw’s right on his shoulder and ushers him wide right. Fassnacht still manages to deliver a cross-cum-shot from a tight angle, but de Gea gathers it unfussily at the near post.

9.14pm BST

57 min: Assale races down the left, Smalling very much on the back foot. He cuts inside and looks to pearl one across de Gea and into the top right. Nope! A poor shot, but his powerful dribble had United worried for a while there.

9.13pm BST

55 min: United look dangerous every time they break now. Lukaku robs Sanogo in the centre circle, and suddenly he’s busting forward with Martial and Pogba on either side. But his control lets him down. Then Young Boys go up the other end, the excellent Sulejmani dribbling down the left towards the byline. He fizzes a low cross into the middle. Assale tries to backflick one into the bottom right, but doesn’t make enough contact on the ball and it dribbles out for a goal kick. De Gea almost certainly had it covered anyway.

9.11pm BST

54 min: Nothing comes of that corner either. Meanwhile here’s Matt Richman: “Thing is, Pogba has consistently been an (if not the) outstanding outfield player since his return to Old Trafford. His passing range and ability to hold the ball and take it past a couple players makes for the engine-room x-factor missing for so long since Ronaldo left. So many of United’s goals since his return were born from a platform he built. There are times he plays the team into trouble and he certainly does not do himself any favours with some unfortunate soundbites to the media (plus his agent is a tool), but my fellow United fans would do well to be grateful for his presence.”

9.10pm BST

53 min: United are flowing nicely now. Martial, Pogba and Lukaku shuttle the ball at speed from left to right, teeing up Fred for a shot. His effort is deflected right of goal for a corner.

9.09pm BST

51 min: Nothing comes of the resulting corner.

9.09pm BST

50 min: Fred is booked for a totally pointless hack at Sow’s heels in the midfield. Then Sulejmani crosses from the left. Smalling chests the ball out of play for a corner. The home fans explode in anger; they want a penalty, thinking the ball has been played by Smalling’s right arm. But this time it’s the correct decision. The home fans are wild as thunder, but two wrongs and all that.

9.06pm BST

49 min: Young Boys haven’t recovered from United’s strong finish to the first half. They look addled. Rashford slips a pass down the inside right and releases Lukaku into the area. Lukaku should round the keeper and score, but fluffs his lines. But his side are well on top now.

9.05pm BST

47 min: United enjoy some early possession. Martial then turns quickly past Camara, and he’s clear down the inside left! But he hesitates, allowing yellow shirts to swarm around him. His eventual shot is blocked and gathered by Von Ballmoos.

9.02pm BST

Back in Berne, we’re off again! United, in full control now after an awkward start, get the ball rolling again for the second half.

9.02pm BST

Meanwhile news of that Ronaldo red card in the other Group H game. The Juve winger got in a tussle off the ball with Jeison Murillo, grabbing a handful of the Valencia defender’s hair and tugging it. Ronaldo went down the tunnel in theatrical despair; if that’s more than a one-game ban, he’ll miss Juve’s visit to his old stomping ground Old Trafford.

8.48pm BST

From the corner, Sulejmani dribbles into the United box and earns another corner. There’s just enough time left for Young Boys to make a mess of it, and that’s that for the first half. Young Boys were probably the better side for the first 34 minutes, but then Pogba scored a screamer. The hosts will feel aggrieved by the subsequent penalty which looks to have put this match out of their reach. Pogba, though. What a player. And to think there’s folk who doubt him.

8.46pm BST

45 min: On the left-hand edge of the United box, Mbabu takes down a high ball gracefully, and lays off to Sulejmani, who shoots hard. His shot is deflected out for a corner.

8.45pm BST

Pogba does his stutter dance, then fizzes a no-nonsense effort into the top right. Von Ballmoos guessed the right way, yet he still had no chance of stopping that one!

8.44pm BST

43 min: Shaw crosses from the left. It hits the right arm of Mbabu, and the referee points to the spot! That looks a pretty harsh decision, because Mbabu’s arms were pinned to his side, he was trying to get out of the way, and there wasn’t a lot of space between him and Shaw. But it’s a chance for United to take control of this match.

8.42pm BST

42 min: Von Bergen barges into the back of Lukaku, who has taken a sore whack. The big striker goes down and for a second looks to be in a lot of pain, but he’s back on his feet soon enough. United hearts were in mouths there for a second, no doubt worried that the striker had hurt himself on this rock-hard plastic pitch.

8.40pm BST

40 min: ... nothing occurs.

8.40pm BST

39 min: Shaw bustles down the left and wins a corner. Fred’s first delivery isn’t all that, but he gets another chance. The second corner is sent long, Lindelof rising high at the far post and heading down. Von Ballmoos does well to claw the ball away from under the bar. The ball’s hoicked out for a third United corner on the spin. From which ...

8.38pm BST

37 min: And if that’s not enough good news for United, City have gone a goal down at home to Lyon ... and Cristiano Ronaldo has been sent off for Juventus at Valencia! Now there’s something that could have a big effect on Group H!

8.37pm BST

United have been on the rack. So Pogba goes up the other end and scores a belter! He one-twos with Fred down the inside-left channel, shifts the ball from his right foot to the left, and blasts an unstoppable effort into the top left! Von Ballmoos had no chance. Young Boys were on the front foot for a while back there, but that’s World Cup winning superstars for you!

8.35pm BST

34 min: Now de Gea is forced to fingertip a rising Fassnacht shot over the bar. United are rocking a little bit here. The hosts are first to everything at the moment. De Gea punches the resulting corner clear.

8.33pm BST

33 min: A free kick for Young Boys out on the left. Sulejmani swings it into the mixer, forcing Smalling to flick out for a corner on the right. Camara gets his head onto the set piece, but not with any great force. United again escape.

8.32pm BST

31 min: So having praised Dalot to the skies, he now falls backwards on his arse in the comedic style, under pressure from the dribble of Fassnacht. Fortunately for United, Fassnacht panics upon finding himself clear and unmarked in the area, and his feet go into soft-shoe shuffle mode. He eventually gets a poor shot away. It’s blocked and rebounds to Sulejmani, who drags a shot from distance wide left. United - and Dalot - were very lucky to get away with that.

8.30pm BST

29 min: And now it’s Young Boys’ turn to spurn a glorious chance to get their opponents backtracking in panic. Fred gifts the ball to Sanogo in the centre circle. A simple pass forward, between Lindelof and Smalling, will set Assale clear. But there’s too much juice on the pass, and United breathe again. Assale would have been in on goal, and onside.

8.29pm BST

28 min: United very nearly opened the scoring here. Lukaku won the ball in the midfield and tried to send Rashford away into acres of space down the inside-right channel. Rashford would have been clean through on goal, but the pass clanked onto his ankle and the chance was gone.

8.27pm BST

27 min: It’s really not very clear who’ll score the opening goal in this match. Both teams look capable of scoring, both look capable of conceding. And it’s very decent entertainment as a result.

8.26pm BST

26 min: Martial is sent away down the left by a glorious crossfield Pogba pass. But again his cross is lacking. Camara heads clear without panic.

8.25pm BST

24 min: Martial busies himself down the left, but his final ball isn’t too hot and Von Ballmoos claims. Then Fassnacht breaks down the left, but he’s ushered away from danger by the seriously impressive Dalot.

8.24pm BST

22 min: Shaw makes good down the left and pulls one back for Rashford, who flicks the ball off the outside of the left-hand post. Unlucky! On the touchline, Mourinho rolls his eyes. Up the other end, Sanogo bustles down the right but can’t deliver a telling cross or shot, though he tries both.

8.21pm BST

20 min: United try to take the sting out of the game, stroking it around the middle in the careful style. But the second possession is finally lost, Sulejmani goes skittering down the right at hot speed. For a second it looks like he might go all the way, but there’s some hesitation and the move breaks down. Shame for the home side, as he had options to pass as well as a chance to shoot.

8.18pm BST

18 min: There’s no way this match is going to end goalless. It surely can’t end goalless. It just can’t.

8.17pm BST

17 min: Camara steps out of defence and Beckenbauers his way upfield. There’s no pass on, so he decides to go for goal from the best part of 30 yards. A heatseeker’s heading towards the top right, but de Gea tips over theatrically. What a shot, what a save! From the resulting corner, de Gea flaps a bit, but does enough to get the ball away from danger, and in any case he’s in credit for that outstanding save.

8.16pm BST

15 min: Mbabu causes Matic some heartache down the right and earns another corner. Sulejmani rises highest in a crowded area, but can’t connect with a ball that floats over his head. United breathe again.

8.14pm BST

14 min: The end-to-end fun continues apace. Assale dribbles down the inside-right channel and nearly breaks into the United box, but Smalling stands firm. Then Lukaku embarks on a power jog down the left, only to shoot into the side netting from a tight angle.

8.13pm BST

12 min: Young Boys earn a corner on the right, Fassnacht and Sulejmani causing Shaw some angst. From the set piece, Sulejmani tries to guide the ball goalwards, but Matic gets in the road and the ball rolls softly back to de Gea. This is marvellously open.

8.11pm BST

10 min: Dalot looks a real player. He bests the struggling Benito down the right and reaches the byline. He chips softly into the arms of Von Ballmoos, a sorry end, but what a run.

8.11pm BST

9 min: Rashford sashays past Benito down the right. He crosses low. Lukaku tries to emulate Lee Sharpe’s outrageous backflick against Barcelona back in the day, but gets it all wrong.

8.09pm BST

8 min: Mbabu sends a long ball down the right and nearly releases Sanogo, but Smalling is across to clump the ball into touch. From the throw, Mbabu whips a cross into the centre. Hoarau should score, rising high and unchallenged on the penalty spot, but his header flashes wide left. Had that been on target, it would have beaten de Gea.

8.07pm BST

6 min: What a lovely open start to this match. Dalot and Mbabu have already lit up this game with some magnificent work out on their respective right wings. Another 84 minutes of this would be most agreeable.

8.05pm BST

4 min: Dalot’s wasting no time! He dribbles with great purpose down the right and wins a corner off Benito. That’s great dribbling. But once again United’s set-piece delivery is beyond useless, and once again Young Boys tear away upfield on the break! Mbabu burns his way past Shaw and into acres down the right. His low cross is just behind Hoarau and United mop up.

8.03pm BST

3 min: It’s a poorly contested corner, and Young Boys rip away up the other end! United are light at the back, but Benito can’t punish them and his loose play sees the ball once again cradled in de Gea’s embrace.

8.02pm BST

2 min: Diogo Dalot’s first touch as a Manchester United player is a peachy one. He curls in dangerously from the right, only just missing the head of Lukaku, 12 yards out. Martial, out on the left, gets on the loose ball and earns a corner.

8.01pm BST

And we’re off! The hosts get the ball rolling. A huge roar in the atmospheric Stade de Suisse. The ball’s launched long, Hoarau makes a bit of a nuisance of himself, and the ball ends up in de Gea’s arms.

7.57pm BST

These new 8pm kick-offs are going to take some getting used to. We should be the best part of 15 minutes in by now. Anyway, the teams are out! Young Boys are in their wasp-like, Dortmundesque yellow and black; United wear their famous red shirts and white shorts. We’ll be off before you know it!

7.50pm BST

And here are the pre-match thoughts of Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho. He’s been talking to BT Sport. “Everybody knows the top tennis players have their natural habitat, where they are best. But they have to play where they are not the best, and they have to win there. With us it is the same, though the referee made a comment to me that he was surprised the pitch was so hard. Even the referee was not expecting that. So it is going to be difficult, but we have to win. I ask the players: better here, or better in Rostov? They said better here. So if it’s better here, let’s do the job we did in Rostov two years ago. [United drew 1-1 with Rostov in the last 16 of the Europa League in 2017.] I left Valencia at home because his knee doesn’t need the impact of this surface, but also I wanted some fresh players in to keep motivation high, and give chances for players to prove themselves. Diogo Dalot’s first match last season was a big Portuguese derby, Porto-Sporting, and he played at Anfield against Liverpool in the Champions League, so he is a strong personality. It is a very good opportunity for him.”

7.37pm BST

What to expect from group-stage newcomers Young Boys? Here’s our man Jamie Jackson’s dispatch from Berne.

Related: Young Boys ready to be brave in group stage bow against Manchester United

7.29pm BST

The old stadium was a singular place. One of the great World Cup venues. The iconic clock tower. Longines certainly got their money’s worth with that sponsorship deal.

7.17pm BST

Tonight’s game takes place at the Stade de Suisse, which was built on the site of the old Wankdorf Stadium. The old pile is best remembered for staging one of the most jaw-dropping matches in football history, the 1954 World Cup final, aka the Miracle of Bern. Here’s the story, told rather magnificently, by John Ashdown.

Related: World Cup stunning moments: the Miracle of Bern

7.11pm BST

The team news. Manchester United make four changes to the starting XI named at Watford last weekend. Alexis Sanchez, Ashley Young, Marouane Fellaini and Antonio Valencia make way for Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford, Fred and - making his debut for the club - Diogo Dalot. Young Boys meanwhile welcome back this chap:

7.05pm BST

Young Boys: Von Ballmoos, Mbabu, Camara, von Bergen, Benito, Fassnacht, Sow, Sanogo, Sulejmani, Hoarau, Assale.
Subs: Wolfli, Bertone, Ngamaleu, Nsame, Schick, Aebischer, Garcia.

Manchester United: de Gea, Dalot, Smalling, Lindelof, Shaw, Fred, Matic, Pogba, Martial, Lukaku, Rashford.
Subs: Romero, Bailly, Sanchez, Mata, Andreas Pereira, Young, Fellaini.

3.03pm BST

For a team supposedly in crisis, Manchester United are in a decent enough place at the moment. They’ve won their last two games, away at Burnley and Watford; Romelu Lukaku is in the goals, with four already to his name this campaign; and Jose Mourinho appears to have shaken off his early-season funk, his side showing signs of working their way into a groove at exactly the right time, with the Champions League heaving into view.

On paper, and if history is any guide, the champions of Switzerland shouldn’t cause United too many problems. Young Boys, making their group-stage debut tonight, have come a cropper every time they’ve faced English opposition in Europe: Spurs put them out of the Champions League in 2010-11, 6-3 on aggregate; Liverpool won 5-3 in Berne in the 2012-13 Europa League groups; and Everton pasted them 7-2 on aggregate in the first knockout phase of the 2014-15 Europa League. A certain Romelu Lukaku scored five of Everton’s goals in that tie. It all augurs well.

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The Fiver | Avant garde art movement PSG

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Tottenham Hotspur don’t like playing Internazionale at San Siro very much. They’ve done it three times now, and it never goes well. Eight years ago they were three goals and a man down in 14 minutes, eventually losing a Big Cup group game 4-3, a young Philippe Coutinho running at them again and again with great purpose as ‘Arry Redknapp surveyed the damage with shocked impotence, the closest a football manager has ever come to recreating the cover of McCartney II. Then in 2013 André Villas-Boas and his side squeaked through a Big Vase round-of-16 tie, but only after shipping a three-goal first-leg lead, and a 4-1 defeat on the night is a 4-1 defeat, whichever way you spin it. And now the events of Tuesday. Oh lads! How could you!

Related: Tottenham fail to heed clear evidence Harry Kane needs a rest | Barney Ronay

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Stan Kroenke’s prohibition gangster style: will it bring Arsenal success?

The American billionaire’s takeover of the club has alarmed many fans. But his mobster fashion sense – pinstripe, double-breasted suits – harks back to the Gunners most successful era

Stan Kroenke’s recent takeover of Arsenal prompted consternation within the club’s fanbase, on account of the billionaire’s opaque plans and a track record at his NFL, NBA and Major League Soccer franchises once described by this paper as “abject”. However, his sartorial approach is anything but, with his on-trend pinstripe bringing a touch of noir glamour to the Holloway Road. So it’s swings and roundabouts.

Kroenke’s commitment to the kingpin look is total. As a younger man, he favoured a brown suit with thick chalkstripe. Coupled with an equally widescreen moustache, the top button of his shirt left raffishly undone, he cut a mobster dash straight out of the prohibition era. It’s easy to picture him hovering by an art-deco lamp, quietly brooding, rolling a ball of single malt around a crystal tumbler.

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US Open 2018: Injured Rafael Nadal retires, Juan Martín del Potro reaches final - as it happened

The defending champion was unable to carry on and retired after conceding the second set to his Argentinian opponent

12.35am BST

Kevin Mitchell’s report is here.

Related: Rafael Nadal forced to retire from US Open semi-final with knee injury

11.32pm BST

Flushing Meadows fell a little quiet when Nadal left, but now they’re showering the popular Del Potro with love. He’s a deserving finalist, and will give either Novak Djokovic or Kei Nishikori something serious to think about come Sunday. On which subject, you’d best race over to say hello to Bryan Armen Graham, who will be in the big chair for the second men’s semi. Congratulations to the magnificent Juan Martin del Potro, commiserations to the stricken Rafael Nadal, and thanks to everyone for reading. Nighty night, and sweet dreams!

Related: Kei Nishikori v Novak Djokovic: US Open men's semi-finals – live!

11.26pm BST

But the extremely likeable and exceptionally talented Juan Martin del Potro deserves to reach the final. It’s not the way he’d have wanted to get through, but take no gloss off a fine performance. He was simply magnificent this evening. “Well it is not the best way to win a match. I love to play against Rafa because he is the biggest fighter, I don’t like to see him suffer and I am saddened for him. But anyway the key of the match was the first set, we both played good tennis and I did well in the tie-break. I am so happy to be in the final again. It means a lot to me, I didn’t expect to get into another grand-slam final. This is my favourite tournament, and my biggest memories are here in 2009. But I was a kid, and now I am much older.”

11.23pm BST

Nadal calls the trainer down again. A quick word. His head drops and he puts his racquet back in his bag. He then gives the umpire the word ... he can’t continue. He retires and embraces del Potro. The pair chat awhile as a distressed Nadal explains his predicament. It’s a bittersweet moment. Nadal takes his leave, the Arthur Ashe Stadium stunned into silence for a second, before giving the exiting hero the ovation he deserves. Such a shame.

11.21pm BST

Nadal* 6-7, 2-6 del Potro. Nadal is serving to stay in the second set. He goes 30-0 up quickly enough, but then three unforced errors in a row gifts del Potro a set point. Nadal saves it by charging the net, forcing del Potro to send a forehand wide right. But he flaps another shot into the net, and it’s a second set point. Del Potro flashes a forehand past him, and it’s the second set to Del Potro.

11.15pm BST

Nadal 6-7, 2-5 del Potro*. Nadal isn’t just playing with an injured knee; his movement’s also hampered by Black Dog, who has sunk his teeth into his Aris and isn’t letting go. He is fuming. Eyebrows at 45 degrees. Not sure whether he’s annoyed with himself, his injury, or that argument over the mid-rally call. But he’s not in a good place right now. Del Potro wins an easy service game to love.

11.12pm BST

Nadal* 6-7, 2-4 del Potro. Nadal was in a deep funk during the changeover, staring into space, frowning, brooding. His mood’s not helped when a ball’s called out mid-rally, but it’s ignored, the point continues and Nadal sends one wide. Break point. He walks up to the umpire, furious, wagging his finger. During an emotional rant, he utters a sentence which has the word “retire” in it. Oh no. The good news: he continues playing, and holds his serve. Here’s hoping he’s good to continue.

11.03pm BST

Nadal 6-7, 1-4 del Potro*. But then del Potro makes his 18th unforced error of the match so far, flapping a weak forehand into the net. He’s in trouble at 0-30. But he moves Nadal around in a couple of rallies, clawing it back to 30-30. Nadal hollers in agony as he slides towards a ball far out to the left; is it the knee, or simply frustration that he couldn’t reach it? Two points later, and that’s a big hold for del Potro, who dug in brilliantly and sent a gingerly moving Nadal hither and yon.

10.58pm BST

Nadal* 6-7, 1-3 del Potro. Nadal’s back up and about ... and immediately sent scampering around by del Potro, who dinks a cute one over the net. Del Potro, sensing that it’s time to strike, quickly goes 0-40 up, wheeching a backhand pass down the left sideline. Three break points. Nadal responds with a screaming passing shot of his own, then Delpo nets weakly. But Nadal can’t escape again. He hoicks long, and the 2009 champ is a set and a break up on the three-time winner.

10.54pm BST

Nadal takes a medical time-out. The defending champion is getting his right knee taped up again. He doesn’t look particularly happy, grimacing in pain as the trainer loops the tape around his tendon. The trainer gives him a good, hard massage, then applies some sort of spray on the knee. Here’s hoping he’s good to continue. And a thought for del Potro, too; he’s on top right now, and won’t want to lose his mojo waiting around.

10.48pm BST

Nadal 6-7, 1-2 del Potro*. An easy hold to love for the big man.

10.47pm BST

Nadal* 6-7, 1-1 del Potro. Nadal charges the net, but del Potro zips a magnificent backhand down the right sideline. Then a long rally is won by the big man, with a stunning whip down the left. Then a simply outrageous point for del Potro, who crashes a cross-court forehand that rocks Nadal back on his heels; Nadal recovers and looks to have won it with a delicate drop shot, but del Potro gathers then volleys to earn a couple of break points. Nadal is the dictionary definition of tenacious, though, and suddenly shifts up a gear, winning four points in a row to hold. Del Potro threw everything at him then, but he escaped with the game. Del Potro will be annoyed at passing up an opportunity for another break, but at least he’s making plenty of chances. Both players have won 47 points so far.

10.41pm BST

Nadal 6-7, 0-1 del Potro*. Del Potro takes control of a couple of rallies, moving Nadal this way and that. Perhaps trying to test his movement, Nadal having swathed his knee in tape earlier on. He goes 40-15 up. But Nadal wakes up, winning one point with a glorious passing shot, then digging out a defensive return that surprises Delpo at the net. But a see-saw game ends in style, as del Potro follows up a big serve with a delicious drop shot that beats Nadal all ends up. Del Potro starts the second set with a hold.

10.34pm BST

Del Potro won that tie-break with ease. That’s some performance, because he looked a broken man for a while back there, having passed up two glorious opportunities to serve the set out at 5-4. Had he gone on to lose the set, it could have been hard coming back. But he bounces off beaming, a mixture of jubilation and relief. Nadal was strangely uncompetitive during the tie-break.

10.30pm BST

Nadal 6-7 del Potro. Del Potro goes a mini-break up as a netcord sends Nadal’s ball out. Delpo wins his first service point to go 2-0 up. Nadal gets the mini-break back with a stunning cross-court two-handed backhand. But then loses it again as del Potro crashes a big forehand to the left-hand corner; Nadal can’t return. Then Nadal gets the benefit of a net cord, a drop shot nearly going wrong but toppling over the net. It’s 3-2 to Delpo, who has a mini-break in his pocket. Then 4-2, as Nadal is inches long with an outrageous lob. And then 5-2, a huge serve setting up a powerful forehand Nadal can’t reach. Nadal needs to hold onto his two service points. But he misses an empty deuce court with a forehand and Delpo has his third set point at 6-3. Nadal flashes a forehand into the net, and a 69-minute first set goes to the 2009 champ!

10.21pm BST

Nadal 6-6 del Potro*. Farcical scenes as del Potro hits a big serve and stops playing as Nadal whistles it back past his lugs. Delpo thought his serve was out, so challenges. It’s in, and he loses the point. A sign of a head addled by those squandered set points. It nearly costs him, too: serving at 40-30, a good serve’s called out ... and he’s got no challenges left! But he pulls himself together at the death, and this first set is going to a tie-break.

10.14pm BST

Nadal* 6-5 del Potro. Having been broken, del Potro looks broken. His shoulders are slumping, his feet are dragging. Nadal eases through his service game to love.

10.12pm BST

Nadal 5-5 del Potro*. Nadal missed a couple of forehands in that last game, which may explain why he threw his water bottle in irritation as he got back to his chair. He takes the tape off his knee. And goes out to put del Potro under some pressure, racing to a 15-30 lead. But del Potro sends a huge kicker of a serve out right, dispatching Nadal’s desperate return at the net. Another big serve and he’s got set point. Which he should convert, but he tightens up and sends an easy cross-court winner out on the left. Deuce. Then another set point - which he slaps into the net! If Nadal nicks this game, it will kill del Potro. Del Potro hoicks another one wide ... then flaps one into the net to hand the break straight back! Two set points have come and gone; del Potro visibly tightened in the clutch. That was dreadful.

10.04pm BST

Nadal* 4-5 del Potro. So having said that, del Potro suddenly finds top gear - in the middle of a long rally, pressing Nadal back - and breaks again! He seals the deal with a crashing forehand down the right; Nadal can only whip a return lamely into the net. And now the big man will serve for the first set!

9.58pm BST

Nadal 4-4 del Potro*. A busy pit-stop for Nadal, who asks for one of his racquets to be restrung, and gets his right knee taped up. He doesn’t seem to be in too much discomfort as he wins a 14-shot rally. But del Potro winds up his serve again and sees the game out. Strange to say of a match which has had two breaks of serve already, but this hasn’t quite taken off yet. A sprinkling of the spectacular, but neither player has hit top gear.

9.52pm BST

Nadal* 4-3 del Potro. Del Potro asks a serious question of Nadal, sending a 101mph forehand to the corner. But Nadal somehow returns, and del Potro hoicks long. Another easy hold for Nadal.

9.49pm BST

Nadal 3-3 del Potro*. Nadal races into a 0-30 lead, forcing a mistake during a grinding rally, then benefiting from a del Potro forehand that loses a battle with the net cord. But then Delpo gets his first serve going. Four points in a row to win the game, the last a rare victory in a baseline rally.

9.43pm BST

Nadal* 3-2 del Potro. An easy hold for Nadal, who wraps up the game with a good old-fashioned serve-and-volley point.

9.40pm BST

Nadal 2-2 del Potro*. Del Potro, playing in Australian gold, teases Nadal towards the net, then sends a screamer along the left sideline. Then he flirts with trouble, a couple of unforced errors giving Nadal a 15-30 lead. But some big serving digs him out of a hole. He holds his serve for the first time.

9.33pm BST

Nadal* 2-1 del Potro. Nadal sends a forehand down the sideline, the ball swerving into the right-hand corner and kicking wide, leaving del Potro no chance of a return. That ball was doing all sorts in the air; outrageous skill. It sets him on his way to the first service hold of the match.

9.29pm BST

Nadal 1-1 del Potro*. Del Potro charges the net, and engages Nadal in some rat-a-tat volleying. Nadal wins the point by whipping the ball across del Potro and through the deuce court. Nadal earns two break points, and he only needs one. An immediate break back! A couple of unforced errors by del Potro in that game, a forehand ballooned long, another slapped wide left.

9.25pm BST

Nadal* 0-1 del Potro. A shaky start by Nadal, who nets a couple of weak forehands. Then a lengthy rally. It looks as though del Potro is in charge, but a weak approach is returned down the line by Nadal. A fizzer. But Nadal flays a loose shot wide during the next rally, and del Potro has a couple of early break points. Nadal saves the first with an outrageous drop shot, but comes off second-best in a lengthy rally, and the big Argentinian has an early break!

9.20pm BST

Juan Martin del Potro: A Class Act (pt II in a continuing series): Before he got togged up to play, he was pictured out front talking to a bunch of fans in Argentina soccer shirts. All were singing, some were bouncing, most were chugging tinnies of delicious alcoholic lager beer. Every one of them got a hug from their hero. Anyway, over to the umpire: “Take your seats, please, ladies and gentlemen. First set, Rafael Nadal to serve. Ready ... thank you ... play!”

9.17pm BST

The players are on the court! The denizens of the Arthur Ashe Stadium give both men a huge reception; maybe the defending champ gets a little bit more love. But these are two popular players. That’s because they’re so damn nice: Nadal says in his pre-match interview that he’ll have to play his best tennis to beat an opponent he respects greatly, while del Potro bridles at the word “rivalry”, which sounds way too aggressive and personal for his liking; he’s just playing tennis against a player he admires. True gents. Out on the court, del Potro wins the toss, calling heads correctly, and opts to receive. We’ll be off in a minute!

8.45pm BST

It’s possible that this US Open men’s semi-final will be over in a couple of hours. Yes, it’s possible ... it’s just not very probable. Rafael Nadal and Juan Martin del Potro don’t half enjoy an epic, you see. Nadal has just spent four hours and 49 minutes seeing off Dominic Thiem; del Potro needed three-and-a-half hours to dispatch John Isner after four sets and two tie-breaks. And you may recall the pair meeting at Wimbledon earlier this summer; that clash took the best part of five hours to complete.

The defending champion Nadal is favourite to make it through to the final, holding as he does an 11-5 head-to-head lead over del Potro. He saw off the big Argentinian this year at Wimbledon and Roland Garros, as well as in the semis here at Flushing Meadows last year. But del Potro does have one crumb of comfort: he blasted Nadal off the court here in the 2009 semis, 6-2, 6-2, 6-2, and went on to win the title, ending Roger Federer’s 40-match unbeaten run in the process.

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US Open 2018: Cilic beats Goffin, Djokovic and Keys safely through – as it happened

Fine wins for Madison Keys, Novak Djokovic and Marin Cilic on day eight at Flushing Meadows.

11.55pm BST

And as Marin Cilic makes the quarters once more, this blog comes to a natural end. But that’s not all from day eight at Flushing Meadows: we’ll have coverage of the matches involving Maria Sharapova and Roger Federer later on. So stay up with us for those. Hope you enjoyed the coverage! Nighty night.

Related: Novak Djokovic defies heat to beat Sousa and reach US Open quarter-finals

11.50pm BST

Marin Cilic beats David Goffin 7-6, 6-2, 6-4. Cilic falls 0-30 down. He takes some time to regroup. “What are you waiting for?” snaps the umpire, before giving him a time violation. Is it worth the hassle? It would appear so! He booms an ace, then sends a second serve wide right and dispatches the return into an empty court. Another big serve and volley, and he’s got match point. But he pulls wide after a long rally and it’s deuce. Goffin shanks one during another rally, and it’s a second match point. Then a double fault! The third deuce sees Cilic snatch at a volley, sending it wide left. Break point! A big serve, straight at Goffin, and the return is netted. Deuce #4! He sends another booming serve kicking out to the left; Goffin can’t return. A third match point ... and this time a glorious cross-court forehand gets the job done!

11.42pm BST

Cilic 7-6, 6-2, 5-4 Goffin*. Cilic will have to serve it out. Goffin was serving for the first set but couldn’t get the job done. Payback time? He’ll need it to be, or his dreams of a first quarter-final at Flushing Meadows will be gone for another year.

11.38pm BST

Cilic* 7-6, 6-2, 5-3 Goffin. A beautiful pick-up and passing shot, a booming serve through deuce court, and another hold to love.

11.33pm BST

Cilic 7-6, 6-2, 4-3 Goffin*. And now it’s an easy enough hold for Goffin. But there’s the slight sense Cilic is holding himself back, saving all his energy to make sure he gets the job done on his remaining two service games.

11.30pm BST

Cilic* 7-6, 6-2, 4-2 Goffin. Another easy hold for Cilic. Goffin drags his feet and stares at the floor, with the air of a man who knows the sands of time are running out.

11.27pm BST

Cilic 7-6, 6-2, 3-2 Goffin*. Cilic is gifted the break. Goffin sprays a forehand wide, nets an easy volley to gift his opponent two break points, and sends one long. Cilic just had to stay in the rallies. All of a sudden, the finishing line is in sight for the Croat if he can just keep hold of his serve. On previous evidence in this match, that’s easier said than done.

11.22pm BST

Cilic* 7-6, 6-2, 2-2 Goffin. Cilic holds to love. We’re nearing the two-hour mark. New balls, please!

11.20pm BST

Cilic 7-6, 6-2, 1-2 Goffin*. Goffin holds without fuss. There’s been something of a lull since the lads got new clothes not soaked in sweat.

11.18pm BST

Cilic* 7-6, 6-2, 1-1 Goffin. Ticking along with serve right now. Very strange.

11.12pm BST

Cilic 7-6, 6-2, 0-1 Goffin*. Goffin, his back against the wall, comes out firing. A service game to love.

11.07pm BST

Cilic 7-6, 6-2 Goffin. Meanwhile the second set on Armstrong comes to a typically absurd end. Cilic broke Goffin again. Then Goffin earned two break points as Cilic served for the set. But he couldn’t convert them, and Cilic’s power won the day. The 2014 champ hasn’t been on his game at all, but he’s performed in all the big points; Goffin has been very poor in the clutch situations.

11.05pm BST

One last hurrah for the Czech teenager as she holds her final service game. But then the 29-year-old Ukrainian serves it out. She looked in distress in the first set, cramping and struggling to breathe. But she came back in style, seeing off her precocious opponent. Poor Vondrousova was carrying an injury in that final set, but otherwise played marvellously: she went down swinging in that last game, forcing a couple of break points she couldn’t convert. She’ll put this in the experience bank. Tsurenko meanwhile advances to the quarter-final of a slam for the first time; she’ll face Naomi Osaka.

10.58pm BST

Cilic* 7-6, 4-2 Goffin. Cilic has a chance to go two breaks up, but Goffin survives to hold serve. Then the Belgian has two break points on Cilic’s serve, but the Croat rescues himself with a couple of big serves, one that kicks wide right, another that bullets down the middle. Cilic isn’t playing well - this performance is erratic as hell - but he’s doing more than enough right now.

10.54pm BST

Vondrousova 7-6, 5-7, 1-5 Tsurenko*. A couple of break points for the Czech teenager. But neither are converted, and the writing is on the wall now.

10.48pm BST

Vondrousova* 7-6, 5-7, 1-4 Tsurenko. That last game took a lot out of Vondrousova, and she gives up a couple of break points without much resistance. Then she whips a forehand wide, and despite that recent burst of defiance, the jig looks up.

10.46pm BST

Vondrousova 7-6, 5-7, 1-3 Tsurenko*. Maybe Vondrousova isn’t finished yet! Despite continually holding that wrapped-up thigh, she wins two long rallies and snatches one of the breaks back! But she is clearly struggling with injury. Tsurenko’s earlier travails were heat-related, as she momentarily struggled to breathe in the humidity, panic setting in. She’s over that now; muscular bother is another thing entirely.

10.41pm BST

Cilic* 7-6, 3-1 Goffin. Someone finally holds their serve on Armstrong. Well done, Marin Cilic! And he establishes a strong foothold in this game now. Goffin is in serious trouble.

10.40pm BST

Vondrousova* 7-6, 5-7, 0-3 Tsurenko. Tsurenko turns the screw, moving the stricken Vondrousova this way and that, making her move, move, move on that sore leg. She wins her service game to love, then goes a double-break up by taking Vondrousova’s next service game, that one to love as well. Vondrousova has won just one point in this deciding set so far.

10.36pm BST

Cilic 7-6, 2-1 Goffin*. The third game of the second set. And for the third game, the server loses the opening point and is unable to regain sufficient momentum to hold serve.

10.35pm BST

Vondrousova* 7-6, 5-7, 0-1 Tsurenko. Vondrousova comes back out with strapping on her right thigh. She’s not moving well, and she makes her 55th and 56th unforced error of the match, giving up the break immediately. It seems a long time ago now that Tsurenko was looking unable to continue.

10.31pm BST

Cilic* 7-6, 1-1 Goffin. Has Goffin’s noggin gone? He was serving for that first set, failed to see it out, then collapsed at the end of the tie-break after hauling himself back into the thing. And he’s broken in the opening game of the second set. BUT! Cilic’s none too stable himself, and he gives up his own service game to love in frankly abysmal fashion, a series of unforced errors presenting it on a platter to a reeling opponent.

10.27pm BST

Vondrousova 7-6, 5-7 Tsurenko*. Now it’s Vondrousova’s turn to suffer physically: she grabs her thigh, grimaces and yelps in pain. Then some mental anguish as the Czech teenager loses a long rally and the set goes to the formidable Ukrainian. And finally some more physical bother as she calls for the doctor. She looks in some distress and will take a medical off-court time-out.

10.23pm BST

Vondrousova* 7-6, 5-6 Tsurenko. The match on Grandstand continues to develop in a most unpredictable manner. Vondrousova nets a volley and it’s a third break in three games. Tsurenko - who looked unable to continue midway through the first set as she cramped in the heat - will again serve for the second set!

10.21pm BST

Cilic 7-6 Goffin. Cilic always appeared in control of the tie-break, but made three unforced errors in four points and suddenly it was all square at 6-6. But it all goes south for Goffin in double-quick time: Cilic booms down a serve, then Goffin shanks horribly mid-rally to gift the set to the big Croat!

10.18pm BST

Vondrousova 7-6, 5-5 Tsurenko*. The young Czech bounces straight back with a break to save the set! This is an astonishing rollercoaster second set.

10.15pm BST

Vondrousova* 7-6, 4-5 Tsurenko. Tsurenko suddenly discovers the form that did for Caroline Wozniacki in the second round. After holding her serve under severe scoreboard pressure, she earns a couple of break points on Vondrousova’s service game. The second one’s converted, as Vondrousova slams into the net. Tsurenko is serving to send the game into a third and deciding set!

10.11pm BST

Some news of the 2012 champion Andy Murray, from our man Kevin Mitchell.

Related: Andy Murray will miss Davis Cup to concentrate on return to full fitness

10.08pm BST

Cilic 6-6 Goffin*. Cilic booms his way to holding serve. Then Goffin threatens to wobble, losing the first point of his service game as he looks to take the first set to a tie-break. But a couple of big serves see him through. This set is going all the way!

10.06pm BST

Vondrousova* 7-6, 4-3 Tsurenko. After those early breaks in the second set, they’re very much back on serve now on Grandstand. A lot of long baseline rallies. Tsurekno looks to have recovered from her injury wobble. But she doesn’t have much room for error now.

10.00pm BST

Cilic 5-5 Goffin*. Cilic takes Goffin to 30-30 and then assumes control. At the net, he steers a lovely volley down the right sideline, wrong-footing his opponent. And then he secures the break, saving the set at the very last opportunity.

9.57pm BST

Cilic* 4-5 Goffin. It continues to go with serve on Armstrong. Cilic’s very first service game the only difference in this match so far. Goffin will serve for the set.

9.53pm BST

Vondrousova* 7-6, 2-1 Tsurenko. Tsurenko is cramping in the heat. She’s struggling, having called for a medical time-out. The doctor’s given her the once-over. Will she quit? But she’s a fighter, and despite being given the runaround by Vondrousova, keeps on keepin’ on and breaks straight back! Not much of an atmosphere on Grandstand, despite all the drama.

9.48pm BST

Vondrousova 7-6, 2-0 Tsurenko*. Vondrousova looks to be in the mood to see off her 29-year-old Ukrainian opponent in short order. She’s quickly gone a break up in the second set on Tsurenko.

9.45pm BST

Meanwhile on Louis Armstrong, Marin Cilic lost his opening service game against David Goffin. As a result the 2014 champ is currently 4-2 down in the first set. Goffin’s never reached the quarters at Flushing Meadows; could the 27-year-old from Belgium be onto something here?

9.41pm BST

And we’re back. Just be thankful I didn’t put up Pages from Ceefax and nip off for four hours, like BBC1 used to do back in the day. Anyway, first things first: let’s catch up on Marketa Vondrousova and Lesia Tsurenko. Vondrousova, who saw off 2014’s Eugenie Bouchard in the second round, has just won the first set on a tie-break (7-3). Whatever happens today, the 2018 US Open will be her best showing at a slam; she is only 19, mind, so I’ll leave you to decide how important that stat is.

9.23pm BST

Intermission: The 2014 champ Marin Cilic takes on David Goffin soon. And we’ll have updates on the tie between Marketa Vondrousova and Lesia Tsurenko. Much later, our US desk will bring you news of Maria Sharapova and Roger Federer. All of that coming up. In the meantime, internet kids, in the days before Amazon Prime there was a thing called the BBC. And they used to transmit things like this ...

9.15pm BST

Djokovic serves it out. The favourite makes it through to the quarters without much fuss. An easy win wrapped up in two hours on the dot. The next round won’t be such a cinch: he’ll face the winner of John Millman and Roger Federer!

9.12pm BST

Djokovic 6-3, 6-4, 5-3 Sousa*. Sousa continues to fume about the umpire’s decision to ignore his challenge in that previous game. During the changeover, he engaged the official in a full and frank exchange of views. Looking at the replay, the official had a point: Djokovic had hit the line, Sousa had returned, and only when Djokovic whipped into an empty court did Sousa wave his racket in an understated style. Anyway, he’s lost focus as a result: Djokovic moves him around the court and earns three break points. He only requires one. That was stunning tennis by Djokovic, who went up through the gears having seen his opponent lose his rag.

9.08pm BST

Djokovic* 6-3, 6-4, 4-3 Sousa. A brouhaha midway through the game, as Sousa asks to make a challenge, but doesn’t get his wish because his gesture was ambiguous and late. Other than that, it’s a nondescript affair. We’re still on serve in the third set. But Djokovic is now just two games away from the quarter-finals.

9.04pm BST

Anyway, after the Lord Mayor’s show ... it’s Djokovic and Sousa on Ashe. It’s been going with serve: it’s 3-3 in the third set. But that Osaka-Sabalenka match was sensational! There’s two young women with huge futures in the game.

9.00pm BST

Naomi Osaka beats Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 2-6, 6-4! Sabalenka serves big. But Osaka returns ruthlessly. She engages Sabalenka in a couple of rallies, and Sabalenka cracks twice. Wild shots see her 0-30 down. And then a dreadful double fault - the first serve miles long and wide left, the second a slap into the net - gives Osaka three match points. She throws her arms in the air in despair. Then saves the first match point on second serve. And then saves the second, serving deep and fast, forcing Osaka to flap into the net. And then she saves a third!!! Another deep serve flummoxes Osaka, and now it’s the Japanese player’s turn to look anguished. Deuce! Sabalenka then wins a rally to earn advantage ... before netting to take it to a second deuce. Osaka then rocks Sabalenka backwards on the baseline: it’s a fourth match point! And a double fault gifts it to Osaka. She wins a mini-classic! A sad way for it to end - and Sabalenka flings her racket away in disappointment and anger - but she congratulates Osaka warmly. Osaka reaches the quarters of a slam for the first time. Wow. That was some match!

8.52pm BST

Sabalenka 3-6, 6-2, 4-5 Osaka*. Good luck calling a winner of this one, because Osaka looks a real player as well. Sabalenka refuses to buckle on her serve; now Osaka knocks off a stress-free service game to love.

8.50pm BST

Sabalenka* 3-6, 6-2, 4-4 Osaka. Armstrong’s where the action is. Osaka puts Sabalenka on the back foot from the off, sending her skittering left and right before cracking a cross-court forehand winner into the space she’s created. But Sabalenka again recovers gloriously, grinding out four points in nerveless fashion. She looks a real player. That’s another magnificent hold. Will Osaka regret passing up these chances to break?

8.47pm BST

Djokovic 6-3, 6-4, 1-1 Sousa*. It’s going to serve in the early stages of the third set on Ashe.

8.46pm BST

Sabalenka 3-6, 6-2, 3-4 Osaka*. A relatively unfussy hold of serve. The pressure’s back on Sabalenka again.

8.44pm BST

Here’s the latest dispatch from our man at Flushing Meadows, Kevin Mitchell. It’s his report of Madison Keys’s victory over Dominika Cibulkova, plus some good news for Jamie Murray in the doubles.

Related: Madison Keys reaches US Open quarter-finals with Cibulkova victory

8.42pm BST

Sabalenka* 3-6, 6-2, 3-3 Osaka. Sabalenka’s service mechanism goes haywire. Another double fault, plus an unforced error when attempting to dispatch a simple winner down the left-hand side of an open court, and she’s three break points down. This is critical. So now it’s her turn to regroup. She relocates her groove, and saves all three break points! This is outrageous! She eases to the line from deuce and hollers in a mixture of relief and ecstasy! What an escape! She was really on the brink there.

8.38pm BST

Sabalenka 3-6, 6-2, 2-3 Osaka*. Osaka sure does have the moxie! She breaks straight back, sealing the game point with a vicious forehand that forces Sabalenka into sending one long. Then she holds on to her serve to apply a little pressure on her opponent!

8.33pm BST

Djokovic 6-3, 6-4 Sousa*. A huge point at 30-30 as Sousa sends one long. Then the Portuguese slices one wide right. The scoreboard pressure proved too much. Djokovic saunters off court to get into some fresh kit.

8.30pm BST

Djokovic* 6-3, 5-4 Sousa. Meanwhile back on Ashe, it continues to go with serve. Which now means Sousa has to hold his to avoid going two sets down.

8.28pm BST

Sabalenka 3-6, 6-2, 2-1 Osaka*. Sabalenka whips a stunning shot down the right sideline. It seems to momentarily stun Osaka, who gives up an easy point. Suddenly she’s in a little trouble. She’s being outgunned by Sabalenka now. Sabalenka sends her rocking on her heels on the baseline; Osaka cries with horror as she can only waft a return into the net. And she’s broken. Certainly on the scoreboard ... but in spirit as well? Sabalenka looks the likely winner right now. Does Osaka have the energy and moxie to dig deep?

8.24pm BST

Sabalenka* 3-6, 6-2, 1-1 Osaka. A double fault is the only bump in the road for Sabalenka in this game.

8.22pm BST

Sabalenka 3-6, 6-2, 0-1 Osaka*. Osaka doesn’t exactly look full of beans as she starts the set. The first point’s lost on serve. She’ll be hoping the benefits of that break will kick in soon. And slowly but surely they do. She scrapes a couple of points, and soon enough she secures the game with a howitzer of a serve. That’ll give her some much needed succour. Winning a game is better than any energy gel.

8.18pm BST

Djokovic* 6-3, 4-3 Sousa. A magnificent 24-shot rally comes to an end when Sousa surprises Djokovic with a delicate slice across the net. John McEnroe would have been proud. But it’s Djokovic who wins the game.

8.13pm BST

Djokovic 6-3, 3-3 Sousa*. And they stay on serve in more conventional fashion on Ashe. A couple of easy holds.

8.10pm BST

Sabalenka* 3-6, 6-2 Osaka. Weirdly, given it’s the business end of the set, the intensity drops on Armstrong. Some extremely scrappy play as the pair trade points. It’s 30-30. Then a half-assed waft by Osaka goes way long; her viewfinder’s been on the blink during this second set. She’ll hope to reset it for the third, which is where we’re heading, because Sabalenka finally gets her gameface on and bashes down an ace to win the set and level the match! The players will now take advantage of the ten-minute Extreme Heat rule.

8.07pm BST

Djokovic 6-3, 2-2 Sousa*. So they’re still on terms in the second set over on Ashe. But it’s not quite as you’d imagine. First Sousa broke Djokovic to love, and then he gave up his own serve without too much of a fight.

8.06pm BST

Sabalenka 3-6, 5-2 Osaka*. Sabalenka races into a 15-40 lead, but gives up the two set points with some sloppy play. Very many deuces later, and Osaka earns a stay of execution. Sabalenka will still be serving for the set, but at least she’s got something to think about. For a brief moment in that game, it looked as though Osaka had given up. But she got it together very well.

8.00pm BST

Sabalenka* 3-6, 5-1 Osaka. Meanwhile Sabalenka is running away with this second set. Osaka is being out-served, out-powered and out-thought. She’s cutting a discouraged figure right now. It’s been a complete turnaround.

7.58pm BST

Djokovic 6-3, 1-1 Sousa*. It’s going with serve early doors in the second set on Ashe.

7.56pm BST

Sabalenka 3-6, 4-1 Osaka*. Back on Armstrong, Sabalenka looks to press home her advantage. She consolidates the break by holding her own serve, then goes 0-30 up on Osaka’s. The young Japanese star lets her head drop a little. She takes a deep breath and a couple of big serves wins her a couple of points. But then she twangs another couple of forehands long. The second came at the end of another lengthy rally; Sabalenka is out-grinding her in these exchanges. This is a great match.

7.51pm BST

Djokovic 6-3 Sousa*. Djokovic begins the game by sending a two-handed passing shot screaming from way out left to right. There’s suddenly scoreboard pressure on Sousa, who looks flustered. His expression changes to mild dismay as a net cord sends one of his shots out of play during a rally. And a double fault wraps things up with a pretty bow for the two-time champion. The first set took 37 minutes.

7.48pm BST

Djokovic* 5-3 Sousa. Over on Ashe, they’ve been trading service games. This is where they are now. Sousa will serve to stay in the set.

7.47pm BST

Sabalenka 3-6, 2-1 Osaka*. Sabalenka is powerful and precise; she moves Osaka around in a couple of points, pushing her deep, dispatching crashing cross-court winners. She takes her opponent to a couple of deuces. She swats one away at the net to earn her second break point of the match. But at the clutch she gets tense, spraying a simple forehand wide. It looks as though the opportunity is gone, as Osaka gains advantage. But Sabalenka creams a gorgeous volley down the left sideline to keep in the game, and it’s Osaka’s turn to get nervous. A stunning rally - no figures to hand, but it was surely over 20 strokes - earns the break for Sabalenka when Osaka balloons long. What a game!

7.39pm BST

Sabalenka* 3-6, 1-1 Osaka. The second set opens like the first, with both players holding their serve with minimum fuss.

7.36pm BST

Djokovic 3-2 Sousa*. But Sousa doesn’t fancy being left too far behind. After a couple of wild shots to open the game, he pulls himself together, putting away a Djokovic drop shot and whipping a winner down the right sideline. He holds and stays in touch.

7.32pm BST

Djokovic* 3-1 Sousa. Djokovic consolidates his lead with an easy hold.

7.30pm BST

Sabalenka* 3-6 Osaka. Both players hold serve. So Sabalenka finds herself serving to stay in the set. At which point she’s powered backwards by Osaka, who takes charge of the court, moving her opponent hither and yon. She breaks to love, and takes the first set. Sabalenka grabs the opportunity to leave the court. Both players depart.

7.27pm BST

Djokovic 2-1 Sousa*. It hasn’t taken long for the tournament favourite to seize the upper hand on Ashe. Djokovic takes Sousa to five deuces, saves three game points, then seals the deal with a fine cross-court whip.

7.20pm BST

Sabalenka 2-4 Osaka*. Anything you can do ... it’s Osaka’s turn to hit a couple of big serves. Two aces in a row help her to an easy hold.

7.19pm BST

Djokovic* 1-1 Sousa. Over on Ashe, the favourite Novak Djokovic takes on Joao Sousa, who is looking to become the first Portuguese man to make the quarters. Opening service games are secured without much in the way of drama.

7.16pm BST

Sabalenka* 2-3 Osaka. Osaka earns herself three break points, a forehand sent screaming down the left sideline the highlight. Sabalenka gets two-thirds of the way to recovery, booming down a couple of huge serves. Impressive stuff. But then her mechanism suddenly betrays her. She double-faults and Osaka has the first break.

7.11pm BST

OK, they’re up and running again on Louis Armstrong. Aryna Sabalenka, the 20-year-old conqueror of two-time Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitová, takes on Naomi Osaka of Japan, also just 20. Whoever wins this battle of up-and-coming stars will reach the quarter-final of a slam for the first time. They’ve shared the first four games of the match, all of them going with serve. But Sabalenka’s made more inroads, forcing a break point in Osaka’s second service game. It’s 2-2 in the first set.

6.44pm BST

Interlude: Novak Djokovic takes on Joao Sousa on Arthur Ashe at 2pm local; meanwhile Naomi Osaka will soon look to turn a great day for Japanese tennis into a stellar one by seeing off the young Belarusian sensation Aryna Sabalenka. All of that coming up. In the meantime, internet kids, in the days before Amazon Prime there was a thing called the BBC. And they used to transmit things like this ...

6.35pm BST

Kei Nishikori beats Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-3, 6-2, 7-5. A few seconds later on Louis Armstrong, the 2014 runner-up sees off the 34-year-old German, and reaches the quarters. Like the Keys-Cibulkova game on Arthur Ashe, that one was never in doubt.

6.33pm BST

Madison Keys beats Dominika Cibulkova 6-1, 6-3! Last year’s losing finalist moves imperiously into the quarter-finals! The US star powers her way past her Slovak opponent. It wasn’t as though Cibulkova played particularly badly; she was simply overwhelmed by the power and precision of her opponent. On this form, Keys could easily go one better than 2017.

6.28pm BST

Nishikori 6-3, 6-2, 6-5 Kohlschreiber*. And what a response by Nishikori, who will get a second go at serving for the match! He takes Kohlschreiber to deuce, saves a game point, then having gained advantage, sends a right-to-left forehand whistling towards the left-hand corner of the court.

6.25pm BST

Keys* 6-1, 5-3 Cibulkova. Make that a full dozen. Twelve points in a row for Madison Keys. What a gear change! What a response to being hauled back to parity in this set!

6.24pm BST

Keys 6-1, 4-3 Cibulkova*. Over on Ashe, here’s Keys’ response to being broken, then Cibulkova holding her serve: eight consecutive points. She’s now two games away from the quarters!

6.21pm BST

Nishikori* 6-3, 6-2, 5-5 Kohlschreiber. Kohlschreiber, having held his serve to make it 5-4, forces Nishikori to serve out for the match. At 30-30, Nishikori stuns Armstrong by double-faulting. Then Kohlschreiber hits long. Deuce. Kohlschreiber earns an advantage by dominating the net. That’s given up as he shanks a forehand into the air! But he refuses to go down. Another advantage, as a cute drop shot earns him a third break point. And this time he converts, giving Nishikori the runaround and forcing him into flapping weakly into the net! We’re back on terms, and the big German isn’t out of this yet!

6.15pm BST

Keys* 6-1, 2-2 Cibulkova. And then, out of nowhere, Cibulkova breaks! She races into a 0-30 lead, but lets it slip, Keys moving her left and right and eventually putting her away. It’s 30-30 and Cibulkova’s shoulders slump. But then Cibulkova perks up again, forcing Keys on the back foot. Keys slaps a forehand into the net, and we’re level in the second set!

6.11pm BST

Keys 6-1, 2-1 Cibulkova*. Over on Ashe, it’s another battle for Cibulkova’s serve. The No29 seed prevails over last year’s finalist this time, but she’s being forced to dig deep for the smallest of scraps.

6.09pm BST

Nishikori* 6-3, 6-2, 5-3 Kohlschreiber. Kohlschreiber has a desperate go at breaking back immediately, fighting his way to 30-30. But Nishikori, as he’s done so often, sends him skittering hysterically this way and that, eventually putting his opponent away with yet another cross-court whip. He’s a game away from the quarters.

6.06pm BST

Nishikori 6-3, 6-2, 4-3 Kohlschreiber*. At deuce, Nishikori sends a double-handed swat down the left sideline, finding the corner of the court with forensic precision. Kohlschreiber blooters the next point long, and the jig might be up.

6.03pm BST

Keys* 6-1, 2-0 Cibulkova. Cibulkova finds a couple of lines herself, battling to a 15-30 lead. But another cross-court screamer, followed by a booming forehand hit straight and deep that Cibulkova simply can’t get a racket on, secures the game for the US star.

6.00pm BST

Keys 6-1, 1-0 Cibulkova*. Keys earns three break points, dismissing one of Cibulkova’s serves with an imperious left-to-right forehand. The Slovakian claws two of them back, but another unforced error, a forehand wafted out to the right, compounds the damage. She’s already playing catch-up in this second set.

5.57pm BST

Nishikori* 6-3, 6-2, 3-3 Kohlschreiber. But first let’s nip back to Louis Armstrong. The third set is still going with serve, but there are signs that Kohlschreiber is beginning to ask questions of Nishikori. At last. A couple of deuces on the Japanese’s serve, and Nishikori is grateful to Hawkeye, which calls one of his serves in by the width of a wispy yellow hair. Kohlschreiber allows himself a wry smile.

5.52pm BST

Keys* 6-1 Cibulkova. Aces three and four for Madison Keys, and the 23-year-old from Illinois takes the opening set in 35 minutes. Nearly half of that was the second game! She wrapped that up in some style, sending a screaming backhand down the line to wrong-foot Cibulkova. It’s been very impressive stuff. Was Cibulkova’s spirit broken pretty much from the get-go, Keys winning that marathon second game? We’ll find out soon enough; here comes her second set response.

5.48pm BST

Keys 5-1 Cibulkova*. Keys is playing some superb power tennis, finding the corners with unerring accuracy. She earns another break point, though she’s gifted the game when Cibulkova balloons a simple volley at the net wide.

5.46pm BST

Nishikori* 6-3, 6-2, 2-2 Kohlschreiber. It’s still going with serve in the third set, though that doesn’t tell the whole story. Nishikori should have broken Kohlschreiber, but missed an easy volley on break point. He held his own serve to love, though. There’s only one winner here, unless there’s a turnaround for the ages.

5.44pm BST

Keys* 4-1 Cibulkova. A big hold for the No29 seed on Ashe, and she’s on the board. But she’s making no inroads on the serve of her opponent; a crashing serve-and-volley point, followed by a power serve that can’t be returned with any accuracy, ensures the American stays a break up and in control of the first set.

5.37pm BST

Keys* 3-0 Cibulkova. And as so often after a marathon tussle, an easy hold. Over on Armstrong, it’s going with serve in the third set between Nishikori and Kohlschreiber: 1-1.

5.35pm BST

Keys 2-0 Cibulkova*. Back on Ashe, a marathon second game! Fourteen minutes, eight deuces and five break points. Cibulkova displays her grit, but Keys is relentless, eventually grinding her opponent down, sending her left and right before whipping a glorious cross-court forehand out of reach. A huge break for Keys. An early reducer, in the parlance of 1980s association football commentary.

5.29pm BST

Nishikori* 6-3, 6-2 Kohlschreiber. The 2014 finalist secures the second set with neither fuss nor drama. He pumps his fist accordingly. Kohlschreiber is now wearing a cap in an attempt to keep the temperature of his noggin to acceptable levels, but that’s surely a horse long bolted.

5.24pm BST

Nishikori 6-3, 5-2 Kohlschreiber*. Back on Armstrong, both players hold their serve as the second set grinds on to the business end. But Kohlschreiber continues to look ragged; he’s pushed to deuce as he serves to stay in the set. Nishikori is one step away from a two-set lead.

5.20pm BST

Keys* 1-0 Cibulkova. Madison Keys holds her serve in the opening game on Ashe. It’ll be interesting to see how this one pans out. Dominika Cibulkova will be on a high after seeing off the fourth seed Angelique Kerber. But she has played three three-setters to get here, taking over eight hours. Keys by contrast has just dropped the one set en route to the fourth round, and she’s only been on court for four-and-a-half hours. Last year’s losing finalist also has a 4-0 record against Cibulkova.

5.15pm BST

Nishikori 6-3, 4-1 Kohlschreiber*. Nishikori swans into a 0-40 lead, advancing to the net and swatting one away with contemptuous ease. He would have won the game to love, had he challenged a Kohlschreiber forehand down the line, which was called in but fell out. No matter, as Kohlschreiber wafts a knackered shot into the net, and Nishikori is a double-break to the good.

5.12pm BST

Nishikori* 6-3, 3-1 Kohlschreiber. Nishikori holds his serve easily enough. The veteran German is making no inroads right now; strange, given the early break he earned. This isn’t the most enthralling match so far. Madison Keys and Dominika Cibulkova are warming up on Arthur Ashe. When they get going, we’ll be nipping over there.

5.09pm BST

Nishikori 6-3, 2-1 Kohlschreiber*. Kohlschreiber has already made 17 unforced errors. Six aces though. He makes hard work of holding his serve, falling 15-30 down, Nishikori whipping a glorious backhand right to left, Kohlschreiber not bothering to chase it. But a couple of big serves save the day. He’s on the board in the second set.

5.03pm BST

Nishikori* 6-3, 2-0 Kohlschreiber. Nishikori whips a forehand down the line to build a 30-0 lead. But he’s pegged back to 30-30. Just as it looks like he’s rocking, he moves Kohlschreiber this way and that, charges forward, and forces a panicked flap into the net. Another rally, in which Kohlschreiber is forced to do all the running and fetching, and Nishikori has built on his early advantage.

4.58pm BST

Nishikori 6-3, 1-0 Kohlschreiber*. The sweat is pouring off Kohlschreiber’s furrowed brow. He becomes concerned when Nishikori charges one down at the net; he stands shocked as a two-handed screamer whistles past him on the left; he’s positively flummoxed as he hoicks one long. Having given up the first set in short order, he’s already a break down in the second.

4.52pm BST

First set: Nishikori* 6-3 Kohlschreiber. A point against serve! But little good it does Kohlschreiber, who gives up the opening set in 34 minutes. Nishikori is wearing a cap in this heat; there’s nothing shielding his opponent’s neep. QED.

4.48pm BST

First set: Nishikori 5-3* Kohlschreiber. Another service game to love. After an interesting start, this match has gone all mid-90s Wimbledon.

4.47pm BST

First set: Nishikori* 5-2 Kohlschreiber. Now it’s Nishikori’s turn to win his service game to love.

4.42pm BST

First set: Nishikori 4-2 Kohlschreiber*. Kohlschreiber finally wins a service game, and he does it to love.

4.39pm BST

First set: Nishikori* 4-1 Kohlschreiber. Nishikori puts an end to the nonsense, holding his serve to 15. No drama.

4.36pm BST

First set: Nishikori 3-1 Kohlschreiber*. Another game, another break. Nishikori earns himself a couple of break points, chasing everything down with Djokovician zeal. Kohlschreiber saves one with a crashing ace, then nearly saves the second with another. But Nishikori somehow returns that second boomer, and Kohlschreiber hits long in shock.

4.32pm BST

First set: Nishikori* 2-1 Kohlschreiber. Kohlschreiber breaks straight back! The game swings when the German crashes a cross-court forehand from let to right, Nishikori unable to chase it down. Kohlschreiber then wins a long rally, Nishikori flapping one into the net under pressure from the break point.

4.27pm BST

First set: Nishikori 2-0 Kohlschreiber*. An early break on Louis Armstrong for Kei Nishikori. After winning his opening service game, the 21st seed from Japan is gifted a break. Philipp Kohlschreiber double-faults at 30-30, then sends an unforced error wide right.

4.23pm BST

Hot and heavy. It promises to be another humid day in New York. Not quite as sweltering as the middle of last week, but steamy enough for the organisers to implement the Extreme Heat policy. In the men’s, a 10-minute break will be allowed between the third and fourth sets if either player requests one. The women are given the option between the second and third sets. Medical timeouts for heat-related illnesses are also allowed.

4.16pm BST

The first big match of the day: Kei Nishikori and Philipp Kohlschreiber. Nishikori is the favourite going into this Louis Armstrong showdown, having reached the final back in 2014. By contrast, the fourth round is as far as Kohlschreiber’s ever got at Flushing Meadows. But the 34-year-old German saw off Alexander Zverev, his 21-year-old countryman and fourth seed, 6-7, 6-4, 6-1, 6-3 on Saturday. Another upset coming up? Play!

2.03pm BST

Good morning Flushing Meadows! And welcome to Labor Day at the 2018 US Open.

Everyone’s on holiday, except some of the biggest names in tennis. In the women’s singles, last year’s runner-up Madison Keys, the 2006 champ Maria Sharapova, and the new 20-year-old sensation Aryna Sabalenka, who did for two-time Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitová the other day.

Related: Serena Williams relieved to emerge from tough battle with Kaia Kanepi

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Manchester City 2-1 Newcastle United: Premier League – as it happened

City got back to winning ways thanks to a Kyle Walker pearler.

8.00pm BST

And with that, this MBM comes to a natural end. Manchester City were deserved winners at the Etihad this evening, and so the champions rise to third in the table. Newcastle United remain stuck near the bottom, but will take some positives away after a resolute performance. We’ll know more about them when their fixture list eases up. Thanks for reading today. Sweet dreams, wherever you may be. Nighty night!

Related: Kyle Walker strikes winner to help Manchester City maintain solid start

7.56pm BST

Pep talks! “We felt the game would be like this. We had to attack, but it was important to concede just one. We defended really badly in one action, but we had enough chances. And we were solid. They only had one or two shots. At Wolves they had eight or nine, so we had to improve. Leroy Sane was not named in the squad, it was my decision. We have many attackers. Last season he was an important player for us, and I hope this season he will be an important player for us.”

7.51pm BST

Rafa speaks! “Everybody knows how good Manchester City are. We were in the game for a while. We didn’t have too many problems, but they have so many options. We worked hard and scored a goal. It’s a pity, the second half, because it was a great goal. Normally those go in the stand but this one went in the bottom corner. Thinking about the future, it has to be positive for us. It will be tough in the Premier League, not least because our fixture list has been tough early on. But if you have seen us against Tottenham and Chelsea and here, the team was there. We were close to getting something, and that is good for our mentality.”

7.45pm BST

Daniel Taylor was at the Etihad. Here’s our chief football writer’s report.

Related: Kyle Walker strikes winner to help Manchester City maintain solid start

7.34pm BST

The match-winner Kyle Walker speaks to BT! “When they play five at the back and four in midfield, it’s always going to be difficult to break them down. The space is very minimal. So it’s good to get on the scoresheet, I didn’t score at all last season. It’s a happy moment for me. It was important to bounce back and get the three points after Wolves. We still have some cobwebs from the summer, we’re getting caught on the break more than we’d like. ”

7.27pm BST

On the balance of play, it had to be a City win. They fully deserve the three points, having dominated the match, knocking it around in the pretty style as ever. Newcastle dug in bravely, though; on another day they might have escaped with an unlikely draw. Despite all City’s possession, it required a world-class Kyle Walker screamer to see off the gritty visitors. City celebrate; they’re back on the winning trail and go third in the league, just behind Liverpool and Chelsea. Newcastle are stuck in the bottom three, having claimed just one point so far this season. But Rafa Benitez doesn’t look too gutted: his team gave a good account of themselves tonight. There was no point going toe-to-toe with City - this was Abu Dhabi versus Sports Direct, after all - and their tactical approach at least ensured they were always in the game. If they continue to fight like this, they should climb their way up the table once their tricky early run of fixtures comes to an end.

7.21pm BST

City get over the line. That was closer than it should have been.

7.20pm BST

90 min +2: Newcastle give up possession in the midfield. Fernandinho slips a pass down the centre. Aguero’s clear! He tries to round Dubravka on the left, but the keeper gets a brilliant hand to the ball. Aguero takes up possession again, and tries to curl one into the net from the edge of the box. He gets it all wrong, and he had men arriving in support. On the touchline, Pep goes ballistic.

7.18pm BST

90 min +1: City launch it long. Aguero rises on the edge of the Newcastle box and cushions a header down for Gundogan, who shanks a wild shot high and wide right.

7.18pm BST

90 min: There will be three added minutes.

7.17pm BST

89 min: Kompany comes on for David Silva.

7.17pm BST

88 min: City don’t look watertight at the back, it should be noted. They collectively make a nine-course tasting menu of clearing a simple loose ball, allowing Perez and Joselu to close them down. The ball pinballs around awhile, and falls to the feet of Joselu on the edge of the box. He tries to guide one into the bottom left, but doesn’t get much on his shot, Stones having closed him down well. Ederson gathers.

7.15pm BST

87 min: Aguero dinks a cute pass down the inside-right channel, and releases David Silva into the area. As Silva prepares to round Dubravka and make the result certain, the flag goes up for offside. It’s the correct decision.

7.14pm BST

86 min: City hog the ball some more. The clock is their friend. Newcastle are forced to do a lot of running. Sterling makes good down the left but his cross isn’t up to much and Diame clears.

7.12pm BST

84 min: Murphy slides a pass down the left for Atsu. He’s got men in the box, but his low cross is aimless and hooked clear by Stones. City hearts were in mouths there for a brief second. It’ll only take one Newcastle chance to scramble an unlikely draw.

7.11pm BST

83 min: Sterling cuts in from the left and crosses high. The ball flies along a strange arc, and for a second threatens to dip into the top right, a la Paul Konchesky in the 2006 FA Cup final for West Ham. Dubravka isn’t sure where it’s heading, and races back in a panic. But it’s always high and wide.

7.09pm BST

81 min: There’s just one goal in it, and not long left. It’d be very strange if Newcastle took another thrashing now, so they can have a bit of a go in the closing stages. Jacob Murphy comes on for Clark.

7.08pm BST

80 min: Sterling races down the middle of the park in acres. He’s got Newcastle back-pedalling furiously, and Aguero to his left. His pass to Aguero is weak and underhit, and allows Lascelles to win the ball with a fine block tackle. What a waste.

7.07pm BST

79 min: The corner’s swung in. It skims off Stones’ head and nearly lands at the feet of David Silva. Dubravka gathers.

7.06pm BST

78 min: Sterling is bowled over to the left of the Newcastle box. Another free kick in a position that will test the visitors. Gundogan loops it long, and Fernandinho prepares to stoop and head home by the right-hand post. Dummett does very well to head behind for a corner.

7.04pm BST

76 min: Gundogan replaces Mahrez.

7.04pm BST

75 min: Fernandinho floats a long ball down the inside-right channel, and isn’t far away from releasing Walker. A few moments earlier, Mendy had caressed a sensational crossfield pass from left to right, finding Mahrez on the wing. It’s just lovely to watch. City have gone into Widescreen Mode.

7.01pm BST

73 min: City continue to stroke it around, in complete control of this match. Newcastle replace Rondon, who has run himself into the ground chasing lost causes, and send on Joselu.

6.59pm BST

71 min: City ping it around patiently, then suddenly David Silva springs into action, combining with Aguero down the middle and laying off to Sterling, sashaying down the inside-left channel. His shot flies wide left. He wants a corner, insisting there’s been a deflection. But he’s not getting it.

6.58pm BST

70 min: City have enjoyed 81 percent possession in the last five minutes. After the Chelsea game, Newcastle will be getting used to this.

6.57pm BST

69 min: David Silva slips a pass down the inside-left channel to release his namesake Bernardo, who zips a low cross into the area. Aguero is lurking but Lascelles gets in the way.

6.55pm BST

67 min: But there’s a sense he’s only delaying the inevitable. Mahrez jigs down the right and loops to the far post. Dubravka can’t reach the ball. David Silva’s coming in from the left but can’t head home from a tight angle. City keep pushing for the third goal that will seal the deal.

6.54pm BST

65 min: Newcastle launch a throw into the City box. Ederson rolls out for Bernardo Silva, who shuttles it down the left for Aguero. Aguero dinks it into the middle. Fernandinho tries to volley home. Dubravka saves from point-blank range. Then David Silva has two goes. Dubravka makes another two point-blank saves. That was heroic by the Newcastle keeper.

6.51pm BST

63 min: A bit of space for Mendy out on the left. He whips a sensational cross towards Bernardo Silva, six yards out; it’s about an inch too high. That was almost impossible to defend.

6.50pm BST

61 min: Walker and Mahrez cause Newcastle some more heartache down the right. Fernandez half clears, but only smacks the ball straight at Bernardo Silva. It balloons out for a goal kick. Newcastle are struggling to get out of their final third again. It’s now 432-93 in passes.

6.47pm BST

59 min: City have regained their swagger of the first half hour. They’re pressing Newcastle back, and causing quite a lot of panic in doing so.

6.46pm BST

58 min: That was Jesus’s last act tonight. He’s replaced by Bernardo Silva.

6.46pm BST

57 min: Walker, full of confidence, whips one straight at goal. Dubravka isn’t tricked and parries well. City recycle the ball and put it back in the mixer. Aguero tries a bicycle kick. It falls to Jesus, on the edge of the six-yard box. Jesus slams home, but he’s offside.

6.44pm BST

56 min: Yedlin brings down Sterling as the City winger beats him on the left. Free kick. Walker will take; City load the box.

6.43pm BST

55 min: Dummett has a larrup from distance. It’s not a million miles off target, but never worrying Ederson.

6.42pm BST

54 min: Newcastle respond by taking off Kenedy, who goes straight down the tunnel. Atsu comes on to replace him.

6.42pm BST

This is a stunning goal! Sterling dribbles in from the left. He lays off for Aguero, who rolls the ball back for Walker, bombing in from the right. Walker sends a low diagonal screamer into the bottom left. Dubravka had no chance! That was as sweet a strike as you’ll see!

6.40pm BST

51 min: Rondon strides down the left but can’t break free of Walker. City go up the other end through Aguero, but slowly, allowing the Newcastle players who had joined Rondon in attack to drop back. The move breaks down.

6.38pm BST

50 min: Mendy has been uncharacteristically quiet. Except for setting up Sterling for the City goal, of course, but it’s all in context. He goes powering down the left with a view to forcing something to happen, but only manages to force Kenedy to the floor. A look of frustration spreads across his face.

6.36pm BST

49 min: Silva batters it straight into the wall. The ball breaks to Mahrez, who tries to curl one into the top left from the edge of the area. Nope.

6.36pm BST

48 min: Mahrez whips the ball away from Dummett’s feet and races infield from the right wing. On the edge of the box, Clark sticks out an arm and brings Mahrez down. Yet another free kick in a dangerous position.

6.34pm BST

46 min: Within 30 seconds of the restart, Sterling has dribbled down the left and floated one into the centre. Clark and Ki combine to clear, with plenty of sky-blue shirts lurking. If Newcastle didn’t already realise this is going to be a long half for them, they do now.

6.33pm BST

And we’re off again! In that first half, Newcastle had just 24 percent of the possession. They also took just the one shot. It’s been enough to retain parity - football’s a wonderfully strange game sometimes - but it’ll be quite an achievement to do that again. Let’s see how this unfolds, then. City get the ball rolling for the second 45. No changes.

6.20pm BST

Half-time reading: 10/10 for half-time reading, yes?

Related: Manchester City: rating every signing in 10 years of Abu Dhabi ownership

6.18pm BST

You can look at all the stats for this half of football, and they will tell you absolutely nothing. City battered Newcastle for half an hour, but the Toon struck back, and since then have looked much more comfortable. Frustration for City. Rafa’s plan is working. But his team need to do it all again. It’s going to be a very interesting second half.

6.16pm BST

45 min: City are desperate to regain the lead before the break. Silva dances down the left and gets in behind, but his low cross is deflected away from danger by Dubravka.

6.15pm BST

44 min: Mahrez curls a low cross into the Newcastle box from the right. Aguero sticks a toe out and nearly deflects it past Dubravka, but the keeper adjusts and gathers a ball bouncing along a strange arc.

6.14pm BST

43 min: Walker takes. He whips it into the mixer. Dubravka punches clear with confidence. City are still the dominant force, but their passing isn’t quite as crisp and their fans have fallen a little quiet since Newcastle equalised.

6.12pm BST

42 min: Sterling dribbles at pace down the left, taking on three men. He would have busted his way through, too, but was bundled over by Kenedy. A free kick, just to the left of the box.

6.11pm BST

40 min: Newcastle are gaining in confidence. Perhaps too much confidence, as they send a few men forward to join Perez in another attack, and when it breaks down City rat-a-tat-tat their way out of defence and suddenly pour forward! Newcastle are light at the back, but Aguero decides to have a crack from the edge of the box, attempting to replicate Sterling’s goal, and gets it all wrong.

6.10pm BST

38 min: Perez dribbles down the left and nearly gets the better of Stones. But not quite. There were black-and-white shirts in the box, too. Good defending by Stones.

6.08pm BST

37 min: On the City bench, Pep is slumped back in his chair, almost horizontal, in the style of Big Sam. Draped across the seat in elegant ruins, he almost threatens to hover. Big Sam never threatens to hover.

6.06pm BST

35 min: Another corner for City, this time out on the left. Fernandinho tries to meet it at the near post, but he doesn’t make it.

6.05pm BST

34 min: City are gifted a pretty generous free kick, 25 yards from goal in a central position, for Diame’s slight tug on Fernandinho’s shoulder. There didn’t look a whole lot in that. Aguero ensures justice is done by slapping the free kick straight into the wall. Uncharacteristically poor.

6.04pm BST

33 min: That will have knocked City off their equilibrium, too. A corner’s won down the right ... but Mahrez can only blooter the set piece into the first man.

6.03pm BST

32 min: That was a marvellous Newcastle goal, and one which will surely give a team sorely lacking in confidence succour. There’s a clear spring in their step now, while the Newcastle fans have found their voice.

6.02pm BST

This is absurd! Newcastle, who have been played off the park so far, are level! The ball’s slipped to Rondon down the left. City’s defence is asleep, and there’s nobody on the other flank. Yedlin has romped down the pitch at high speed, arriving in the area, in acres of space. Rondon manages to thread a cross through all the City defenders that surround him ... and finds Yedlin, who slams past Ederson from close range!

5.59pm BST

28 min: Another free kick for Newcastle in the City half. Again it’s wasted. They load the box, but faff around with the delivery. Once Kenedy eventually sends it into the area, Ederson has had time to size up the situation. He ambles through the crowd, leaps and claims.

5.58pm BST

27 min: It really should be two now. Silva whips the free kick up and down and onto the head of Jesus, six yards out. He just needs to get his head on the ball, and it’s a certain goal. But instead he sort of faces it, the ball squishing his nose and falling harmlessly to Dubravka.

5.57pm BST

26 min: Sterling slips a pass down the left for Silva, who looks to turn Diame the second he receives the ball. Diame makes sure Silva goes over, just outside the box. But this is a free kick in a dangerous position.

5.55pm BST

24 min: Newcastle show in attack, sort of. Perez has a skitter down the left but is forced to turn back. Ki takes up possession deep and floats a diagonal cross into the City box. Ederson saunters off his line to pluck the ball from the sky. Rondon was in the vague environs, but the cross was always going to be the keeper’s.

5.54pm BST

23 min: City are coming at Newcastle from all angles. Fernandinho, out on the left, fizzes a crossfield ball towards Mahrez, who nearly reaches it just inside the Newcastle box. Dubravka comes out to intercept, catching spectacularly.

5.53pm BST

22 min: Newcastle are collectively betraying their frustration. Benitez comes off the bench to rant awhile from the technical area, then Ki sprays a pass wide left, off the field of play, and towards Guardiola, who traps elegantly.

5.51pm BST

20 min: Mendy, tight on the left, curls a pass down the wing and is very close to releasing Sterling into the area. Dubravka comes off his line and gathers well. The pass count is currently 135-26.

5.49pm BST

18 min: Aguero goes deep and turns playmaker, slipping a ball down the inside right for Jesus, who enters the area, drops a shoulder, and glides past Fernandez and Clark. He’s worked space to aim for the bottom left, but doesn’t quite catch the shot and it’s easily snaffled by Dubravka. It probably should have been two; he’d done all the hard work.

5.47pm BST

16 min: Aguero is fed the ball in a central position, 30 yards from goal. He glides a little to the right, and looks to power the ball into the bottom-right corner. It flashes inches wide of the post. Not sure Dubravka had that covered.

5.45pm BST

14 min: Jesus flicks the ball to Mahrez on the edge of the box. Mahrez very nearly dances his way through a gaggle of Newcastle defenders, but there’s one man too many to beat. City are full of confidence.

5.44pm BST

12 min: Fernandinho wedges a ball down the inside-left channel, but Aguero doesn’t read his intention. A shame for City, as Newcastle’s back line was pushing up recklessly at the time.

5.42pm BST

11 min: From the corner, Silva, Sterling and Laporte take turns in attempting to send an effort goalwards. Nothing quite comes off. Newcastle appear troubled.

5.41pm BST

10 min: Kenedy bursts down the right with some intent, but goes over too easily looking for a free kick. He doesn’t get it. City go up the other end, Aguero chasing down Yedlin and winning a corner on the left.

5.39pm BST

Well this didn’t take long. Lascelles plays a godawful pass out from the back. Mendy intercepts with ease, then slips the ball left for Sterling, who drops a shoulder to drift into the area then curls a measured shot around Dubravka and into the right-hand side of the net. What a delicious finish ... but what a mistake by Lascelles. It’s going to be a long evening for Newcastle at this rate.

5.37pm BST

6 min: Laporte steps on Ki’s toes by the centre circle. Free kick. Newcastle load the box ... then play the set piece back to keeper Dubravka! What an absurd waste of time, as Kenedy, Perez and Ki confuse each other into a panicked backpass.

5.35pm BST

4 min: Newcastle knock it long again. Rondon tries to hold it up on the halfway line, but there’s nobody around to help him. Fernandinho romps towards the Newcastle box and feeds Mahrez on his right. Mahrez cuts back inside, enters the area, and drags an effort wide right. He probably should have scored; he certainly should have got that on target.

5.33pm BST

2 min: City stroke it around in their trademark style. All very patient, in the middle of the park. Newcastle had possession trouble at St James’ last against Chelsea last week, and it’s already looking like more of the same.

5.31pm BST

And we’re off! A warm embrace between Pep and Rafa on the touchline, then the Toon get the party started. The ball’s lumped long, and for a second it looks as though Kenedy will bring it down and accelerate into the area from the right. But he hesitates, and that is that.

5.28pm BST

The teams are out! It’s a fine tail-end-of-afternoon-session atmosphere at the Etihad. City are in their storied sky blue shirts, while Newcastle wear their famous black-and-white stripes. We’ll be off in two shakes of a lamb’s tail.

5.19pm BST

PLATITUDE CORNER. Pep talks to BT Sport ... “Everyone can do what they believe, and we will do our best to beat them. We will try to put people in the box, and try to score goals.” ... and then it’s Rafa’s turn. “It is always difficult to play against City, they have a very good team. They are the champions, so it’s never the best time to face them. We will try to get some chances and score goals. The spirit is very good, we have confidence that we can get a result.”

5.05pm BST

Anyway, ten years ago, this happened. And there’s poor old Newcastle having to make do with Mike Ashley.

Related: Ten years on: how Abu Dhabi ownership transformed Manchester City

5.00pm BST

It’s also a rerun of the 1976 League Cup final. In which Dennis Tueart scored this overhead kick to give City a 2-1 win.

4.57pm BST

This match is a rerun of the 1955 FA Cup final. Newcastle prevailed that day. Jackie Milburn scored after 45 seconds; City full back Jimmy Meadows injured himself in a tackle on 17 minutes and had to be stretchered off; Bobby Johnstone equalised for City on the stroke of half time; Newcastle saw off ten-man City (no subs back then, you see) in the second half, Bobby Mitchell and George Hannah sealing the deal. It remains Newcastle’s last domestic success. City came back the year after and beat Birmingham.

4.40pm BST

Manchester City make three changes to the starting XI named for the draw at Wolves last Saturday lunchtime. John Stones, Riyad Mahrez and Gabriel Jesus replace Vincent Kompany, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva, all three of whom drop to the bench.

Newcastle United also make three changes to their last Premier League starting XI. Jamaal Lascelles, Kenedy and Ayoze Perez take the places of Fabian Schar, Jacob Murphy and Matt Ritchie.

4.32pm BST

Manchester City: Ederson, Walker, Stones, Laporte, Mendy, Mahrez, Fernandinho, Silva, Sterling, Aguero, Gabriel Jesus.
Subs: Kompany, Gundogan, Delph, Bernardo Silva, Otamendi, Foden, Muric.

Newcastle United: Dubravka, Yedlin, Lascelles, Fernandez, Clark, Dummett, Kenedy, Ki, Diame, Perez, Rondon.
Subs: Murphy, Muto, Joselu, Sterry, Darlow, Atsu, Longstaff.

3.47pm BST

Manchester City dropped a couple of points last weekend. It’s worthy of comment, because it doesn’t happen often. Still, it wasn’t as though they’d made a show of themselves by drawing at Wolves: they hit the woodwork three times, while the goal they conceded came off an arm. Even when things go a little bit wrong for City, they’re not far off from going very, very right.

They’ll be desperate to right some wrongs and pick up all three points this weekend. And here come Newcastle United, who have lost 5-0, 6-1 and 3-1 on their last three visits to the Etihad Stadium. If their unadventurous display at home against Chelsea last week is anything to go by, Newcastle, still without a win this season, will sit back and try to hold their shape in a 90-minute attack-v-defence drill. God speed, because Huddersfield shipped six the last time City played at home. Will City run riot? Can Newcastle spring a surprise? We’ll soon find out. It’s on!

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Leicester City 1-2 Liverpool: Premier League – as it happened

Liverpool finally conceded, as a result of Alisson’s blunder, but the Reds still made it four wins from four this season.

3.05pm BST

And with that, this MBM serenely comes to a halt. Congratulations to Liverpool for grinding out a fourth win from four; commiserations to Leicester, who deserved something for their front-foot performance. John Brewin is at the Clockwatch helm as we speak; see you later for Manchester City v Newcastle United.

Related: Alisson’s blushes spared as Liverpool edge to nervy win at Leicester

3.02pm BST

Jurgen Klopp speaks. “I think it’s a deserved win for us. We had a brilliant start and played really good football, we attacked them in the right way in the right space. We were flexible. Created chances, big chances, but didn’t score. The pitch got drier, and we shouldn’t be influenced by that, but we were to be honest. And then we scored the second goal, which was good but it was clear this game was not decided. And we had to do better in the second half, but we didn’t really. We had a couple of counter-attacks, didn’t finish them off, and then gave a goal away. If winning away games in the Premier League was easy, we would do it constantly. It’s just difficult, we did it, and I am fine with that. We all have to learn from the goal we conceded, not just Alisson. It was clear last week it would happen one day, I didn’t think it would happen immediately next week! But we could have cleared the situation twice before. Then we give the ball back to him, and yes he could have shot it as well. He knows it was his mistake, he’s man enough to admit that. I told him the best game to do it in was this one, because we won it. But how cool was he after that, when the crowd tried to make him a bit nervous? Apart from that, our defending was good. It was difficult to sub Mo Salah, but we needed fresh legs. If somebody told me three weeks ago we could have 12 points, I would have bought it. Knowing we can improve, it’s good.”

2.49pm BST

Claude Puel speaks. “I am disappointed for my players because they gave their best. The second half was fantastic with good quality, good pressing, and a lot of chances. We had opportunities to come back in this game. It was a shame to concede the second goal just before half time, which made things difficult. But we changed some aspects in our play to create some strong pressing. We showed our quality, but now it is time to repeat with consistency this game.”

2.44pm BST

A downcast James Maddison talks. “We deserved more than no points. We’ve got a disappointed dressing room in there. We had Liverpool right where we wanted them. We should be coming away with at least a point. It was tough to take being two down at half time, they weren’t exactly brilliant Liverpool goals. We came out and showed what we’re about here at Leicester City, we were on the front foot, we created chances, dominated for large parts. We’re full of disappointment. We came out with the right attitudes, and there are a lot of positives to take. Obviously when you play Manchester United and Liverpool they’re tough challenges, but we’ve shown we’re more than capable of matching them.”

2.35pm BST

James Milner speaks to Sky. “It wasn’t a good performance from us, it was tough work. They’re a good team. Sometimes you have to win ugly, and we did that today. We’re finding ways to get that result when things aren’t going for you. Hopefully everyone comes back from the internationals fully fit. It’s a long season. It’s pleasing how we defended and fought, but there’s a lot to improve on.”

Sadio Mane adds: “It is important to score for the team. We play very good football. It was a tough game for us, but we keep believing and fight together, and we deserved to win today. Firmino’s goal was very important, because at the time we were struggling. It became difficult when it was 2-1, as Leicester are a very good team.”

2.30pm BST

Paul Doyle’s verdict is in!

Related: Alisson’s blushes spared as Liverpool edge to nervy win at Leicester

2.29pm BST

Jurgen Klopp does his usual post-victory thing of commiserating with the opposition and celebrating with his players. But he doesn’t look in a particularly good mood. He’ll soon be giving his goalkeeper some beneficial advice, I’ll be bound. His team defended well apart from the slapstick goal, mind you; it’s the midfield and attack that creaked and clanked today. Some turnaround. But they’re top of the Premier League after four games with a 100 percent record, and their lauded attacking trio haven’t got anywhere near first gear so far this season. So he’ll not be fuming too much. As for Leicester, they were magnificent in that game, the better team for the most part. In James Maddison, they’ve signed a real star. On another day, he’d have prompted Leicester to victory, or a draw maybe, the very least they deserved. But in the end Liverpool’s sharper attackers ensured the visitors made off with three hard-earned points.

2.22pm BST

Liverpool - and especially Alisson - have got away with one here. Their 100 percent record remains in tact! Not exactly sure how, mind. Leicester deserved something from that game.

2.21pm BST

90 min +4: The free kick’s sent wide left to Chilwell, who busts the offside trap. His ball inside is hacked out for a corner by van Dijk. Schmeichel’s coming up for it! But van Dijk powers a header clear. And then Keita is clattered by Ndidi, as Liverpool look to break. Ndidi is booked.

2.19pm BST

90 min +3: Pereira is blocked by Milner down the right, This one is a free kick, and Milner goes in the book. A chance to put some serious pressure on Liverpool’s defence!

2.18pm BST

90 min +2: Chilwell thinks he’s been blocked by Gomez down the left, but he’s not getting the free kick.

2.17pm BST

90 min +1: Liverpool take it short. Shaqiri guards the ball and wins a throw. They’re in game-management mode now.

2.16pm BST

90 min: There will be five minutes of added time. Plenty of time for Leicester to find an equaliser against a nervous Liverpool. Shaqiri tries his best to relieve the pressure by skittering down the right wing and earning a corner.

2.15pm BST

89 min: Matip replaces Alexander-Arnold.

2.14pm BST

88 min: Liverpool hack long. Under the ball, Mane and Mendy come together in the centre circle. Mendy is booked for a deliberate block on his opponent.

2.13pm BST

87 min: Amartey curls one in from the right, but van Dijk clears. There’s nobody in red upfield, though, and the ball’s coming straight back at Liverpool.

2.12pm BST

86 min: Robertson bursts infield from the left, draws a few blue shirts, and rolls the ball inside for Alexander-Arnold, who blooters wildly over from 20 yards.

2.11pm BST

85 min: Mane dribbles down the left and nearly breaks clear, but is forced to check back. He tees up Robertson who has a blast, but that’s blocked by Maguire.

2.10pm BST

84 min: It’s got a bit scrappy. Liverpool are trying their best to slow things down. But then Milner falls over under no pressure in the middle of the park. Okazaki tries to spring Iheanacho clear with a first-time long ball, but gets too much on it and Alisson claims.

2.09pm BST

83 min: The fantastic Maddison is replaced by Amartey.

2.08pm BST

82 min: Chilwell’s back on. Milner takes the free kick. Mane rises highest, but sends his header high and wide right.

2.07pm BST

81 min: Chilwell’s off the field getting the magic sponge treatment. He’ll be back on soon enough. In the meantime, Maguire concedes a free kick near the corner flag on the right.

2.06pm BST

80 min: Chilwell takes a whack in the fruitbowl. Alexander-Arnold pelted that one at him from close range, it’s a painful one all right. The game pauses as the poor lad recovers.

2.05pm BST

78 min: Liverpool enjoy a rare period of possession in the midfield, Keita and Shaqiri taking the sting out of the game and quieting the crowd a little.

2.03pm BST

76 min: Shaqiri dribbles with purpose down the right, but eventually runs into a dead end, falls over and sends the ball out for a goal kick. Liverpool have been impotent in attack in this second half.

2.01pm BST

75 min: Leicester make their second swap, replacing Gray with Okazaki.

2.00pm BST

73 min: Ghezzal wins a footrace with Robertson down the right. Great work to claim a ball he never should have reached first ... but he does nothing with it. Liverpool have been second to pretty much everything today. The scoreline doesn’t reflect the balance of play.

1.58pm BST

72 min: Keita chips a pass straight out of play down the left. On the touchline, Klopp continues to cut an agitated figure.

1.57pm BST

71 min: Klopp makes some necessary changes. Henderson and Salah are replaced by Keita and Shaqiri. Speaking of Klopp ...

Related: Jürgen Klopp says Alisson is not a show-off and uses skills at right time

1.55pm BST

69 min: Maddison - by some distance the man of the match - wedges a glorious pass down the inside-left for Gray, whose first-time cross into the middle is read by nobody bar Alisson.

1.54pm BST

68 min: It’s all Leicester right now. Liverpool have lost control of the midfield again.

1.53pm BST

66 min: A free kick for Leicester in the middle of the park. Maddison swings it towards Maguire ... and once again the big defender is caught offside by Liverpool’s high trap.

1.52pm BST

65 min: On the touchline, Klopp is fuming. To Alisson’s credit, the gaffe doesn’t appear to have dented his confidence: he threads a very ballsy pass out of defence through a forest of players.

1.51pm BST

Leicester deserve this. They press Gomez hard, then van Dijk, who sends a poor backpass wide left of the Liverpool goal. Alisson runs across to trap, then tries to diddle Iheanacho with a bit of foot skill. He’s robbed by the striker, who slips the ball into the centre of the box. Ghezzal slams home. Alisson has the good grace to look thoroughly embarrassed. He nearly came a cropper against Brighton last week; this time he doesn’t get away with it!

1.47pm BST

61 min: Ghezzal is booked for clanking into Milner in the midfield. Leicester then make their first change: Albrighton is replaced by Iheanacho.

1.47pm BST

60 min: The game flicks into end-to-end mode. Chilwell races down the left but his cross is headed clear by van Dijk. Salah zips up the other end and tees up Firmino on the edge of the box, but Firmino can’t get a shot away.

1.45pm BST

58 min: Milner slides in on a hesitant Ndidi in the midfield. Liverpool break quickly. Milner slides the ball to the right for Salah; he should have played Firmino in on the left. Salah pauses, shifts the ball, and can’t find space to shoot. He tries to return the ball to Milner with a reverse pass that’s too cute. Leicester get away with that one.

1.43pm BST

57 min: From the set piece, Ghezzal curls low towards the right-hand post. The ball falls at the feet of Morgan, six yards out. Morgan can’t sort his feet out, and Alisson claims. So close to the goal Leicester thoroughly deserve!

1.42pm BST

56 min: Maddison, looking for the top right, blooters the free kick into the wall. From the resulting throw, Maddison flicks a pass down the inside-right channel. Pereira wins a corner off Robertson.

1.41pm BST

55 min: Maddison is such a good player. He bustles with purpose down the right and draws a foul from van Dijk. That’s a free kick, just to the right of the D, and a deserved yellow card for the defender as well. Maddison stands over the set piece. He fancies this!

1.40pm BST

54 min: Robertson and Firmino nearly open Leicester up out on the left, but when the latter attempts a cute flick to release his mate into the box, it’s easily intercepted by Pereira.

1.39pm BST

52 min: Chilwell is seeing a lot of the ball down the left. He exchanges passes with Gray, then wins a corner off Alexander-Arnold. Maddison sends an appalling set piece high over a crowded box and out for a Liverpool throw on the other side of the pitch. But then there’s another phase of attack, and the ball breaks to Maddison on the edge of the area. He’s clear in the box after jinking clear of van Dijk! He shoots for the bottom right, but Gomez slides in from nowhere to block. Liverpool escape. Leicester look very dangerous again.

1.36pm BST

50 min: Maddison glides in from the left and looks to send a power curler into the top right. Alisson is behind it and claims well. We’re in next-goal-is-so-important territory, and it’s not clear which side will score it.

1.35pm BST

49 min: Salah goes off down the right. He should send Wijnaldum free with a pass infield, but clanks a clumsy one straight to Maguire.

1.34pm BST

47 min: Chilwell makes good down the left, but his cross evades Ghezzal at the far post. No matter, because Leicester come again. Ghezzall hits a low cross-cum-shot from the right wing which only just curls the wrong side of the left-hand post. Alisson probably had it covered ... just. But it was close.

1.33pm BST

46 min: Mane races after a high ball down the left. Pereira loses the flight, and Mane threatens to tear clear, but doesn’t quite sort his feet out upon bringing the ball down, and shoves the recovering Pereira over. Free kick.

1.31pm BST

And we’re off again! Leicester get the ball rolling for the second half. No changes.

1.20pm BST

Half-time reading: This is a splendid tale. Paul Doyle at his brilliant best.

Related: If you want to hold a grudge follow the example of Leigh Roose | Paul Doyle

1.18pm BST

And that’s the end of a very odd half of football. Liverpool came flying out of the blocks, and ended the half strongly too. Goals to bookend the half. But in the middle, Leicester were dominant. The hosts will feel they should be level, but instead they’re two down. A big test for them in the second half, given Liverpool are yet to concede this season.

1.16pm BST

Milner curls to the near post from the right. Firmino loses Maddison and plants a header into the bottom right. Schmeichel does his best to stop it, but there’s too much power on the header.

1.15pm BST

44 min: Milner’s corner from the left is eyebrowed out by Morgan for another corner on the right. In the melee beneath, Maddison had an arm on van Dijk’s shoulder. The big defender goes down softly. You’ve seen them given. Though it doesn’t matter, because ...

1.13pm BST

43 min: Salah suddenly finds a bit of space down the inside right. He turns inside and sends a curler towards the bottom left. Schmeichel extends an arm and turns it round the post for a corner.

1.12pm BST

42 min: Chilwell embarks on a grand tour of the pitch, from deep on the left to high on the right. His opposite number Robertson will have appreciated his style, up to a point. A fine dribble.

1.11pm BST

41 min: A rare period of possession for Liverpool. They don’t really go anywhere, and eventually van Dijk sprays a pass out of play on the left. It’s been a strange half: Liverpool started so confidently, but now they look collectively rattled. They could do with hearing the half-time whistle.

1.09pm BST

39 min: Chilwell, haring down the inside left, looks to send a daisycutter into the bottom right. Alisson gathers with ease.

1.08pm BST

37 min: Liverpool are so ponderous in the middle of the park. Firmino takes up possession in the centre circle, but grinds to a halt and is easily dispossessed by Ndidi. Leicester are playing Liverpool at their own game. And they’ve got the upper hand right now as they search for the equaliser they deserve on the balance of play.

1.05pm BST

35 min: Leicester are totally dominant in midfield now. They’re first to everything. Henderson, Wijnaldum and Milner are chasing shadows. A penny for Naby Keita’s thoughts right now.

1.04pm BST

34 min: A free kick for Leicester in the middle of the park. Maddison loops it down the left, but Maguire has been caught offside by Liverpool’s high line.

1.03pm BST

33 min: Maddison is a real prospect. He drops a shoulder and makes some room to shoot, 20 yards out. His effort spins high over the bar, though he’s sure it had taken a nick off Robertson. But it’s a goal kick.

1.02pm BST

32 min: Albrighton has a shot from 25 yards. It’s 25 yards wide right, and 25 yards high. But full marks for ambition.

1.01pm BST

30 min: Maddison is the driving force behind a sequence of lovely one-twos down the inside-right. Liverpool are very nearly opened up; van Dijk steps in to clear. Salah tries to take on Chilwell down the right, but even though he nutmegs him at one point, can’t escape. After an impressive start, Liverpool are struggling to retain possession now.

12.59pm BST

28 min: Now it’s Leicester’s turn to stroke it around the middle and make their opponents do a lot of chasing. It’s been a good response to falling behind. Maddison, Ghezzal and Gray look like they could cause a lot of trouble if they suddenly click.

12.57pm BST

26 min: Leicester continue to press Liverpool back; this is a good spell for the hosts. Maddison finds Gray with his back to goal, 25 yards out. Gray spins, despite being surrounded by red shirts, and sends a looper over the bar. The home crowd had fallen a little quiet, but they’ve rediscovered their voice now.

12.55pm BST

25 min: And they come again, Chilwell romping down the left and earning a corner. Maddison loops it in high, but Alisson leaps to claim. Confident goalkeeping.

12.54pm BST

23 min: Leicester finally show in attack. Maddison thinks about a shot from the edge of the box but can’t get one away. Then Ghezzal slips a gorgeous pass down the inside-right channel to release Gray into the area. Gray looks for the bottom left, and connects well, but Alisson gets down and saves with a strong hand. That’s much better from the hosts, though.

12.52pm BST

22 min: Alexander-Arnold knocks the ball down the right and chases after it himself. For a second it looks as though he’s going to get clear, but Maguire’s not having it and charges his England team-mate off the ball.

12.51pm BST

21 min: Mane slips Wijnaldum in down the inside-left channel. Wijnaldum gets a shot in this time, but it’s blocked. Robertson tries to recycle from a tight angle on the left, but Pereira puts a stop to his gallop this time.

12.50pm BST

19 min: Firmino skitters down the inside-right channel and tries to pull back for Mane, but the ball’s cleared. Liverpool come straight back at Leicester, Morgan beating Mane to a header on the penalty spot. Wijnaldum considers a shot from distance, but the referee gets in the road and he’s forced to turn back.

12.49pm BST

18 min: Leicester are sitting deep now, letting Liverpool stroke it around in the midfield. There are no openings for the visitors, but they continue to hog the ball.

12.46pm BST

16 min: Wijnaldum works down the right and earns a corner off Mendy. Milner swings the set piece into the mixer. Gomez meets it with his head, but sends the ball miles over the bar.

12.44pm BST

14 min: Maddison and Gray press hard, high up the pitch, playing Liverpool at their own game. They nearly conjure up an opening down the left, but then the ball’s won back by Liverpool and Firmino is able to tear off up the other end. Fortunately for Leicester, Firmino’s attempt to find Salah with a sliderule pass down the middle is easily intercepted. But Leicester are offering opportunities right now.

12.42pm BST

12 min: The ball broke a couple of times for Liverpool there, as Robertson stormed past Pereira, and as Mane got the benefit of the bounce off a Leicester leg as he took up possession. But it was a fine finish, and a wonderful run by Robertson, who has energy and determination to spare.

12.41pm BST

Liverpool stroke it about the back awhile. Then suddenly Robertson bustles his way past Pereira down the left. He reaches the edge of the area and pulls the ball back for Mane, who takes a touch and slams the ball into the top left.

12.38pm BST

8 min: Chilwell strokes a long pass down the left and nearly gets Gray scampering on goal. Gomez does well to get across, block and concede the throw. Nothing comes of that, deep in Liverpool territory. But this already has a good end-to-end feel. It’s open and entertaining.

12.36pm BST

6 min: Salah rolls a pass down the inside-left channel and nearly releases Firmino into the box. But Firmino has to scuttle a little to the left, so can’t take a shot. He tries to dribble his way along the byline, but Ghezzal isn’t having it and takes the ball off him, and away.

12.35pm BST

4 min: Liverpool should be leading. They suddenly spring into action. Henderson sends the ball to the right. Salah plays it first time around the corner, and Firmino races into the box. He’s one on one with Schmeichel, who marks his 300th appearance for Leicester with a fine block. But the ball rebounds to Salah, who should bury it. But he sidefoots to the right of the target from eight yards. What a miss!

12.33pm BST

3 min: It’s a sunny day in Leicester. Jurgen Klopp squints under a peaked cap. Still not much going on.

12.32pm BST

2 min: Claude Puel’s personal record against Liverpool is magnificent: he’s only lost one of seven games against them. He stands on the touchline, hands in pockets, exuding confidence. Not much going on otherwise. Yet.

12.30pm BST

And we’re off! Liverpool get the party started. A wonderful Leicester lunchtime atmosphere, both sets of supporters giving it plenty.

12.26pm BST

No pre-match chat with Claude Puel. Ah well. Here come the teams! Leicester in their beautiful blue, Liverpool in resplendent red. We’ll be off in a minute!

12.10pm BST

Here’s an interesting stat, flashed up by Sky Sports. Today’s game is a match-up between the two youngest teams in the Premier League. The average age of Liverpool’s starting XIs this season has been 25 years and 228 days. That’s the most fresh-faced in the division ... with the exception of the Fox cubs: Leicester’s average age in the first three games has been 25 years and 174 days. For the record, Watford are the oldest, at a comparatively antiquated 29 years and 19 days. Don’t worry, it’ll be time for kick-off soon enough.

12.00pm BST

In case you missed it yesterday ... there was some great news for Leicester, as Kasper Schmeichel put pen to paper on a new long-term contract. Here he is waving his shirt around at Belvoir Drive Training Complex by way of celebration. Can he keep the feelgood vibe going with a clean sheet today?

11.49am BST

Jurgen Klopp speaks! “Bringing back Jordan Henderson makes sense for the game today. We have to be rock solid in all departments as Leicester are a good footballing team. So we need to defend very well, be really compact. So it helps that the boys are used to it; this midfield played the last third of the last season unchanged. It’s about being fresh and being desperate to be on the pitch. We have to improve in each department, and be ready today, to show we are here for the three points. We want to defend and fight. Thank God I have a selective brain so I forget the losses against Leicester! But we have won here as well. It’s clear they have quality, it’s a difficult place, let’s try at least!”

11.38am BST

Leicester City make two changes to the team sent out to beat Southampton last weekend. Marc Albrighton and Rachid Ghezzal come into the midfield; Daniel Amartey and Kelechi Iheanacho drop to the bench.

Liverpool make the first change to their starting XI this season. Naby Keita, who was a little out of sorts against Brighton, drops to the bench, the club captain Jordan Henderson wearing the armband from the get-go for the first time in 2018-19.

11.32am BST

Leicester City: Schmeichel, Pereira, Morgan, Maguire, Chilwell, Mendy, Ndidi, Albrighton, Maddison, Gray, Ghezzal.
Subs: Evans, Iheanacho, Ward, Amartey, Okazaki, Iborra, Fuchs.

Liverpool: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, van Dijk, Robertson, Wijnaldum, Henderson, Milner, Salah, Firmino, Mane.
Subs: Keita, Sturridge, Moreno, Lallana, Mignolet, Shaqiri, Matip.

10.52am BST

Leicester are one of Liverpool’s bogey teams. The Foxes have beaten the Reds at the King Power in each of the last three seasons, 2-0 and 3-1 in the League, 2-0 in the League Cup. Throw in a couple of famous FA Cup wins in the sixties, and a habit of winning at Anfield in the eighties and nineties, and Jurgen Klopp’s side should be right to be wary of a club that have Liverpool’s number.

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José Mourinho is a saint compared with Burnley’s Lord of provocation | Scott Murray

Burnley chairman Bob Lord took raised hackles to new heights with his comments about Manchester United after Munich

It’s often said José Mourinho … don’t worry, this isn’t another column about José Mourinho ... it’s often said he could start a 22-strong media‑accredited brawl in an empty press room. But for services to the field of unnecessarily inflammatory quotation, deliberately incendiary riffing and consequence‑disregarding button‑pressing, Mou is the spiritual love child of Mahatma Gandhi and bed-in era John Lennon when compared with Bob Lord.

Related: Is José Mourinho still the man to fix Manchester United’s problems? | Jamie Jackson

Lord accused United of running around like Teddy Boys and said they risked losing the sympathy of the public post-Munich

Related: Champions League draw: the clubs, pots, format and when it is happening

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AFC Wimbledon 1-3 West Ham, Leicester 4-0 Fleetwood: Carabao Cup – as it happened

A lot of goals and plenty of drama as Villa, Cardiff, Huddersfield, Brighton and Leeds crash out.

10.07pm BST

And there ends a hectic night in the League Cup. Five-time winners Aston Villa have been knocked out by Burton. West Ham toyed with disaster against ten-man Wimbledon but made it through in the end. Premier League sides Cardiff and Huddersfield are goners, having been seen off by Norwich and Stoke respectively. Preston ended Leeds United’s unbeaten start to the season under Marcelo Bielsa. Southampton won the south-coast derby at Brighton. And Saido Berahino finally scored a goal after a two-and-a-half-year wait, only to be upstaged in Stoke’s win by an absurd 50-yard own goal by Juninho Bacuna. Phew. After that goal blitz, I’m off to stare at a wall for a few hours in the style of David Puddy, but thankfully unlike your poor Clocko hack, Paul Doyle is still capable of sentient thought. Here’s his report from the King Power. Nighty night!

Related: Christian Fuchs leads Leicester stroll against Fleetwood in Carabao Cup

10.01pm BST

AFC Bournemouth 3-0 Milton Keynes Dons
AFC Wimbledon 1-3 West Ham
Blackburn 4-1 Lincoln City
Brentford 1-0 Cheltenham
Brighton 0-1 Southampton
Burton Albion 1-0 Aston Villa
Cardiff 1-3 Norwich
Doncaster 1-2 Blackpool
Fulham 2-0 Exeter
Hull 0-4 Derby
Leeds 0-2 Preston North End
Leicester 4-0 Fleetwood Town
Middlesbrough 2-1 Rochdale
Newport County 0-3 Oxford Utd
QPR 3-1 Bristol Rovers
Sheff Wed 0-2 Wolverhampton
Stoke 2-0 Huddersfield
Swansea 0-1 Crystal Palace
Walsall 3-3 Macclesfield (Macclesfield won 3-1 on pens)
West Brom 2-1 Mansfield
Wycombe 2-2 Forest Green (Wycombe won 4-3 on pens)

9.59pm BST

So the results from the late kick-offs are in: West Brom have beaten Mansfield 2-1, surviving some last-minute pinball in their own area, while Saido Berahino has done for Huddersfield in a match that ended 2-0.

9.59pm BST

OUTRAGEOUS OWN GOAL! Stoke 2-0 Huddersfield (Bacuna 90+5): Huddersfield are pressing hard for a late equaliser. The keeper’s up. Stoke lump a clearance upfield. The keeper tracks back. Juninho Bacuna tries to return the ball into the Stoke half, but only succeeds in shanking it back towards his own goal! The keeper’s stranded, and that’s a quite spectacular og from 50 yards out!

9.49pm BST

The two penalty shoot-outs have been resolved! Macclesfield have beaten Walsall 3-1 on spot kicks, while Wycombe saw off Forest Green 4-3. According to your friend and mine, John Brewin, the Macc lads have never lost a penalty shootout, a record that goes back to 1992! Walsall were doomed the minute Tyrone Marsh scored that late equaliser!

9.48pm BST

The big news, then ...

9.45pm BST

AFC Bournemouth 3-0 Milton Keynes Dons
AFC Wimbledon 1-3 West Ham
Blackburn 4-1 Lincoln City
Brentford 1-0 Cheltenham
Brighton 0-1 Southampton
Burton Albion 1-0 Aston Villa
Cardiff 1-3 Norwich
Doncaster 1-2 Blackpool
Fulham 2-0 Exeter
Hull 0-4 Derby
Leeds 0-2 Preston North End
Leicester 4-0 Fleetwood Town
Middlesbrough 2-1 Rochdale
Newport County 0-3 Oxford Utd
QPR 3-1 Bristol Rovers
Sheff Wed 0-2 Wolverhampton
Stoke 1-0 Huddersfield (L)
Swansea 0-1 Crystal Palace
Walsall 3-3 Macclesfield (pens)
West Brom 2-1 Mansfield (L)
Wycombe 2-2 Forest Green (pens)

9.41pm BST

GOAL! Newport 0-3 Oxford (Whyte 90+1): Gavin Whyte makes sure for Oxford in the John Aldridge derby.

9.40pm BST

GOAL! AFC Wimbledon 1-3 West Ham (Hernandez 90+2): The Little Pea sends a pea-roller across the line as West Ham hit the desperate Dons on the break.

9.39pm BST

GOAL! WBA 2-1 Mansfield (Edwards 75): Mansfield were on top after equalising, but Kyle Edwards has turned the tide again!

9.38pm BST

DRAMATIC MISSED PENALTY! Burton’s Kyle McFadzean is sent off against Aston Villa for handling on the line. Albert Adomah takes the penalty, but Harry Campbell saves! Burton are still 1-0 up with time running out for the five-time champs!

9.36pm BST

GOAL! Walsall 3-3 Macclesfield (Marsh 90+1): Tyrone Marsh levels it for Macclesfield at the death! It looks like they’re going to penalty kicks at the Bescot!

9.35pm BST

GOAL! Bournemouth 3-0 MK Dons (Ibe 90+1): Jordon Ibe has set one up; now he’s bagged one himself.

9.35pm BST

GOAL! QPR 3-1 Bristol Rovers (Kakay 87 og): Rangers score their fourth of the night, Osman Kakay putting through his own goal for a consolation for the Gas.

9.34pm BST

GOAL! Wimbledon 1-2 West Ham (Ogbonna 83): Angelo Ogbonna slides in to convert a corner from the right. It’s hit long, and the Hammers look to have turned this around against ten-man Wimbledon!

9.33pm BST

GOAL! Hull 0-4 Derby (Mount 89): Mason Mount puts the tin lid on it for Nigel Adkins.

9.32pm BST

GOAL! Brighton 0-1 Southampton (Austin 88): Charlie Austin converts a left-wing cross, heading into the top left. Saints look likely to win the south-coast derby!

9.31pm BST

GOAL! WBA 1-1 Mansfield (Bishop 69): Neal Bishop stuns the Hawthorns.

9.30pm BST

GOAL! Wycombe 2-2 Forest Green (Winchester 86): Michael Nottingham has already scored for Blackpool tonight; now Carl Winchester equalises for Forest Green at Adams Park!

9.28pm BST

RED CARD! Hanson (Oxford, 78): Jamie Hanson walks at Newport for serious foul play. Oxford remain 2-0 up.

9.27pm BST

GOAL! Middlesbrough 2-1 Rochdale (Delaney 83): It’s not quite all over at the Riverside! Ryan Delaney smacks home a loose ball amid a penalty-box melee.

9.26pm BST

GOAL! Sheff Wed 0-2 Wolves (Costa 85 pen): Helder Costa dribbles into the box from the right. He’s upended. He gets up and slots the resulting penalty away himself, sending the keeper the wrong way and the ball into the bottom right.

9.23pm BST

GOAL! Blackburn 4-1 Lincoln (Palmer 77): Kasey Palmer whistles a free kick into the net. Blackburn won 5-1 at Carlisle in the first round; they’re enjoying this competition so far.

9.22pm BST

GOAL! Cardiff 1-3 Norwich (Manga 77): From a corner on the right, Bruno Manga slaps a fine header into the top left for the hosts. Could an absurd comeback be on?

9.21pm BST

FULL TIME: Swansea City 0-1 Crystal Palace. The 2013 champions are out! Palace are through to Thursday’s third-round draw, thanks to Alexander Sorloth’s first goal in English football.

9.19pm BST

GOAL! Wycombe 2-1 Forest Green (Stewart 74): Antony Stewart puts the hosts ahead. Can Wanderers hold onto the lead for more than 120 seconds this time?

9.18pm BST

GOAL! Hull 0-3 Derby (Fleming og 73): Brandon Fleming bundles a cross into his own net, and this is over.

9.17pm BST

GOAL! Leicester 4-0 Fleetwood (Ghezzal 71): Rachid Ghezzal powers home from distance, and this is now a rout.

9.16pm BST

GOAL! Cardiff 0-3 Norwich (Aarons 69): Maximillian Aarons ensures at least one Premier League side will be shocked tonight.

9.15pm BST

BERAHINO GOAL! BERAHINO GOAL! BERAHINO GOAL! Stoke 1-0 Huddersfield (Berahino 53): After 47 games and two-and-a-half years, Saido Berahino scores a goal! And it’s a weird one, James McClean hitting the post, Berahino looping a header from the rebound that only just goes over the line. But hey, they all count, especially when you’ve been waiting so long.

9.14pm BST

GOAL! AFC Wimbledon 1-1 West Ham (Diop 63): Issa Diop threads a powerful shot into the bottom right. Relief for the Hammers!

9.12pm BST

GOAL! QPR 3-0 Bristol Rovers (Smith 64): Bristol City won 3-0 at Loftus Road last week. Matt Smith with the latest for the Rs.

9.11pm BST

GOAL! Cardiff 0-2 Norwich (Srbeny 64): Marco Stiepermann dribbles down the right, dinks to the far post, and Dennis Srbeny stoops to head home. The 1962 and 1985 winners can almost touch a place in the third round!

9.09pm BST

GOAL! Walsall 2-2 Macclesfield (Gordon 64): ... Josh Gordon gives the hosts the lead! What a turnaround!

9.08pm BST

GOAL! Walsall 2-2 Macclesfield (Cook 63): Andy Cook equalises for Walsall, slotting away the rebound from a penalty kick. And then ...

9.06pm BST

GOAL! Blackburn 3-1 Lincoln (Downing 61): Paul Downing puts the game behind the unbeaten Imps ... you’d think.

9.05pm BST

GOAL! Doncaster 1-2 Blackpool (Pritchard 60): Blackpool were losing at the Keepmoat, but now they’re leading, a tangerine dream. Harry Pritchard scores with a header.

9.02pm BST

GOAL! Wycombe 1-1 Forest Green (Grubb 57): ... but moments later

Barney McGrew
Dayle Grubb levels.

9.01pm BST

GOAL! Wycombe 1-0 Forest Green (Kashket 55): Scott Kashket opens the scoring for the Chairboys at Adams Park ...

8.59pm BST

GOAL! Middlesbrough 2-0 Rochdale (Hugill 53): The high-flying Championship side double their lead through Jordan Hugill.

8.59pm BST

GOAL! Burton 1-0 Aston Villa (Boyce 52): Villa gift possession to their midlands rivals. Liam Boyce is put through; his shot from the edge of the area is deflected over the keeper and into the net. A shock brewing here, the five-time winners are on the way out unless they find an extra gear.

8.57pm BST

GOAL! Swansea 0-1 Crystal Palace (Sorloth 70): Alexander Sorloth scores his first goal for Palace, belting one in from close range.

8.55pm BST

GOAL! Blackburn 2-1 Lincoln (Graham 49): Rovers regain the lead, Danny Graham slotting home from a tight angle on the right.

8.54pm BST

GOAL! Sheff Wed 0-1 Wolves (Bonatini 53): Adama Traore impressed coming off the bench against Manchester City on Saturday. Now he turns on the jets, zips down the right, and tees up Leo Bonatini for the opening goal at Hillsborough.

8.52pm BST

GOAL! Fulham 2-0 Exeter (Kamara 48): A second goal of the night for Aboubakar Kamara, and it looks all over at Craven Cottage.

8.51pm BST

GOAL! Leicester 3-0 Fleetwood (Iheanacho 46): Leicester kick off. Fleetwood don’t touch the ball. Marc Albrighton launches long for Kelechi Iheanacho, who rolls home.

8.50pm BST

So as things stand, there are two Premier League sides in danger of crashing out in the second round. Cardiff are a goal down at home to Norwich, while West Ham are trailing at AFC Wimbledon. A fourth defeat in four games would put Manuel Pellegrini under serious pressure.

8.38pm BST

AFC Bournemouth 2-0 Milton Keynes Dons
AFC Wimbledon 1-0 West Ham
Blackburn 1-1 Lincoln City
Brentford 1-0 Cheltenham
Brighton 0-0 Southampton
Burton Albion 0-0 Aston Villa
Cardiff 0-1 Norwich
Doncaster 1-1 Blackpool
Fulham 1-0 Exeter
Hull 0-2 Derby
Leeds 0-2 Preston North End
Leicester 2-0 Fleetwood Town
Middlesbrough 1-0 Rochdale
Newport County 0-2 Oxford Utd
QPR 2-0 Bristol Rovers
Sheff Wed 0-0 Wolverhampton
Stoke 0-0 Huddersfield (L)
Swansea 0-0 Crystal Palace (L)
Walsall 1-2 Macclesfield
West Brom 1-0 Mansfield (L)
Wycombe 0-0 Forest Green

8.32pm BST

GOAL! Leeds 0-2 Preston (Barker 45+1): From a Leeds corner, Preston break upfield. Brandon Barker dribbles at pace from right to left, reaches the edge of the area, and pelts a stunner into the right-hand side of the goal! Preston are down to ten men, but they’ll be going in at half-time a couple of goals to the good. Could the Marcelo Bielsa honeymoon be coming to an unexpected end?

8.29pm BST

GOAL! WBA 1-0 Mansfield (Leko 26): Jonathan Leko converts an Oliver Burke cross.

8.28pm BST

GOAL! Brentford 1-0 Cheltenham (Jeanvier 40): A tap-in for Julian Jeanvier.

8.27pm BST

GOAL! Leicester 2-0 Fleetwood (Iborra 39): Fuchs, who scored the opener for the Foxes, tears down the left and crosses for Vicente Iborra. He powers a header into the top right.

8.26pm BST

GOAL! Doncaster 1-1 Blackpool (Nottingham 38): Michael Nottingham levels for the Seasiders with a cute flick.

8.25pm BST

GOAL! Hull 0-2 Derby (Jozefzoon 39): This is a sweet goal by Florian Jozefzoon: he drives with purpose down the inside left, turning his man inside and out before slamming a diagonal shot into the bottom right.

8.24pm BST

GOAL! Middlesbrough 1-0 Rochdale (Johnson 37): Marvin Johnson slots home a rebound from a tight angle.

8.23pm BST

GOAL! Bournemouth 2-0 MK Dons (Fraser 37): Jordan Ibe tees up Ryan Fraser, who whacks home, hard and high, from just inside the box.

8.21pm BST

HALF TIME: Swansea 0-0 Crystal Palace. So the first match to kick off this evening is halfway to penalties. A reminder that there’s no extra time or replays, so expect some spot-kick drama later on, somewhere if not here.

8.19pm BST

GOAL! Walsall 1-2 Macclesfield (Morris 33): A belt from the edge of the box from Kieron Morris, and the Saddlers are back in it.

8.18pm BST

GOAL! Blackburn 1-1 Lincoln (Luque 28): The Imps from League Two draw level with the Championship side thanks to Joan Luque.

8.17pm BST

RED CARD! Ledson (Preston 18): Ryan Ledson goes in studs up on Lewis Baker. It’s reckless, high, out of control and really quite appalling. Dear oh dear.

8.13pm BST

GOAL! Cardiff 0-1 Norwich (Srbeny 26): This is a delightful goal! Dennis Srbeny chases a deft Emiliano Buendía flick down the inside-left channel, performs a shimmy on the edge of the area, and lashes a thumper into the top right.

8.11pm BST

GOAL! Walsall 0-2 Macclesfield (Smith 25): Harry Smith’s shot takes a deflection and gives the visitors a Silk cushion.

8.10pm BST

GOAL! Hull 0-1 Derby (Waghorn 24): Martyn Waghorn scores his first goal for the Rams, lifting a gorgeous chip over the keeper from the left-hand edge of the D.

8.09pm BST

GOAL! Doncaster 1-0 Blackpool (May 23): Alfie May sends the ball whistling into the top left.

8.07pm BST

RED CARD! McDonald (Wimbledon 18): Rod McDonald tugs a marauding Robert Snodgrass back by the shirt. He was the last man, and so he’s off. The foul was just outside the area, and the resulting free kick came to nought. Still, on balance, some positive news for Manuel Pellegrini at long last.

8.04pm BST

GOAL! QPR 2-0 Bristol Rovers (Wszolek 18): Pawel Wszolek doubles Rangers’ lead from 20 yards. Those 7-1 and 3-0 drubbings suddenly seem a long time ago.

8.02pm BST

NEARLY A GOAL! Kelechi Iheanacho is set clear of the Fleetwood defence, but his shot caroms off the bottom of the right-hand post, across the face of goal, and away to safety. On the touchline, Joey Barton is either fuming or completely indifferent; having made those 11 changes it could be either, couldn’t it. But we can’t see him, so this is pure speculation. No need to thank Clockwatch, we’re here for you.

8.01pm BST

GOAL! Bournemouth 1-0 MK Dons (Mousset 15): A fine dribble down the inside-right channel from Lys Mousset.

7.59pm BST

GOAL! Leicester 1-0 Fleetwood (Fuchs 8): This is an absolute pearler! Christian Fuchs shapes like Zinedine Zidane in the 2002 Champions League final, and sends a diagonal screamer into the top right from distance out on the left!

7.58pm BST

GOAL! Walsall 0-1 Macclesfield (Grimes 10): A toe-poke by Jamie Grimes. They all count.

7.57pm BST

GOAL! Blackburn 1-0 Lincoln (Nuttall 4): Joe Nuttall gives Rovers a fast start. Graeme Souness, Matt Jansen, Andy Cole ... the 2002 final was an awfully long time ago, wasn’t it.

7.55pm BST

GOAL! Newport 0-2 Oxford (Baptiste 4): Shandon Baptiste doubles the 1986 winners’ lead.

7.55pm BST

GOAL! Fulham 1-0 Exeter (Kamara 4): Aboubakar Kamara gives the all-new Fulham an early lead.

7.54pm BST

GOAL! QPR 1-0 Bristol Rovers (Samuel 4): Steve McClaren has made 11 changes. And Bright Samuel has opened the scoring for the struggling Championship side.

7.52pm BST

GOAL! Newport 0-1 Oxford (Demetriou og 2): Oxford take the lead in the John Aldridge derby, Mickey Demetriou putting through his own net.

7.51pm BST

GOAL! Leeds 0-1 Preston (Johnson 2 pen): Daniel Johnson opens the scoring at Elland Road with a penalty kick.

Related: Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United: a myth being assembled in real time | Paul MacInnes

7.50pm BST

GOAL! Wimbledon 1-0 West Ham (Pigott 2): West Ham’s miserable start to the season continues, as Joe Pigott heads a corner from the left into the top corner!

7.48pm BST

Team news: With 21 games on the go tonight, you must be joking. But what I will say is this: there have been many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many changes. Ten Premier League sides in action: 95 changes made between them. But it’s not just the Premier League treating English football’s third most prestigious pot with barely disguised contempt. For example, Swansea City have made ten changes, Fleetwood Town a full 11. Alan Hardaker will be spinning in his grave.

7.03pm BST

AFC Bournemouth: Boruc, Francis, Mings, Simpson, Rico, Ibe, Lewis Cook, Lerma, Fraser, Mousset, Defoe.
Subs: Steve Cook, Surman, King, Brooks, Travers, Dobre, Ofoborh.
Milton Keynes Dons: Nicholls, Cargill, Jackson, Moore-Taylor, Williams, Gilbey, Houghton, Watson, Lewington, Cisse, Healey.
Subs: Sow, Hancox, Agard, Moore, Nombe, Kasumu, Tapp.

AFC Wimbledon: King, Sibbick, Oshilaja, Rod McDonald, Garratt, Wagstaff, Trotter, Hartigan, Pinnock, Hanson, Pigott.
Subs: Purrington, Nightingale, Thomas, Appiah, Barcham, McDonnell, Wordsworth.
West Ham: Adrian, Zabaleta, Diop, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Yarmolenko, Rice, Obiang, Snodgrass, Hernandez, Lucas Perez.
Subs: Fabianski, Balbuena, Felipe Anderson, Masuaku, Antonio, Cullen, Holland.

4.16pm BST

The Carabao Cup. Depending on your age, you’ll always think of this trophy as the EFL Cup, the Capital One Cup, the Carling Cup, the Worthington Cup, the Coca-Cola Cup, the Rumbelows Cup, the Littlewoods Cup, the Milk Cup, the Football League Cup, or Alan Hardaker’s Folly. Whatever you feel most comfortable with.

Anyway, it’s the second round of the 2018-19 [INSERT PREFERRED NOMENCLATURE HERE]. All the big boys are involved now, except the seven Premier League clubs involved in European competition this season. We’ll say hello to Arsenal, Burnley, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur next month.

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All the discipline of sailors on shore leave racing down the gangplank | The Fiver

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Let’s face it, nobody likes losing heavily at home very much. So you can’t blame José Mourinho for being a tad short-tempered in the immediate wake of Manchester United’s 3-0 defeat by Tottenham last night. The Fiver would certainly have had a gob on in his position, you can be sure of that. Even so, the denouement to his sullen performance in the post-match presser, which saw him waving his arms around and hollering “Respect! Respect! Respect!” as he sashayed out of the door, could only have been more spectacular had the PR advisors flanking him burst into a chorus of “sock it to me sock it to me sock it to me sock it to me” in the soulful call-and-response style. Aretha would have understood the impulse, perhaps stopping just short of giving full approval to the arrangement.

Related: Mourinho’s use of Herrera felt like a coded protest by a man losing his touch

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