Leicester pushed Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou closer to the exit door with a 2-1 win that extended Spurs’ dismal run, while Manchester United’s 1-0 victory at Fulham eased the pressure on Ruben Amorim. Tottenham blew the lead on home turf as they crumbled to a sixth defeat in their last seven league games. With only one win in their last 11 top-flight matches, Postecoglou’s side are languishing in 15th place, just eight points above the bottom three. It was another woeful result for the beleaguered Australian, who has faced mounting calls for his dismissal throughout a turbulent second season in charge.

Tottenham are dangerously close to being sucked into the relegation battle but Postecoglou believes his injury-ravaged squad are still fighting for him.

“When you are the manager of a football club, you can be very vulnerable and isolated. I don’t feel that,” said Postecoglou.

“I feel like this group of players, not for me, are giving everything for the club. I have a group of staff that is really committed. I focus on that.”

Richarlison had headed the home side in front but two goals in four minutes at the start of the second half from Jamie Vardy and Bilal El Khannouss ended Leicester’s seven-game losing streak in the league.

While Postecoglou fights to save his job, Leicester manager Ruud van Nistelrooy can breathe a little easier over his own future.

Leicester are now one place and one point above the relegation zone.

“It’s a massive win,” said Van Nistelrooy. “The players are buying into it. I can only be very proud of this team.”

Man Utd’s lucky break

Any notion United could be dragged into a relegation battle now appears gone after Lisandro Martinez’s deflected strike ground out a much-needed victory at Fulham for the Red Devils.

Chances were at a premium for both sides until the Argentinian’s effort flicked off Sasa Lukic to loop over Bernd Leno.

Joachim Andersen had a header cleared off the line by Toby Collyer as the visitors held out for a victory which lifts United up to 12th.

Aston Villa’s hopes of Champions League qualification for a second consecutive season were dented as an under-strength West Ham battled back to earn a 1-1 draw in Birmingham.

Jacob Ramsey’s strike was just reward for a fast start by Unai Emery’s side.

Graham Potter was forced to name four full-backs in his starting line-up for the injury-hit Hammers, who were without captain Jarrod Bowen.

However, the visitors rallied in the second half and were unfortunate not to take all three points after Emerson Palmieri’s header levelled.

Lucas Paqueta thought he had won the game in stoppage time, but Tomas Soucek had strayed offside before teeing up the Brazilian to quell Potter’s jubilant celebration on the touchline.

Villa remain in eighth, four points off the top four, while West Ham sit 14th.

Brentford benefitted from penalty controversy to beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at Selhurst Park. 

Thomas Frank’s team earned a 66th minute spot-kick when Maxence Lacroix fouled Nathan Collins.

Bryan Mbeumo’s spot-kick hit the post, but Palace’s reprieve was short-lived as VAR ruled Marc Guehi had encroached before the shot.

The Brentford forward gratefully accepted his second chance by sending Palace keeper Dean Henderson the wrong way for his 14th goal this season.

Kevin Schade netted in the 80th minute for Brentford before Palace winger Romain Esse came off the bench to score with his first touch on his debut five minutes later.

File image of Ruud van Nistelrooy.© AFP

Curtis Jones fired Liverpool seven points clear at the top of the Premier League as the title favourites survived a scare in their 3-1 win against struggling Leicester on Thursday. Arne Slot’s side were shocked by Jordan Ayew’s early strike at Anfield, but the leaders recovered their composure to equalise just before the interval through Cody Gakpo. England midfielder Jones marked his 100th top-flight appearance with the second goal soon after half-time. Mohamed Salah‘s 19th goal this term wrapped up Liverpool’s 11th win in their last 13 games in all competitions.

Liverpool’s comeback lifted them well clear of second-placed Chelsea, who were beaten 2-1 by Fulham earlier in the day.

“Because we went 1-0 down it was a game before we made it 3-1 and then I think you saw how good we really are,” Slot said.

The rampant Reds, who hold a game in hand on Chelsea, have been beaten just once in 17 league matches this season.

They have won 22 of their 26 games in all competitions in a remarkable run since Slot arrived from Feyenoord in the close-season to replace Jurgen Klopp.

Klopp led Liverpool to their last Premier League title in 2020 and Slot has them perfectly positioned to emulate that feat in the second half of the season.

“It’s bit of a boring answer, but as a manager you go game by game because you know how many you still have to play,” Slot said of Liverpool’s title bid.

“You see especially in the Premier League results that you didn’t expect because teams have so much quality.

“Maybe if it was the Eredivisie it would feel like this but not in this competition.”

Also through to the League Cup semi-finals and top of the Champions League, Liverpool, who travel to West Ham for their last match of the year on Sunday, will go into 2025 in contention of an unprecedented quadruple.

Third-bottom Leicester are one point from safety after a third consecutive defeat.

Salah nearly gave Liverpool the perfect start as his close-range effort smacked the post.

But on a night when Anfield was surrounded by a murky mist, Liverpool’s defence was lost in the fog in the sixth minute.

Relentless pressure

Stephy Mavididi surged away down the left wing and whipped in a low cross which Ayew controlled adroitly before spinning to smash a low shot past Alisson Becker at his near post.

Liverpool’s defence was unusually lax in the early stages and Leicester’s Bilal El Khannouss was left unmarked for a volley that whistled over.

But the tide soon turned and Darwin Nunez met Trent Alexander-Arnold‘s cross with a header that was deflected behind before Salah’s chipped effort looped onto the roof of the net.

Andrew Robertson was inches away from equalising when the Liverpool defender’s header cannoned off the post.

Slot’s men were pouring forward in waves and Salah’s curler ricocheted off the crossbar just before half-time.

Gakpo ensured Liverpool would be rewarded for their relentless pressure on the stroke of half-time as the Dutch forward stroked a superb strike into the top corner from the edge of the area.

Gakpo’s 10th goal in all competitions this season was a familiar sight for Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy, who coached him during their time at PSV Eindhoven.

Leicester haven’t won at Anfield in the Premier League since 2000 and their hopes of a historic victory were in tatters just four minutes into the second half.

Sweeping into the Leicester area in a blur of pace and movement, Salah and Alexis Mac Allister teed up Jones to slot home from close range, with the goal surviving a lengthy VAR check for a potential offside.

Salah put the final flourish on Liverpool’s stirring fightback, cutting in from the right flank to guide a fine finish into the far corner in the 82nd minute.

Christmas Premier League chart-toppers Liverpool are overwhelming favourites to see off struggling Leicester on Boxing Day (Thursday). Meanwhile both crisis-hit Manchester clubs will seek a festive fillip, with faltering champions City at home to Wolves and United away to Wolves. Second-placed Chelsea host Fulham while in-form Arsenal will fancy their chances against relegation-threatened Ipswich on Friday, even without the injured Bukayo Saka. Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham, licking their wounds after a brutal 6-3 hammering by Liverpool, face a tough assignment at high-flying Nottingham Forest.

AFP Sport picks out some of the major talking points in the run-up to one of the busiest points of the English football season.

Liverpool top of the tree

Liverpool are top the table on Christmas Day for the first time since the 2020/21 season and will want to make it count.

Just once in the past seven top-flight campaigns in which they have sat at the summit on December 25, have they gone on to win the title.

Arne Slot’s side returned to winning ways in style on Sunday, overwhelming Spurs following two frustrating draws.

They are four points clear of Chelsea with a game in hand. It would be a huge surprise if they slipped up against Leicester at home, especially with Mohamed Salah enjoying a purple patch.

The Egypt international is the first player to reach double figures for both goals (15) and assists (11) before Christmas in the history of the Premier League.

Leicester won their first match under new manager Ruud van Nistelrooy earlier this month but have collected just a single point in their past three matches, conceding nine goals.

The leaky Foxes have not won at Anfield since 2000 and are just two points clear of the drop zone after returning to the top flight this season.

Saka blow forces Arsenal rethink

A buoyant Mikel Arteta said the Premier League title race was “on” after Arsenal swept Crystal Palace aside 5-1 on Saturday.

But one dark cloud was Saka limping off at Selhurst Park, with the England winger set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

It is a blow for Arteta, depriving him of his most potent attacking weapon — Saka has scored nine goals and provided 13 assists in all competitions this season — just as Arsenal are finding their form again.

“It’s going to be a really good exercise for all of us to think about ways to overcome another challenge, because we’ve already had a lot in the season,” said Arsenal boss Arteta, whose team are third in the Premier League table.

Arteta has a number of attacking options, with Gabriel Martinelli a candidate to fill the void, but Saka, 23, offers something unique.

Forest chase European dream

Nottingham Forest fans are dreaming of a return to the Champions League — more than 40 years after they last played in Europe’s premier club competition.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have won seven of their past 10 Premier League games to climb to fourth in the table ahead of their match against Tottenham on Thursday.

Forest have not won a major trophy since 1990 but they have a proud tradition in continental competition — with the Midlands club twice crowned European champions under former manager Brian Clough, in 1979 and 1980.

While Forest are not prolific scorers, they are impressive at the back — only Liverpool and Arsenal have conceded fewer goals in the English top flight this season.

Former Spurs boss Nuno is braced for the unknown against his former club, who have built a reputation as great entertainers.

“You never know what’s going to happen in the game,” he said. “What we can see is good players, a lot of goals, also conceding goals.”

Fixtures

Thursday (1500 GMT unless stated)

Manchester City v Everton (1230), Bournemouth v Crystal Palace, Chelsea v Fulham, Newcastle v Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest v Tottenham, Southampton v West Ham, Wolves v Manchester United (1730), Liverpool v Leicester (2000)

Friday

Brighton v Brentford (1930), Arsenal v Ipswich (2015)

Manchester United crashed to a humiliating 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth, while Chelsea missed the chance to go top of the Premier League after a 0-0 draw at Everton on Sunday. United boss Ruben Amorim, who once again left Marcus Rashford out of his squad, is set for a miserable Christmas following the worst result of his brief reign. Languishing in 13th place, United have suffered four defeats in nine matches in all competitions since Amorim arrived from Sporting Lisbon in November to replace the sacked Erik ten Hag.

United’s second successive loss after their League Cup exit at Tottenham on Thursday underlined Amorim’s belief that their road back to the top will be long and arduous.

United, who have conceded first in their last six games, were booed off at half-time, while the final whistle was greeted by more jeers from the few fans who stayed until the bitter end.

While it is far too early to pass judge on Amorim, the Portuguese coach cannot afford many more results like this if he is to keep the players and fans on his side.

Amorim’s decision to play without Rashford for the third consecutive game will face fresh scrutiny after United’s wretched performance.

Amorim surprisingly omitted the 27-year-old England forward from the squad for United’s win at Manchester City last weekend, prompting Rashford to hint he was willing to leave the club for a “new challenge”.

Rashford was at Old Trafford wearing a United tracksuit amid his extended exile as Amorim made six changes from the line-up beaten 4-3 by Tottenham in the League Cup quarter-finals.

Again, United were exposed at set-pieces in the 29th minute when Bournemouth’s teenage defender Dean Huijsen punished poor marking at a free-kick to glance a header past Andre Onana.

There was even worse to come for Amorim in the second half as Justin Kluivert doubled fifth-placed Bournemouth’s advantage with a 61st minute penalty following Noussair Mazraoui’s foul on the forward.

Antoine Semenyo compounded United’s misery two minutes later with a cool finish from Dango Ouattara’s pass.

With leaders Liverpool playing at Tottenham in Sunday’s late game, second-placed Chelsea would have gone top, for at least a few hours, if they had won at Everton.

But Enzo Maresca‘s side had to settle for a goalless stalemate that ended their five-match winning run in the league.

Chelsea sit one point behind Liverpool who have two games in hand on the Blues, starting with their trip to Tottenham.

It was an encouraging start to a new era for Everton — four points clear of the relegation zone — under new owners the Friedkin Group, whose purchase brought an end to Farhad Moshiri’s tumultuous tenure.

Everton’s new executive chairman Marc Watts was in attendance at Goodison Park to see Chelsea come closest to winning when Nicolas Jackson’s first-half header hit the post.

Wolves boss Vitor Pereira enjoyed a dream debut as his side won 3-0 at relegation rivals Leicester.

Replacing the sacked Gary O’Neil, former Porto boss Pereira left his role at Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab to fulfil his dream of managing in England.

Goncalo Guedes started the Pereira era with a flourish as he met Nelson Semedo’s cross with an agile finish in the 19th minute.

As if that welcome gift from his fellow Portuguese wasn’t enough, Pereira received another present from a compatriot in the 36th minute when Rodrigo Gomes slid in to notch his first goal for Wolves.

Matheus Cunha’s 44th minute strike from Guedes’ pass ensured third-bottom Wolves would move within two points of fourth-bottom Leicester.

Bottom-of-the-table Southampton held on for a 0-0 draw at Fulham as new manager Ivan Juric watched from the stands.

Juric, axed by Roma in November after just 12 games, was not in charge on Sunday as he awaited a work permit to replace Russell Martin.

Southampton are eight points adrift of safety with only one win from 17 league games.

Diogo Jota rescued Liverpool as the Premier League leaders recovered from Andy Robertson’s early red card to snatch a 2-2 draw with Fulham, while Arsenal’s title challenge was dented by a goalless stalemate against Everton on Saturday. With just four minutes left at Anfield, Arne Slot’s side were in danger of losing for just the second time in 15 top-flight games this season. But Jota grabbed a valuable equaliser as Liverpool extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to 19 matches since a loss to Nottingham Forest in September.

With last weekend’s Merseyside derby at Everton postponed by severe weather, Liverpool have now gone two league games without a win following their 3-3 draw at Newcastle.

The Reds sit five points clear of second-placed Chelsea, who can close the gap with a win against Brentford at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Liverpool were rocked in the 11th minute as Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira met Antonee Robinson’s cross with an agile volley that deflected in off Robertson.

The Reds suffered another blow when Scotland left-back Robertson was sent off in the 17th minute for a professional foul on Harry Wilson.

But Slot’s men have made a habit of coming from behind this season and Cody Gakpo equalised in the 47th minute with a stooping header from Mohamed Salah‘s cross.

The Dutch forward’s ninth goal in all competitions this season was the prelude to a period of sustained Liverpool pressure.

But Fulham forward Rodrigo Muniz delivered a sucker punch as he bundled over the line from Robinson’s cross in the 76th minute.

That set the stage for a dramatic finale as Jota levelled in the 86th minute with a cool finish past Bernd Leno from the edge of the area.

Arsenal failed to take advantage of Liverpool’s rare stumble as the Gunners were kept at bay on a frustrating afternoon at the Emirates Stadium.

Lack of firepower

The north Londoners have become a force from set-pieces, scoring 23 goals from corners since the start of last season.

But their lack of firepower outside of that route has been questioned this season and once again they were hampered by a failure to turn pressure and possession into goals.

After a second successive league draw, third-placed Arsenal remain six points behind Liverpool, who have a game in hand on last season’s runners-up.

Newcastle handed Ruud van Nistelrooy his first defeat as Leicester boss with a 4-0 rout at St James’ Park.

Former Manchester United striker Nistelrooy had taken four points from his first two games since replacing the sacked Steve Cooper.

But Newcastle ended that encouraging start as Jacob Murphy drilled a clinical finish into the bottom corner from the edge of the area in the 30th minute.

Bruno Guimaraes nodded in Newcastle’s second goal in the 47th minute after Lewis Hall headed Anthony Gordon‘s free-kick toward the Brazilian.

Alexander Isak bagged the Magpies’ third two minutes later with a close-range finish and Murphy struck again on the hour to leave Leicester two points above the relegation zone.

Jack Taylor’s stoppage-time goal gave Ipswich a priceless 2-1 win over relegation rivals Wolves at Molineux.

Kieran McKenna’s team went ahead through Matt Doherty‘s 15th minute own goal after Wolves made a hash of clearing Liam Delap’s cross.

Just as Wolves fans were calling for chairman Jeff Shi and owners Fosun to sell the club, Matheus Cunha grabbed a 72nd minute equaliser as his shot beat Arijanet Muric’s weak attempted save.

But Taylor headed home from a 94th minute corner to seal Ipswich’s second league win since their promotion to the top tier.

Third-bottom Ipswich are just one point adrift of safety, while second-bottom Wolves are three points behind them after an 11th loss in 16 league games piled further pressure on boss Gary O’Neil.

Nottingham Forest host Aston Villa in a battle of top four contenders in Saturday’s late game.

Ruud van Nistelrooy savoured his first match in charge of Leicester with a 3-1 Premier League win over West Ham, while Crystal Palace edged Ipswich 1-0 on Tuesday. Jamie Vardy, Bilal El Khannouss and Patson Daka got the goals as Van Nistelrooy enjoyed a dream start to his new role shortly after his departure from Manchester United. “On a long-term basis we know the performances need to get better. But the spirit and how we want to do things we saw today because, if not, the Premier League is too brutal,” said Van Nistelrooy.

The Dutchman said he had been “astonished” by the number of offers he received after a four-game spell as interim United boss, which included two wins over Leicester.

A lethal finisher in his playing days, Van Nistelrooy watched on approvingly as Vardy opened the scoring after just 99 seconds at the King Power.

The 37-year-old had initially been flagged offside, but a VAR review showed he was clearly on for his fifth goal of the season.

Defeat ramps up the scrutiny of Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui after a seventh defeat in 14 Premier League games.

The visitors enjoyed the majority of possession and had 31 shots to Leicester’s eight but failed to make it count.

“A frustrating night because we deserved much more today,” said Lopetegui. “Normally we have to win this match but we didn’t because we didn’t score.”

West Ham did have a goal controversially ruled out when Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen punched the ball into his own net and was relieved to be awarded a foul due to minimal contact from Tomas Soucek.

Conor Coady also cleared off the line from Crysencio Summerville in the second half.

But Leicester remained a threat on the counter-attack and doubled their lead when El Khannouss coolly stroked home Kasey McAteer’s pass.

Daka then blasted in to make it 3-0 before Niclas Fuellkrug netted a late consolation with his first West Ham goal.

Victory lifts Leicester up to 15th, four points above the relegation zone, and within two points of 14th-placed West Ham.

Guehi defies FA

Jean-Philippe Mateta scored the only goal at Portman Road as Palace won the battle of two more sides at the bottom end of the table.

The Frenchman produced a classy finish from Eberechi Eze’s pass on the hour mark to secure the Eagles’ first away win of the season.

Palace pull three points clear of the bottom three, while Ipswich remain second from bottom and winless at home on their return to the top flight.

However, Palace captain Marc Guehi is now at risk of a suspension after defying a Football Association warning over displaying religious messages.

As part of the “Rainbow Laces” campaign to show support for the LGBTQ+ community, Premier League captains are wearing rainbow-coloured armbands.

Guehi’s armband bore the message “I love Jesus” during their 1-1 draw against Newcastle, prompting the FA to contact Guehi and Palace and remind them of rules forbidding the display of religious messages.

The England defender doubled down on his message with “Jesus loves you” displayed on his rainbow-coloured armband.

“Everyone now is about integration, no discrimination and Marc as well,” said Palace boss Oliver Glasner.

“He has his opinion and we accept and respect every opinion.”

Ipswich captain Sam Morsy, who also caused controversy by opting not to wear the rainbow armband against Nottingham Forest at the weekend, once again wore a regular armband.

His club issued a statement on Monday saying he chose not to wear the rainbow armband due to his religious beliefs.

Manchester United signed off Ruud van Nistelrooy’s temporary stint in charge with a 3-0 win over Leicester on Sunday as Ipswich stunned Tottenham 2-1 for their first Premier League victory in 22 years. Third-placed Nottingham Forest’s fine run came to an end in a 3-1 home defeat to Newcastle. Arsenal are aiming to kickstart their faltering title challenge later away at London rivals Chelsea. Ruben Amorim will be in charge for the first time when United return from the international break. But Van Nistelrooy was able to hand over the reins with a four-game unbeaten run since stepping up to replace the sacked Erik ten Hag.

Bruno Fernandes marked his 250th United appearance in style by smashing in his fourth goal in four games after a neat interchange of passes with Amad Diallo.

Fernandes’ burst into the box also created the second goal as his glancing touch deflected off Leicester defender Victor Kristiansen and in for an own goal.

Diallo’s two-goal showing in a 2-0 Europa League win over PAOK on Thursday earned the Ivorian a start over Alejandro Garnacho.

The Argentine, though, came off the bench to show what he is capable of with a stunning strike into the top corner to round off the scoring.

United remain down in 13th but are now just three points off fifth in a congested table.

Ipswich will play host to Amorim‘s first match in two weeks and go into that game buoyed by their first win since ending a two-decade wait to return to the top flight.

Spurs were finally made to pay for their slow starts at home as they went behind for the 13th time in 15 Premier League games at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2024.

Sammie Szmodics took advantage of statuesque Tottenham defending to open the scoring with an overhead kick on 31 minutes.

Liam Delap doubled the visitors’ lead in far less spectacular fashion as he lashed in from point-blank range after Radu Dragusin directed a cross towards his own goal.

Spurs had come back to win in eight of the previous 12 matches they conceded first at home this year but this time left themselves with too much to do.

Rodrigo Bentancur reduced the arrears with a powerful header from Pedro Porro’s corner but they fell to a fifth league defeat in 11 games.

Ipswich move out of the relegation zone at Crystal Palace’s expense, while Spurs slip to 10th.

Forest had won three games in a row to sit just behind Liverpool and Manchester City at the top of the table and their dream run looked set to continue at the City Ground.

Murillo’s towering header from Anthony Elanga’s free-kick opened the scoring.

But Newcastle hit back strongly after half-time.

Alexander Isak’s fourth goal in as many games began the fightback.

Joelinton then curled in a sensational strike from the edge of the box before Harvey Barnes sealed the three points that lifts the Magpies into eighth.

Arsenal and Chelsea both start the day 10 points behind leaders Liverpool and in desperate need of a win if they are to challenge for the title.

Captain Martin Odegaard starts for the first time in two months for Arsenal, who are aiming to snap a three-game winless streak in the Premier League.

Ruud van Nistelrooy enjoyed a winning start as interim Manchester United manager by beating Leicester 5-2 to reach the League Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday as Manchester City crashed out 2-1 to Tottenham. Arsenal and Liverpool were among the other sides to book their place in the last eight, but Chelsea were beaten 2-0 at Newcastle. A United legend as a player, Van Nistelrooy was thrust into the role of caretaker boss after the Red Devils sacked Erik ten Hag on Monday following a dreadful start to the season.

Sporting Lisbon coach Ruben Amorim is the man the English giants have targeted to take over but are still in negotiations with the Portuguese champions to agree compensation for the 39-year-old.

According to reports in Portugal, Amorim will remain at Sporting for the next three matches before completing his move during the November international break.

“I came here as an assistant to help the club. I’m helping as long as I’m needed and in the future, in any capacity, I’m here to help the club build towards the future,” said Van Nistelrooy.

“The reaction of the players was excellent. They deserve the credit for a good win and I’m happy the crowd goes home with a nice night of football.”

The Dutchman said before the game that United “can be unstoppable” when “players, staff and supporters pull together” and they cut loose by scoring four times in a thrilling first 45 minutes.

Casemiro‘s stunning effort into the top corner opened the scoring before Alejandro Garnacho swept home Diogo Dalot’s cross to please a jubilant Van Nistelrooy on the touchline.

Bilal El Khannouss quickly pulled a goal back for the much-changed Foxes.

Bruno Fernandes’ deflected free-kick restored United’s two-goal cushion before Casemiro slammed home his third goal in two games.

Conor Coady grabbed another consolation for Leicester but United were not to be denied just a second win in nine games.

Fernandes rounded off the scoring when he pounced on a short back-pass to round Danny Ward and fire home.

United’s reward is a trip to Tottenham in the last eight after they eliminated a City side without Erling Haaland.

Timo Werner slotted home his first goal since March from Dejan Kulusevski’s inviting cross to open the scoring.

Pape Sarr’s long-range strike doubled Spurs’ lead before Matheus Nunes got an injury-hit City back into the tie in first-half stoppage time.

But they could not find an equaliser and Pep Guardiola showed where his priorities lie as Haaland remained on the bench for the full 90 minutes.

Gakpo leads Liverpool

Cody Gakpo was the match-winner for Liverpool in a 3-2 win at Brighton to continue Arne Slot’s excellent start to life with the Reds.

Gakpo has not scored in the Premier League or Champions League this season but now has four goals in two League Cup games.

The Dutch international was ruthless with two powerful finishes cutting inside onto his right foot from the left wing.

Luis Diaz was also on target for Liverpool, while Simon Adingra and Tariq Lamptey struck late on for Brighton.

Liverpool are away to Southampton in December’s quarter-finals.

Teenager Ethan Nwaneri caught the eye with a sensational strike as Arsenal eased to a 3-0 win at Championship side Preston.

Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz got the other goals for the Gunners.

Arsenal host Crystal Palace, who beat Aston Villa 2-1, in the quarters.

Newcastle gained revenge for their Premier League defeat at Chelsea at the weekend to ease the pressure on manager Eddie Howe.

The Saudi-backed Magpies are winless in five in the league, but are desperate to end a 55-year wait to win a major trophy.

Alexander Isak’s strike and an Axel Disasi own goal inside three first-half minutes proved decisive at St. James’ Park.

Newcastle will fancy their chances of making the last four after being handed a home draw against Brentford.

Chris Wood struck twice in Nottingham Forest’s 3-1 win at Leicester as the New Zealand striker condemned Foxes boss Steve Cooper to defeat against his former club on Friday. Ryan Yates put Forest ahead in the East Midlands derby at the King Power Stadium before Jamie Vardy levelled for Leicester. The in-form Wood restored Forest’s lead and netted again with his seventh goal in nine matches this season. Forest’ second successive victory lifted them into fifth place in the Premier League.

They have lost just once in nine league games this term, proving their decision to sack Cooper and hire Nuno Espirito Santo was a shrewd move.

Cooper was facing Forest for the first time since his dismissal in December.

The 44-year-old spent two years in charge of Forest, guiding them from the bottom of the Championship back to the Premier League after a 23-year absence before being axed with the club just above the relegation zone.

Nuno saved Forest from the drop, while Cooper was hired by promoted Leicester in the close-season to replace Enzo Maresca after the Italian’s move to Chelsea.

“It’s self-inflicted, no doubt about that, and it’s on us. We all have to take responsibility for how the game panned out. We made poor mistakes for the goals,” Cooper said.

“It’s a setback after winning a few games coming into this. We have to accept it.”

Forest’s first win at Leicester since 2013 was sweet viewing for Nuno, who had to watch from the press box as he served the second game of a suspension.

“Chris deserves his plaudits. He’s done an amazing job. He’s very honest and he gives everything on the pitch for us,” Nuno said.

“It’s not about the table. This group wants to progress and they want to make the fans enjoy. We see these players work every day and we demand from them.”

Forest ignited a dramatic first half in the 16th minute, seizing the lead thanks to a Leicester meltdown.

Facundo Buonanotte dwelt on the ball too long instead of clearing the danger and Wood’s deflected shot drew a woeful attempted clearance from James Justin.

Yates pounced on the loose ball and curled his low strike into the bottom corner from 20 yards.

Vardy keeps scoring

Leicester’s response was emphatic as Vardy dragged them back on level terms in the 23rd minute.

Harry Winks whipped a teasing cross into the Forest six-yard box and Vardy got between two defenders to prod home from close-range in typically predatory fashion.

Leicester keeper Mads Hermansen made a superb save to repel Nicolas Dominguez’s close-range volley when the Forest midfielder looked certain to score.

Hermansen made another fine stop to keep out Callum Hudson-Odoi’s blast from the edge of the area.

But the Dane was beaten again in the 47th minute when Wood deftly controlled Elliot Anderson‘s pass and swivelled to fire a fine finish into the bottom corner from 12 yards.

Leicester appealed in vain for a penalty after Vardy threw himself to the ground following a brief tug from Nikola Milenkovic.

That proved a crucial moment as Wood punished woeful defending to net again on the hour.

A long punt from Forest keeper Matz Sels should have been dealt with by Leicester’s Wout Faes but the Belgian allowed the ball to bounce past him and Wood looped a close-range header over Hermansen.