It’s that time of year again! The axe has fallen on West Ham’s Julien Lopetegui and Everton’s Sean Dyche, with both clubs teetering above the relegation zone. So far, one confirmed replacement (as of recording) sees former Chelsea and Brighton boss Graham Potter stepping in to take charge at the London Stadium. Will more heads roll as managers face the dreaded ‘sack row’? On the pitch, the gang dives into the EFL Cup semi-finals, previews this weekend’s FA Cup third-round clashes, and shines a spotlight on the ethics of exhibition matches in Saudi Arabia. All this and more on this episode of Just For Kicks!

It’s that time of year again! The axe has fallen on West Ham’s Julien Lopetegui and Everton’s Sean Dyche, with both clubs teetering above the relegation zone. So far, one confirmed replacement (as of recording) sees former Chelsea and Brighton boss Graham Potter stepping in to take charge at the London Stadium. Will more heads roll as managers face the dreaded ‘sack row’? On the pitch, the gang dives into the EFL Cup semi-finals, previews this weekend’s FA Cup third-round clashes, and shines a spotlight on the ethics of exhibition matches in Saudi Arabia. All this and more on this episode of Just For Kicks!

New name, but same old fun! Join Kam Raslan and the football pundits on Just for Kicks as they take you through the weekend's football action, news and previews of games in the English Premier League and beyond.

Just For Kicks

Managerial Merry-Go-Round Begins! 

Aston Villa came from behind to defeat Chelsea 2–1 at Stamford Bridge, extending their winning run to 11 matches, equaling their century-old club record. Chelsea took the lead in the first half through João Pedro, who converted from close range following a corner. Villa improved after the break, with substitute Ollie Watkins making an immediate impact by scoring the equalizer shortly after coming on. Watkins then completed the turnaround late in the match with a headed winner, securing a significant away victory that maintained Villa’s strong league momentum while leaving Chelsea frustrated after failing to hold their advantage. 



A result that has huge implications in the title race, we review that plus the rest of the PL action, here on Just For Kicks! 

Aston Villa came from behind to defeat Chelsea 2–1 at Stamford Bridge, extending their winning run to 11 matches, equaling their century-old club record. Chelsea took the lead in the first half through João Pedro, who converted from close range following a corner. Villa improved after the break, with substitute Ollie Watkins making an immediate impact by scoring the equalizer shortly after coming on. Watkins then completed the turnaround late in the match with a headed winner, securing a significant away victory that maintained Villa’s strong league momentum while leaving Chelsea frustrated after failing to hold their advantage. A result that has huge implications in the title race, we review that plus the rest of the PL action, here on Just For Kicks!

Super-Sub Watkins Sinks Chelsea

In a pulsating Carabao Cup quarter-final at the Emirates, Arsenal and Crystal Palace served up a dramatic night of football that ended 1–1 in regular time before Arsenal edged through 8–7 on penalties to reach the semi-finals. Arsenal dominated possession and created the better chances, finally breaking the deadlock in the 80th minute when Maxence Lacroix inadvertently turned a corner into his own net, only for Marc Guéhi to snatch a stoppage-time equaliser in the fifth minute of added time to send the tie to spot kicks. From there, both sides calmly dispatched their first seven penalties in a tense shootout before Arsenal keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga became the hero by diving to save Lacroix’s attempt, sealing the win and sending the Gunners into a last-four clash with Chelsea

In a pulsating Carabao Cup quarter-final at the Emirates, Arsenal and Crystal Palace served up a dramatic night of football that ended 1–1 in regular time before Arsenal edged through 8–7 on penalties to reach the semi-finals. Arsenal dominated possession and created the better chances, finally breaking the deadlock in the 80th minute when Maxence Lacroix inadvertently turned a corner into his own net, only for Marc Guéhi to snatch a stoppage-time equaliser in the fifth minute of added time to send the tie to spot kicks. From there, both sides calmly dispatched their first seven penalties in a tense shootout before Arsenal keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga became the hero by diving to save Lacroix’s attempt, sealing the win and sending the Gunners into a last-four clash with Chelsea

Late Drama as Gunners Reach Semis

Liverpool carved out a dramatic 2–1 victory at Tottenham, weathering red cards, shifting momentum and a tense late surge to claim all three points. Florian Wirtz unlocked Spurs with a sharp assist for the opener, though the scorer was forced off injured almost immediately, before Hugo Ekitiké added a second to put Liverpool in control. Spurs rallied late despite being reduced to nine men, but Liverpool held firm through a tense finish to see out a gritty victory that brings them level on points with Chelsea.



That plus the rest of PL action here on Just For Kicks!



PHOTO: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images

Liverpool carved out a dramatic 2–1 victory at Tottenham, weathering red cards, shifting momentum and a tense late surge to claim all three points. Florian Wirtz unlocked Spurs with a sharp assist for the opener, though the scorer was forced off injured almost immediately, before Hugo Ekitiké added a second to put Liverpool in control. Spurs rallied late despite being reduced to nine men, but Liverpool held firm through a tense finish to see out a gritty victory that brings them level on points with Chelsea.That plus the rest of PL action here on Just For Kicks!PHOTO: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images

Managerial Merry-Go-Round Begins!

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