Leeds United

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  1. 🎧 I ain't no vetpublished at 14:14 GMT 16 February

    A new episode of BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast is available to download and listen to now on BBC Sounds.

    Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Simon Rix reflect on Leeds United's victory over Birmingham City on penalties to reach the fifth round of the FA Cup.

    Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

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    Explore all Leeds United content on BBC Sounds

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  2. Birmingham City 1-1 Leeds (Leeds win 4-2 on penalties) - the fans' verdictpublished at 11:55 GMT 16 February

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    We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's FA Cup fourth round match between Birmingham and Leeds.

    Here are some of your comments:

    Andrew: Well off it in the first half. Second best all over. But the six changes over the rest of the game showed a squad strength that we haven't had recently. I think winning breeds confidence and momentum so this win is fantastic. Birmingham pushed us all the way. Two proper football clubs and great support.

    Hamish: An ugly win. Expected better from what looked a strong line up on paper. Home draw next round please.

    Richard: Great win but I think we got away with murder to be honest and we'll need to improve for the next round.

    Peter: A tough game just when we didn't need it. A confidence builder for Lucas Perri. Unlucky Justin conceding so late. Now rest up and prep smart for Villa.

    Andy: Ugly win - but it's a win. There was a time not long ago that we would have lost that. Good display from the boys who don't get regular first team games.

    Richard: Showed fight but also showed how much we rely on the first team. Our squad players are not good enough for the level we aspire to. Stay up and build solid foundations for longer term.

    Paul: We played the first half with 10 men. Bounanotte was very poor, no wonder he was taken off at half time. Farke clearly wanted to win this by bringing on his trusted boys.

  3. When is FA Cup fifth-round draw?published at 08:16 GMT 16 February

    FA CupImage source, Getty Images

    The 2025-26 FA Cup fifth-round draw will take place on Monday, 16 February at about 18:35 GMT.

    It will be done before the fourth-round tie between Macclesfield Town - the lowest-ranked team left in the competition - and Brentford, with former England internationals Joe Cole and Karen Carney conducting the draw on TNT Sports.

    Supporters can also follow the draw on the BBC Sport website and app.

    All matches will be played around the weekend commencing Saturday, 7 March.

    Unlike in previous years, there are no replays if matches end as a draw. All ties will go to extra time, and if necessary, a penalty shootout.

    What are the ball numbers?

    1. Liverpool

    2. Fulham

    3. Sunderland

    4. Southampton

    5. Wrexham

    6. Arsenal

    7. Chelsea

    8. West Ham United

    9. Mansfield Town

    10. Norwich City

    11. Port Vale or Bristol City

    12. Wolverhampton Wanderers

    13. Newcastle United

    14. Manchester City

    15. Macclesfield or Brentford

    16. Leeds United

  4. Why Leeds should have a real go in the FA Cuppublished at 16:39 GMT 15 February

    David Anderson
    BBC Sport

    Leeds goalkeeper Lucas Perri celebrates their FA Cup win over Birmingham with his team-mates.Image source, Shutterstock
    Image caption,

    Leeds United celebrate their FA Cup shoot-out win over Birmingham

    Leeds can have a real go in the FA Cup this season and improve their awful recent record in the competition.

    The Whites have managed just one quarter-final appearance in the last 28 years and their defeat to Sheffield United in 2003 cost Terry Venables his job.

    Leeds were often at Wembley under Don Revie and made four FA Cup Finals between 1965 and 1973, winning for the only time in their history in 1972.

    Their last semi-final appearance was way back in 1987 when they lost to eventual winners Coventry City.

    With a six-point cushion, Leeds are well on course to survive in the top flight – their No 1 goal this season.

    They may argue that they are not safe yet, but a run of just two defeats in 15 games suggests they will steer clear of trouble.

    So boss Daniel Farke can also focus on the Cup and his substitutions at Birmingham show he is not taking the competition lightly.

    He brought on skipper Ethan Ampadu at half-time to help change the tie, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Brenden Aaronson also made positive contributions from the bench before Leeds' shoot-out win.

    Leeds have not won at Wembley since the 1992 Charity Shield, when Eric Cantona scored a hat-trick against Liverpool, and maybe this could finally be the season they change that.

  5. Birmingham 1-1 Leeds (2-4 after pens): What Farke and Longstaff saidpublished at 16:13 GMT 15 February

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    Leeds United boss Daniel Farke, speaking to the BBC: "This means a lot for us, also for our supporters. We can send them back happy. In our recent history we were not too good in the FA Cup, so it's good to go on a proper run - fifth round already. Such a scruffy hard fought win, sometimes these wins are the best for the spirit of the group.

    "Lots of rotation today and also many players in the pitch that did not have that many minutes, but we were still able to find a way in this difficult away game against a Championship side in red hot form. To find a way in a scruffy game to win it is good for my team, good for my spirit and I'm delighted.

    "Birmingham were the better side in the first half, no doubt about it, but we defended everything in the end and there were some good saves by Lucas Perri. We changed the set-up, brought our captain, our leader - Ethan Ampadu - in and won the momentum back in the game and scored with a fantastic goal from Lukas Nmecha.

    "We were always convinced that we could do it on penalties and that we have done. And Lucas Perri, again, very good in the penalty shootout and a good win for the team."

    Leeds United midfielder Sean Longstaff, speaking to TNT Sports about whether he was nervous stepping up to take the winning penalty: "I think it makes it easier knowing that if you miss there's more penalties to come. But I thought Lucas [Perri] was massive today, obviously in the shootout but in the game -the first half especially.

    "We've ground out a result. It's never pretty in the FA Cup, but we're happy to get through.

    "I think any time you get drawn away to a team in a lower division to you a lot of people expect you to rock up and win but it's never the case. I thought they were excellent today.

    "Ultimately, it comes down to the moments and we were better in the bigger moments today and I'm really happy for Lucas because it's been sort of a tough time for him - but he deserves it today. I'm really happy for him."

    Did you know?

    • Leeds United's Lukas Nmecha is averaging a goal or assist every 101 minutes in all competitions this season (seven goals, two assists); only Erling Haaland (83 mins) has a better rate among Premier League central strikers in 2025-26 (those who have played a minimum of 500 minutes).

    • Leeds United have won a penalty shootout for only the second time in their last six attempts, while it was only the second time they contested one in the FA Cup, after a 4-2 loss to Wolves in a third-round replay in 2005-06.

  6. Birmingham 1-1 Leeds (Leeds win 2-4 on pens) - send us your thoughtspublished at 14:48 GMT 15 February

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    Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

    What did you make of Leeds' display?

    Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

  7. Birmingham v Leeds: Team newspublished at 11:31 GMT 15 February

    Graphic showing Birmingham line-upImage source, BBC Sport

    Birmingham City XI: Allsop, Oyasi-Samuel, Klarer, Panzo, Wagner, Doyle, Jhon Solis, Vicente, Stansfield, Gray, Priske.

    Subs: Beadle, Mayo, Burrell, Neumann, Betteka, Roberts, Kanya, Osman, Ducksch.

    Leeds United XI: Perri, Justin, Gudmundsson, Bijol, Bornauw, Longstaff, Tanaka, Buonanotte, Gnonto, Okafor, Nmecha.

    Subs: Darlow, Bogle, Byram. Rodon, Ampadu, Gruev, Aaronson, Piroe, Calvert-Lewin.

    Graphic showing Leeds' line-upImage source, BBC Sport
  8. Follow Sunday's FA Cup ties livepublished at 10:59 GMT 15 February

    A graphic showing players from five English clubs - Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Ipswich Town and Birmingham City - around the FA Cup, with the text: "Follow the teams you care about. Sign in or create an account for the latest news, insight, expert opinion, fan views and stats, and to get notifications."
    An image detailing how to follow your team on BBC Sport: "On the app? Tap the bell icon to get news about your club sent to you. Signed in on a browser? Hit 'Follow' to stay up to date.

    There are five ties in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

    Kick-off times 14:00 GMT unless stated

    Follow all of the action and reaction here

    You can also listen to today's 5 Live commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Birmingham v Leeds" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Oxford United v Sunderland", for instance.

    Find out more about how to listen to football on BBC Sounds

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  9. Sutton's predictions: Birmingham City v Leeds Utdpublished at 18:02 GMT 14 February

    Chris Sutton smiling on a yellow and black background with 'Sutton's predictions' written below his face

    Leeds United's comeback from 2-0 down to draw at Chelsea was just extraordinary, but I can smell an upset here.

    I am sure Leeds boss Daniel Farke will make some changes because he will have at least half an eye on the Premier League and their next game against Aston Villa.

    Birmingham City are going well under Chris Davies and are unbeaten in eight games in all competitions. This seems like a good time for him to take a top-flight scalp.

    Sutton's prediction: 1-0

    Read the full predictions and have your say here

  10. 'Indications are Farke will take FA Cup seriously'published at 13:09 GMT 14 February

    Daniel Farke shakes hands with Wilfried GnontoImage source, Getty Images

    The Don't Go To Bed Just Yet panel have been previewing Sunday's FA Cup fourth round tie at Birmingham and discussing if and how Daniel Farke will rotate his team after Tuesday's impressive 2-2 draw against Chelsea.

    "We're expecting a lot of changes," said Jonny Buchan.

    "It's a really interesting one because what do you do in terms of the starting XI? You're only three games away from a semi-final at Wembley, so how seriously do you take this Birmingham City side?"

    "The indications all season have been Farke will take this competition seriously," replied Adam Pope.

    "They put in a good performance at Derby and deservedly won the game despite going behind.

    "I could see [Joel] Piroe playing, he had a really good game at Derby even though he missed the penalty, [Facundo] Buonanotte is eligible and could get a start. He will probably leave [Dominic] Calvert-Lewin out after illness. I'd imagine [Sebastiaan] Bornauw will get a run-out again despite getting a bit of a run-around against Chelsea. Maybe [Willy] Gnonto gets a go too.

    "Dan James maybe too, who has looked great since coming back.

    "It might be a system change to give these players minutes. It could be a 4-3-3 with Piroe up top, Buonanotte pulling the strings, and [Brendon] Aaronson having a rest."

    "This round we have an easier fixture so we can go under full-strength and get through," added Simon Rix.

    "Hopefully by the next round the league will be looking good and we can play more of the first team.

    "I'd be tempted to play the players who will be useful in the league to give them some minutes. I'd be tempted to start [Lukas] Nmecha and James to give them the minutes and [Ao] Tanaka and [Sean] Longstaff to help them get back to full fitness."

    Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

    Find more episodes of The Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast on BBC Sounds

  11. Farke on league 'priority', Birmingham and Premier League sackingspublished at 15:33 GMT 13 February

    George Booth
    BBC Sport journalist

    Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Sunday's FA Cup game against Birmingham City at St Andrew's (kick-off 12:00 GMT).

    Here are the key lines from his news conference:

    • Leeds boss Daniel Farke confirmed "achieving survival is a priority" for his side and they "will not risk any player who has any doubts" for their fourth round tie against Birmingham City.

    • Anton Stach and Pascal Struijk will not make a return to the matchday squad as both players are yet to fully complete their rehab. Although striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin "is back" after suffering from an illness, said Farke.

    • Although the league is the "priority" for the west Yorkshire side, Farke said "we will not take any risks" when facing Birmingham, who sit one point outside the play-off positions in the Championship. Farke added: "It is not like we want to go out of this cup on purpose. I am a big believer in cup competitions."

    • On Sunday's FA Cup opponents, Farke said: "I like the group of players, real quality players, and they definitely have a chance [of being promoted]." City have not lost in any competition since New Year's Day - an unbeaten run of eight games - and Farke believes "the club has lots of potential" as they aim to be promoted back to the Premier League.

    • Farke also gave his thoughts on the sacking of Premier League managers Thomas Frank and Sean Dyche: "Especially when you have a proven manager like Thomas, who has done so well for Brentford, he is not just a good coach, but he is a great human being. For Sean Dyche, a proven record in the fight against relegation. The outside feeling is he gave stability after a crazy start for Nottingham."

    Hear more from Farke below or on BBC Sounds here

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    Follow all of Friday's FA Cup news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

    Listen to Leeds United's FA Cup tie against Birmingham City on BBC Radio 5 Live or BBC Radio Leeds

    Got a question about Leeds? Get in touch and we'll put it to our experts

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  12. 🎧Chelsea review and Birmingham preview - plus live comms on Sundaypublished at 13:29 GMT 13 February

    Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast graphic

    A new episode of BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast is available to download and listen to now on BBC Sounds.

    Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Kaiser Chiefs' bassist Simon Rix reflect on an impressive draw away against Chelsea on Tuesday and preview Sunday's trip to face Birmingham City at St Andrew's in the FA Cup fourth round.

    And you can listen to live commentary of Birmingham v Leeds at 12:00 on Sunday on BBC Radio Leeds and BBC Sounds. Ex-United defender Jon Newsome - a title winner in 1992 - will join commentator Adam to offer punditry, with Jonny presenting.

    Listen to the full episode of Don't Go To Bed Just Yet here

    Explore all Leeds United content on BBC Sounds

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  13. 'Too sensible and you won't get the big gigs' - has punditry gone too far?published at 06:19 GMT 13 February

    A general view of two microphones with Sky Sports brandingImage source, Getty Images

    Recently, Liverpool and the Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk said former players-turned-pundits have a responsibility when discussing the performances of the current generation of footballers.

    He believes they can stray into "clickbait" and have a possible impact on players' mental health.

    On Thursday's episode of the More than the Score podcast, former Scotland international Pat Nevin and chief sports editor for Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf Marcel van der Kraan join John Bennett to discuss and analyse the modern world of punditry and the impact it can have on players and managers alike.

    "As a player you do tend to take it to heart, especially when it feels a little personal," said Nevin.

    "Generally, it isn't personal and the pundit is just having their opinion and we all kind of know where the lines are. But, the lines have been jumped over more often in recent years and I think Van Dijk is right about that.

    "Because of the clickbait, it is so much easier to get more likes, views and work if you're a little bit more extreme. Ex-players aren't stupid and they know that. If you are too sensible and sit on the fence you won't get the big gigs.

    "You have a dichotomy. Most ex-players would like to be balanced but they know if they are too balanced and sensible they won't be there next week.

    "My criticism would always be constructive criticism which is explained. One-dimensional labeling of players should never happen. Sometimes if a big name says something enough it becomes accepted wisdom."

    Van der Kraan added: "There are two different kinds of pundits; those who need to be on every week and those who are genuinely focused on what is right and what players should do.

    "For Van Dijk, after so many years enough is enough.

    "It all started after he came into the Netherlands team and became a big player at Liverpool. The first ex-player to really criticise him was Marco van Basten, saying he was not a leader. Van Dijk was biting his lip after every match because it became a bit of a stigma.

    "Eventually it filtered to England and every time he had a bad game it became an open nerve."

    Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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  14. Will 40-point mark be needed for Premier League survival?published at 13:43 GMT 12 February

    The Championship logoImage source, Getty Images

    The 40-point mark - or thereabouts - could be needed once again to guarantee Premier League survival this term, with an in-form West Ham United attempting to chase down the sides above them.

    That mythical number has often been cited as the threshold at which managers, players and fans can relax - but the total has not actually been needed to stay up since 2010-11.

    Prior to that the only other occasions clubs were demoted with 40 points or more were 1996-97, 1997-98 and 2002-03.

    But could that be about to change?

    West Ham, who are 18th in the top flight, are only three points behind 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, who sacked manager Sean Dyche after Wednesday's goalless draw with Wolves.

    While Tottenham - who sacked boss Thomas Frank on Wednesday - are 16th, another two points ahead of Forest.

    West Ham's current points tally (24) is the most by any side in 18th at this stage of a campaign since 2019-20, when the Hammers recovered to stay up with 39 points.

    Leeds also look to have found some momentum with recent wins over Fulham and Forest as well as draws at Everton and Chelsea.

    In contrast, Spurs have managed a meagre four points from the previous 27 available to them.

    Meanwhile, now managerless Forest have won just two of their past 10 games and fans of Brighton and Crystal Palace may also be looking over their shoulders.

    The 14th-placed Seagulls (31 points) are on a dismal run having won just one top-flight game since 30 November.

    Palace - who are a place and a point above Brighton - have only tasted victory once since 7 December and most recently let a two-goal lead slip as they lost to struggling Burnley.

    That magic 40-point mark could well be needed once more to avoid dropping into the Championship.

    A line graph showing the points tallies of the 18th-placed team since 1996 
- 36 points have been enough to survive the past nine seasons
  15. Would Elliott be a realistic summer transfer option?published at 09:57 GMT 12 February

    Adam Pope
    BBC Radio Leeds reporter

    Harvey ElliottImage source, Getty Images

    Some of you have been sending BBC Sport questions about Leeds United using our 'Ask Me Anything' form.

    Some focus on a potential summer move for Harvey Elliott and whether that's realistic.

    Bearing in mind Aston Villa have an obligation to buy Elliott for £35m from Liverpool after his loan spell at the end of the season should he make 10 appearances, I would think that the valuation would be too high for Leeds United if they wanted him.

    Elliott, 22, has a year left on his contract at Anfield where the hierarchy have shown they are content to sell. However, Villa have effectively put the deal and Elliott's career on hold by not playing him with head coach Unai Emery admitting the clash between the sporting and business decision is damaging the attacking midfielder.

    In the plus column Elliott could be seen a decent signing because he has made more than 200 senior appearances for Liverpool, Fulham, Blackburn Rovers and now Aston Villa. He has scored 23 goals and has Champions League experience. However, it should be noted that of his 99 Premier League appearances he has started 36.

    His playing time will be limited for the rest of this campaign as it is understood that Villa chose not to terminate Elliott's loan from Liverpool during the January window, to avoid paying an early termination penalty. His ability, as testifed by Emery, is not in question and the England Under-21 international has time on his side to keep improving.

    But Leeds United's priorities would appear to lie elsewhere this summer. A top class goalkeeper and a striker - bearing in mind they were prepared to spend a similar amount to Elliot's valuation on Wolves' forward Jorgen Strand Larsen before his move to Crystal Palace - is where I would expect to see the bulk of a transfer kitty spent. I say that because the midfield is where United have a lot of resource with Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach contracted until 2029 and Ao Tanaka until 2028. I believe Elliott would enhance the squad as it stands, in my opinion, but at this stage it is a hypothetical question as to whether he is under consideration with Leeds' Premier League status needing securing.

    Ask us questions about Leeds and we'll look for answers

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  16. What was the world like when Milner made his Premier League debut?published at 09:04 GMT 12 February

    James Milner in action for Leeds UnitedImage source, Getty Images

    It was 10 November 2002 when 16-year-old James Milner made his first Premier League appearance for Leeds United.

    Milner came off the bench to replace Jason Wilcox in a 4-3 win at West Ham.

    What else was going on in the world in November 2002?

    Number one singles in the UK around that time included "Heaven" by DJ Sammy and Yanou featuring Do and "Unbreakable" by Westlife.

    On television, ITV talent show Popstars: The Rivals was approaching its conclusion (whatever happened to One True Voice?) while series two of The Office had just ended - would a tearful David Brent avoid being made redundant from his job at Wernham Hogg?

    "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" and "Die Another Day" were released in UK cinemas.

    Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford was a month old, while former US Open tennis champion Emma Raducanu was born three days after Milner's senior debut.

  17. Milner's career in picturespublished at 09:04 GMT 12 February

    James Milner now holds the all-time record for the most Premier League appearances.

    The former England international, 40, made his 654th Premier League outing in Wednesday's defeat at former club Aston Villa - which took him past the previous mark set by Gareth Barry.

    Milner made his debut for Leeds in November 2002 as a 16-year-old and became the Premier League's youngest-ever goalscorer before the end of that year.

    He featured regularly at first-team level from then on, but his time at Elland Road came to an end when Leeds, in deep financial trouble at the time, were relegated from the top flight in 2004.

    James Milner playing for Leeds UnitedImage source, Getty Images

    Milner was contracted to Newcastle for four years, although he spent the 2005-06 campaign on loan at Aston Villa and nearly joined them full-time in the summer of 2006.

    That move to Villa Park would eventually happen in 2008.

    James Milner playing for Newcastle UnitedImage source, Getty Images

    Milner was a key part of a Villa side that narrowly missed out on silverware and Champions League qualification under Martin O'Neill.

    He scored the opening goal in Villa's 2010 League Cup final loss to Manchester United.

    James Milner playing for Aston VillaImage source, Getty Images

    Milner moved to Manchester City in the early weeks of the 2010-11 season and won numerous honours during his five seasons with the club, including two Premier League titles and one FA Cup.

    James Milner celebrating a Premier League title win at Manchester CityImage source, Getty Images

    Milner swapped City for Liverpool on a free transfer in the summer of 2015 and spent eight seasons with the Reds.

    While at Anfield, he won all three major domestic trophies and the Champions League in 2019.

    Milner played more Premier League games for Liverpool (230) than any of the other top-flight clubs he has represented.

    James Milner holds the Premier League trophy while with LiverpoolImage source, Getty Images

    Milner has been with Brighton since 2023, appearing in the Seagulls' first-ever European campaign in 2023-24.

    He recently joined a select band of outfield players to have made a Premier League appearance after their 40th birthday and is more than seven years older than his current boss Fabian Hurzeler.

    James Milner in action for BrightonImage source, Getty Images
  18. Watch Premier League highlights and analysispublished at 07:14 GMT 12 February

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    Pundits Alan Shearer and Danny Murphy join host Kelly Somers to bring you the action and talking points from Tuesday's and Wednesday's Premier League fixtures.

    Watch on BBC iPlayer here

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  19. 'We had full confidence we would get back into the game' - Ampadupublished at 17:05 GMT 11 February

     Ethan Ampadu and Jayden Bogle in conversationImage source, Getty Images

    Leeds defender Ethan Ampadu says his side had "full confidence" they could come back to get a result against Chelsea on Tuesday evening, even when they were 2-0 down in the second half at Stamford Bridge.

    "We're delighted," Ampadu told BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope.

    "It was a game of two halves. We started the game and imposed ourselves like we wanted to do and then they had a couple of moments where they opened us up a little bit and we got sucked into that and gave them space to create.

    "When you play a fantastic team they find that and put the ball in the net.

    "At half-time we believed we could change it. We just needed to change the momentum a little bit and get it back on our side.

    "We had full belief that whatever happened in the second-half - whether we scored first or they scored first - that we could change the game and get a positive result."

    Chelsea made it 2-0 shortly after the break and looked to be coasting to victory before two goals in six minutes from the Daniel Farke's side.

    Asked if he was surprised Farke didn't make a change at half-time, Ampadu said: "Definitely not. He [Farke] was confident we could do what the plan was from the start.

    "We started the first half well but didn't do it enough but he gave us the confidence. They scored an early goal which unsettled it a bit but we had full confidence we would get back into the game.

    "With the chance they had at the end it's hard to say we're disappointed. But, we also need that little bit of luck and we had that. Usually Cole Palmer puts that in the back of the net but he didn't today which is very fortunate for us.

    "They are a very good team and have a lot of quality. They showed that. To pick up four points against them this season is a good feeling but we still know there is a long way to go."

    Listen to the full chat on BBC Sounds