Thursday’s briefing: Arsenal beat Chelsea and Conor Gallagher returns to London

Arsenal claimed the initiative in their Carabao Cup semi-final with a 3-2 victory over a Chelsea side playing under Liam Rosenior at Stamford Bridge for the first time.

Tottenham swooped to sign Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid for £34.7million and Michael Carrick was at Manchester United’s Carrington training complex for his first full day as the club’s interim manager.

Gunners claim narrow advantage

Liam Rosenior’s first home game as Chelsea manager ended in defeat as Arsenal edged a thrilling Carabao Cup semi-final first leg 3-2 at Stamford Bridge.

The visitors had looked well set for the Wembley final in March after goals from Ben White and Viktor Gyokeres gave them a two-goal lead early in the second half.

Rosenior responded to the first serious test of his tenure with an inspired substitution, sending on Alejandro Garnacho, who quickly made it 2-1.

After Martin Zubimendi had scored a third for Mikel Arteta’s side, Garnacho pounced from a corner to set up an intriguing return match in three weeks’ time.

Spurs pull off coup to sign Gallagher

Tottenham have completed the signing of England midfielder Conor Gallagher.

Gallagher has joined Spurs from Atletico Madrid in a deal worth in the region of £34.7million and signed a contract until summer 2031, the Press Association understands.

Aston Villa had initially led the race for Gallagher, who is keen for more playing time ahead of this summer’s World Cup, but Spurs were able to convince the former Chelsea player to return to London.

“I’m so happy and excited to be here, taking the next step in my career at an amazing club,” Gallagher told the Spurs website.

Gallagher’s arrival, the first signing of the post-Daniel Levy era, represents a major coup for Spurs at a time when fan discontent is on the rise.

Carrick starts work with United

New Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick was at the club’s training ground on Wednesday for his first full day in the job.

The former United midfielder, club captain and first-team coach was handed the Old Trafford reins for the rest of the season on Tuesday following the sacking of Ruben Amorim.

The 44-year-old takes over with the club seventh in the Premier League table and preparing to host Manchester City in a derby on Saturday.

Jambos overcome red card to maintain lead

Hearts retained a six-point lead at the top of the William Hill Premiership as they overcame the early sending off of Beni Baningime to beat St Mirren 2-0 at Tynecastle. Lawrence Shankland and Tomas Magnusson scored their goals in the second half. Celtic moved back into second with a 1-0 win at Falkirk.

Embarrassment for new Real Madrid boss

Alvaro Arbeloa, who succeeded the sacked Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid head coach Monday, endured a dismal first game in charge as his side crashed to a shock 3-2 loss at Segunda Division Albacete in the Copa del Rey.

What’s on today?

The build-up to the weekend’s programme begins with a number of clubs due to hold pre-match press conferences including Tottenham, Chelsea, West Ham, Nottingham Forest and Sunderland.