It was the shock of this third round of the League Cup. A repeat of last season’s final, won by City (1-0) in the Champions League / Premier League / League Cup treble. But everything did not go as planned this evening, since this time it was the Magpies who won (1-0).
The two coaches had rotated, Pep Guardiola aligning several young elements. In a first half that was not exciting or even downright boring, it was the Citizens who came out on top.
Julian Alvarez, finally starting in place of Haaland, even gets a face-to-face in a tight angle with the goalkeeper. But that doesn’t help, while Eddie Howe’s men, although at home, are content to oppose a solid low block which well contains the opposing attacks. At half-time, the two teams returned to the locker room without the supporters who had come in large numbers to Saint James Park having much to eat.
Probably not satisfied with what he saw in the first half (and understandably), Eddie Howe decided to make two changes at the break: Guimarães and Gordon came on, replacing Lewis Miley and Lewis Hall respectively. And their contribution was immediate: high recoveries, pressure on the opponent… the young Citizens were quickly put in difficulty, and what was supposed to happen happened, in the 53rd.
On a good pass from Murphy, Joelinton breaks through the defense and goes into exile on the right side. He manages to send a low cross to the 6 meters, which Isak is there to take. This makes 1-0, a score which will remain unchanged thereafter. Despite the entries of Doku and Foden, Manchester City were too harmless in the second half, with Nick Pope not having a huge job to do. After a final thrill when Bobb tried his hand at hitting from the edge of the area, Saint James’ Park was able to explode with joy as his team took out the defending champion. Guardiola’s men can no longer claim another hat-trick.
