Pep Guardiola’s tactics cost Cityzens place in the semi-final of the Carabao Cup as Manchester City lose 2-0 to Southampton FC
Premier League defending champions Manchester City have won the Carabao Cup four times over the last five years and seemed to be the side to beat heading into the Southampton fixture.
Manchester City were undone by a Southampton side that sits bottom of the Premier League. Saints Manager Nathan Jones soaked in the atmosphere and his smile after full-time showed some much-needed relief.
Southampton (4-5-1): Bazunu 9; Lyanco 9, Caleta-Car 8, Salisu 7.5, Walker-Peters 7.5; Djenepo 8 (Perraud 57, 7); Diallo 8, Lavia 8 (Elyounoussi 61, 7.5), Ward-Prowse 7.5, Armstrong 7.5; Mara 8.5 (Adams 62, 7).
Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Ortega 5; Cancelo 6, Walker 5.5 (Akanji 46, 6), Laporte 6, Gomez 5.5 (Ake 46, 6); Phillips 5.5 (Rodri 63, 6), Gundogan 6; Palmer 5 (De Bruyne 46, 6), Foden 5.5, Grealish 6 (Haaland 56, 6); Alvarez 5.5.
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Phillips struggled in midfield, just like most of the starters on the night prompting Guardiola to make several changes at the break. The Cityzens gave the ball away poorly on two occasions in the first half leading to the two goals by the Saints.
City shockingly finished the game with no shot on target and Manager Pep Guardiola, in his post-match interview had this to say; “A different competition, of course if we perform in this way (against Manchester United this weekend) we don’t have a chance. I know the moment they have. Many years they’re looking forward to stay in this position. We know exactly what to do to play better and we’re going to try to do it.”
In the 23rd minute, Manchester City goalkeeper Ortega tried to head the ball clear from outside his box and Southampton’s Ward-Prowse had thought of scoring a stunner from distance but hesitates and loses the ball. Phillips attempts to break but is robbed by Lyanco who finds Sekou Mara. Mara places it in the bottom right. It was the 20-year-old’s first goal for the club since he joined from Bordeaux in the summer. 1-0 Saints!
Five minutes later and Southampton extend their lead. Djenepo spots the City goalkeeper off his line and lobs the out-of-position goalkeeper. Exquisite!
Even when the ‘big guns’ arrived in the second half, his team’s defense displayed incredible focus and resistance to completely neutralize City. A clean sheet and progression to the semi-finals. Something for the Saints fan to relish this season.
The last four of the 2022-23 Carabao Cup.
- Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United
- Southampton vs Newcastle United
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