Football/League Cup: Newcastle 1-0 Manchester City

Manchester City bit the dust for the first time this season at Newcastle on Wednesday (1-0). The Magpies ejected the European champions from the League Cup thanks to Alexander Isak, who scored at the far post from Joelinton’s cross (53rd).

Julian Alvarez could have changed the course of the game, but the Argentinian fell on Nick Pope’s foot (18th) and shot narrowly wide (28th). The introduction of Jeremy Doku, Matheus Nunes and Phil Foden was not enough, and City left the competition early.

The other big teams, on the other hand, did not falter. Arsenal dominated neighbours Brentford (0-1). The Gunners quickly made the difference: good pressing, a poor back-pass from Mathias Jørgensen, and Reiss Neilson struck the decisive blow (8th).

Chelsea picked up where they left off against Brighton (1-0). The Seagulls missed their chance in the first half: Robert Sanchez threw the ball straight to João Pedro, but the striker slid the ball just over (24th).

Ansu Fati also missed a golden opportunity after being denied by the Spanish keeper (33rd). Nicolas Jackson, on the other hand, was well placed by Cole Palmer and set up Bart Verbruggen perfectly to give the Blues the lead (50th).

Liverpool also came from behind to beat Leicester 3-1. Surprised by Kasey McAteer’s lightning counter-attack (3rd), the Reds put the visiting defence under heavy pressure.

Ben Doak hit the bar (12th), Conor Coady saved Cody Gakpo’s header off the line (22nd), but the Dutchman found the net on the turn just after half-time (48th).

Dominik Szoboszlai’s mine (70th) and Diogo Jota’s madjer (89th) then finished the job. West Ham, Bournemouth, Fulham, Everton and Blackburn will also be in the next round.

Pascal Amstrong