Southampton manager, Nathan Jones, recorded the biggest win of his short reign as they reached the EFL Cup semi-finals with a richly deserved win over favourites, Manchester City.
An abject City were soundly and deservedly beaten 2-0 by Southampton on Wednesday night, with first-half goals from Sekou Mara and Moussa Djenepo proving the difference.
Manchester City won’t be reclaiming the Carabao Cup this season after crashing out at the quarter-final stage.
Mara swept home after City gave the ball away sloppily. Then, Ortega was caught well off his line as Djenepo curled a shot over him and into the top corner.
Manchester City have lost a tough one as Pep Guardiola has bit off more than he could chew. Too many changes led to all the subs being used way before Pep would have liked and now City are eliminated from the League Cup.
A sloppy match it made for as City could not get anything going, even after the inclusion of all the regulars. One where City was in control with possession and chances created. They played a better second half but many questions have to be answered about players like Kyle Walker, Joao Cancelo, Sergio Gomez and Kalvin Phillips.
City had so many players who played okay after inclusion and despite, the loss showed merit. Two players of note were Nathan Ake and Julian Alvarez who at least put a brave shift and were energetic all throughout.
Super Eagles midfielder, Joe Aribo was missing in action as Southampton knockout Man City.
The Nigerian international, who has made two appearance in the competition, was on the bench for the entire 90 minutes.
The Saints made a bright start, as Duje Caleta-Car saw an excellent half-volley tipped around the post by Stefan Ortega
They were 2-0 up before the half hour mark, doubling the lead in style as Moussa Djenepo drove forward from midfield before spotting Ortega off his line and superbly curling over the ‘keeper and into the back of the net from 30-yards.
Southampton inflicted the 100th defeat of Guardiola’s managerial career and also book a place to the semi-finals.
