By Robert Wheeler
- Newcastle knock out Man City
- Liverpool defeat Leicester City
- Exeter City shock Luton Town
England – The third round of the EFL Cup saw Manchester City suffer their first defeat of the season, at the hands of Newcastle United.
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Newcastle knock out Manchester City
Newcastle have proved that Manchester City can be defeated. Alexander Isak‘s strike at St James’ Park inflicted City’s first defeat of the season and set up a mouthwatering tie against Manchester United in the next round.
Eddie Howe‘s side made it to the final of the EFL Cup last season, where they lost to their next opponent, United. The Magpies will be eager to get their hands on the trophy this time around. However, this season they also have Champions League football to worry about. So it remains to be seen how they will balance European competition alongside league action and a cup run.
Both Pep Guardiola and Howe made changes for this match, notably Erling Haaland was left on the bench for the entirety of the game. Julian Alvarez played up front on his own for City but he missed a couple of good chances in the first half. Isak tapped into an empty net to win the game for the home side in the 53rd minute.
Liverpool defeat Leicester City
Liverpool came from behind to defeat Leicester City at Anfield to set up a fixture against fellow Premier League side AFC Bournemouth in the next round.
The Foxes are currently top of the Championship, so would have been relishing the test against Liverpool ahead of this game. Kasey McAteer finished off a quick county attack to give the away side an early lead.
Their advantage lasted until the 48th minute when Cody Gakpo finally equalised with a strike into the bottom corner. Dominik Szoboszlai smashed the ball into the top corner to put them in front. The victory was then secured as Diogo Jota back-heeled in off a cross from Jarell Quansah.
Exeter City shock Luton Town
Luton Town is struggling in the Premier League right now but would still have expected to beat League One side Exeter City. However, Demetri Mitchell‘s shot that went in off the crossbar was enough to see off Rob Edwards‘ side. Exeter would end the game with ten men as Mitchell was then sent off for a second bookable offence.
Luton was playing a second-string side but the defeat will still hurt. However, it will enable the club to focus more on survival in the Premier League instead of a cup run.
The result is massive for Exeter who face Middlesbrough at home in the fourth round. The Grecians are sixth in League One so this win will also give them a boost in their hopes of being promoted to the Championship.
Best of the rest
Chelsea defeated Brighton 1-0 at Stamford Bridge thanks to a much-needed goal from Nicolas Jackson. The Blues will be hoping this result will spark a turnaround in their league form this season.
Ipswich Town of the Championship caused an upset as they defeated Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-2. Jack Taylor‘s impressive strike from range won it for the Tractor Boys.
Other high-scoring games included Manchester United defeating Crystal Palace 3-0, Blackburn Rovers beat Cardiff City 5-2 and Burnley beat Salford City 4-0.
The EFL Cup returns on October 31 where the round of 16 will get underway.
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