By Robert Wheeler
- Manchester United cruises past Charlton
- Southampton upset Manchester City
- Newcastle and Nottingham Forest also through
UK – The quarter-finals of the EFL Cup saw a surprising victory for Southampton over Manchester City with other clubs looking to end their respective trophy droughts.
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Southampton shock Manchester City
Nathan Jones has not been at Southampton long and is still yet to win a Premier League game. However, this victory over Manchester City will have boosted their supporters’ faith that he could be the man to turn their season around.
Sekou Mara fired in from a Lyanco cross to give the Saints the lead in the 23rd minute. Just five minutes later, Moussa Djenepo saw Stefan Ortega off his line and spectacularly lobbed him from range.
Erling Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne were both brought on off the bench. Although, Pep Guardiola‘s side failed to get back into it, with Julian Alvarez missing two great chances.
Surviving in the league must be Southampton’s priority, but how their fans would love a trip to Wembley if they can get past Newcastle in the semi-finals.
Late Rashford goals seal United’s victory
Marcus Rashford came off the bench and scored twice to book Manchester United’s place in the semi-finals. Rashford has now scored seven goals in his last six matches.
The Red Devils were leading the game, thanks to an astonishing curling effort from Anthony in the first half. Erik ten Hag‘s side was looking good from range, with Fred‘s impressive effort from a free-kick coming back off the post.
Rashford was introduced after 60 minutes, and half an hour later, he slotted in United’s second. He got another one when Casimiro dinked a through ball forward which Rashford duly finished past Ashley Maynard-Brewer.
United have not won a trophy in six years when Jose Mourinho was in charge, but they play Nottingham Forest next for a place in the final.
Newcastle see off Leicester
Newcastle was surprisingly dumped out of the FA Cup last weekend at the hands of Sheffield Wednesday. However, Eddie Howe‘s side was not going to bow out of the EFL Cup too, as they beat Leicester City 2-0.
Dan Burn scored his first goal for the club in the 60th minute to get them off the mark. The defender was released by the Magpies at the age of 11, before returning to the club last year, his celebrations showed how much it meant to him.
Joelinton who set up Burn’s goal, got one himself twelve minutes later. Miguel Almiron played him through, and the Brazilian finished into the bottom corner. Jamie Vardy missed a sitter soon after but the Foxes were unable to get back into the game.
Newcastle is in their first major semi-final since 2005 and will face Southampton, where they will fancy their chances to get past the bottom side in the Premier League.
Nottingham Forest sneak past Wolves
Nottingham Forest defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers on penalties, which set up a fixture against Manchester United. Forest lost to United in the final of the League Cup in 1992, so they have a chance to avenge this defeat for supporters who can remember that game 31 years ago.
Steve Cooper‘s side got off the mark quickly, with Willy Bolly bundling in from a corner in the 18th minute. Bolly refused to celebrate as he scored against his former club.
Wolves equalised as Matheus Cunha sent in a low cross which was finished off by Raul Jimenez. Forest came close to retailing the league when the ball deflected off Nelson Semedo who nearly scored an own goal but it bounced back off the post.
The match was to be decided on penalties. Sam Surridge was first up for Forest but his effort was saved by Jose Sa. However, they scored their remaining spot-kicks, whilst Dean Henderson saved from Ruben Neves and Joseph Hodge which sent Forest through.
Unfortunately, Henderson will not be available for the semi-final against United as they are his parent club. He will be a big miss for Cooper’s side.
The first legs of the EFL Cup semi-finals will be on the week commencing January 23. The return legs will be on the week commencing January 30th.
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