Pep Guardiola warned that Manchester City would not exhaust “1% of his energy for the League Cup”, It was still difficult to see his men come out as soon as they entered the fray this Wednesday evening. And yet, Newcastle, revolted in the second half in a boiling St. James’ Park, released a largely overhauled Mancunian ogre thanks to a goal from Alexander Isak (54th). The finalist of the last edition continues his journey and builds up confidence, one week before the clash against PSG, in the Champions League.
With eight changes from the starting lineup that won against Nottingham Forest (2-0) on September 23, Manchester City started the game without Haaland, Ederson, Dias, Foden, Walker and Doku. The young Oscar Bobb (20 years old) and Rico Lewis (18 years old) thus had their chance in a team led by Julian Alvarez, alone at the forefront. The Argentine world champion missed two big opportunities on cross shots (18th, 28th), and plunged his team into doubt.
The big pressure from the Magpies
Just before the break, Jacob Murphy almost deceived Stefan Ortega, the City goalkeeper, with a cross shot from the right (41st). A warning, before the incredible pressure applied upon returning from the locker room. Well helped by an incandescent crowd, Eddie Howe’s men brought crazy intensity to the duels, and recovered precious balls near the zone of truth. Joelinton took the opportunity to review the Skyblues defense and serve Isak, totally isolated at the left post after a backheel clearance missed by poor Lewis (54th).
Caught in the duels, the Cityzens then struggled to put Newcastle in danger. The aggressiveness of Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton symbolized the anger of a group, and frustrated Pep Guardiola, warned for his protests (79th). In a crazy atmosphere, the Magpies brought down City in style. Next Wednesday, Paris Saint-Germain will enter the arena.