Manchester City, Newcastle, Tottenham and Arsenal all proved too strong for lower-league opposition in the Carabao Cup third round.
Manchester City, Newcastle, Tottenham and Arsenal all proved too strong for lower-league opposition, with Phil Foden, Joelinton, Joao Palhinha and Eberechi Eze playing starring roles in their respective wins.
Foden inspires as City control Huddersfield
Manchester City eased past Huddersfield Town with a 2-0 win built around the influence of Phil Foden. The England midfielder struck in the first half before setting up Savinho’s second with a precise assist in the 74th minute.
Pep Guardiola praised his side’s professionalism, pointing to City’s 80 per cent possession as a sign of their control. “Phil when playing that position is a real threat,” said Guardiola.
Huddersfield, managed by Lee Grant, came close when Cameron Ashia hit the post late on, but City never looked troubled and will face Swansea in the next round.
Joelinton and Osula fire Newcastle through
Defending champions Newcastle launched their Carabao Cup defence in style with a 4-1 victory over League One leaders Bradford City.
Joelinton and Will Osula both scored twice, either side of a late consolation from Andy Cook for the visitors. Bruno Guimaraes pulled the strings in midfield while Aaron Ramsdale produced key saves early on before Newcastle took control. Eddie Howe, who made seven changes, saw his side dominate throughout.
“We were clinical and looked strong all over the pitch,” Howe said. The holders will now look to extend their grip on the competition in the fourth round.
Palhinha bicycle kick lights up Spurs win
Tottenham cruised past Doncaster Rovers 3-0 in north London, with Joao Palhinha opening the scoring in spectacular fashion with a bicycle kick after 14 minutes.
Doncaster’s Jay McGrath then put through his own net three minutes later, before Brennan Johnson sealed the win in stoppage time. Boss Thomas Frank had named a strong side, including Xavi Simons and Rodrigo Bentancur, and Spurs rarely looked in danger.
Frank said afterwards: “We wanted to show respect to the competition and we did that with our performance.” The win sees Tottenham comfortably into the fourth round.
Eze strikes first Arsenal goal in Vale victory
Eberechi Eze scored his first goal for Arsenal as they edged past Port Vale 2-0 in a testing tie.
The midfielder netted in the eighth minute after good work from Gabriel Martinelli, but Mikel Arteta’s side had to wait until the 86th minute for Leandro Trossard to secure the result.
Port Vale, backed by their biggest crowd of the century, worked tirelessly and threatened through Devante Cole and Rhys Walters, but lacked the finishing touch.
“It was a difficult match against a well-organised team, but we are through and that is what matters,” said Arteta.
Arsenal, semi-finalists last season, remain in the hunt for a third League Cup title.
