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Manchester City were knocked out of the EFL Cup following a shock loss to Southampton on Wednesday night.
Manchester City travelled to St Marys to face Southampton in the Quarterfinals of the 2022/23 EFL Cup on Wednesday.
The Cityzens were hoping to continue their impressive cup form as they seek a ninth Carabao Cup.
Pep Guardiola fielded a less stronger side on Wednesday night with key players like Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri all rested ahead of this weekend’s crucial Manchester Derby.
The hosts began the game brightly, pressing the visitors at will and winning the ball in dangerous areas until they were finally rewarded with the opener.
Lyanco found Sekou Mara in the 28th minute, with the 20-year-old French forward finishing brilliantly to give the Saints a deserved 1-0 lead.
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The visitors sought to find a way back into the contest but lacked the cutting edge in the final third and were dealt another blow a few minutes later.
Romeo Lavia played a pass to Mousa Djenepo, and the Malian midfielder blazed a superb curling effort into the back of the net from the edge of the box to double Southampton’s lead in the 28th minute.
City again had no answer to the hosts, who they looked less lethal in attack in the first 45 minutes.
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Second Half
Pep Guardiola decided that he had seen enough and needed to introduce some fresh legs after the restart with Kevin De Bruyne replacing Cole Palmer, Nathan Ake replacing Sergi Gomez and Jack Grealish making way for Erling Haaland in the 46th minute.
However, despite boasting the lion’s share of possession, the Cityzens failed to register a single shot on target in what was one of their worst performances of the campaign so far.
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The hosts continued to create chances, but also did a very good job of protecting their two goal lead up until the final whistle.
At full-time it finished 2-0 in favour of Southampton, with eight-time winners Manchester City exiting the competition.
Social media reactions
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Following the defeat for Manchester City, fans have singled out one player for criticism on social media.
Here’s what’s buzzin:
Manchester City gear up for Derby weekend
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The defending champions continue to chase high-flying Arsenal at the Premier League summit when they face city rivals Manchester United on Saturday afternoon.
City are currently five points behind Arsenal after 17 games, and will be looking to continue their fine form in the league as they chase down the title contenders from North London.
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