Champions Manchester City crashed out of the League Cup after suffering a shock 2-0 defeat at struggling Southampton in the quarter-finals on Wednesday.
Bottom of the Premier League table, Southampton scored twice in the first half through Sekou Mara and Moussa Djenepo and City never seriously threatened to get back into the game.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (USA)
Southampton will now face Newcastle United in the semi-finals for a chance to meet Manchester United or Nottingham Forest in the final.
Mara scored his first goal for Southampton in the 23rd minute when he connected well with a whipped cross by Lyanco and the hosts doubled their lead five minutes later when Djenepo City keeper Stefan Ortega spotted off his line and slotted home a superb finish. effort curled into the top corner. .
City, who have won the League Cup six times since 2014, failed to register a shot on target as the second-half introductions of substitutes Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland failed to spark a revival for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse told Sky Sports that his side played without fear and praised new manager Nathan Jones.
“[It is] a special night. These matches are special to play in, especially if you are struggling in the league. We knew it was a distraction from the league and a great showcase. We showed no fear.
“It’s always difficult when you’re in the position we are. The manager was excellent and gave us fresh ideas and new energy. He wanted us to be bold and aggressive.
“We have been guilty in the past of having a result at half-time and falling away. We showed a different part of our game. We deserved the win.”
City came into the match on Sunday off the back of a 4-0 demolition of Chelsea in the FA Cup but failed to repeat the free-scoring.
Manager Pep Guardiola named a strong side with Joao Cancelo, Jack Grealish, Ilkay Gundogan and Kalvin Phillips among the starters, but apart from an early shot that was dragged wide by Gundogan, they made little impression on the game.
It was Grealish who made the mistake that led to the hosts’ opening goal, giving away possession to Lycano who ran down the wing before providing the cross for Mara.
Jones has failed to halt Southampton’s poor Premier League form since taking over in November, but has won all three of his side’s games in cup competitions – against Lincoln City, Crystal Palace and now City.
