LONDON • It was evident how far Manchester United's stock had fallen at Leicester, where the away Manchester City supporters were in full voice, trolling their cross-town rivals with "bring back (Jose) Mourinho" chants.
They were jubilant after seeing their side beat Leicester 3-1 on penalties on Tuesday night to move into the League Cup semi-finals, with United having exited the tournament in the third round under their sacked manager.
Despite making eight changes from their last game against Everton, the Cup holders remain on course for the third trophy of the Pep Guardiola era, although his players did not entirely have it their own way after the scoreline finished 1-1 in normal time.
The Spaniard was indebted to rookie goalkeeper Arijanet Muric, who showed "veins of ice" to emerge as the hero in the shoot-out, keeping out two of Leicester's attempts from the spot.
The 20-year-old Kosovo international has yet to play in the Premier League, with his three appearances this season all coming in the League Cup. But he was not the only relatively untested player to be given a run-out against the Foxes.
Spanish midfielder Eric Garcia also made his City debut and the 17-year-old's "huge personality" enabled the Premier League champions to gain a footing in the tie, striking first through Kevin de Bruyne.
It was the Belgium midfielder's first goal for City since April and there was unbridled joy on his face, with the club's Player of the Year having endured a stop-start campaign after suffering two separate knee injuries.
Although Marc Albrighton equalised for the Foxes in the second half, Muric repaid Guardiola's faith in him, stopping penalties from Caglar Soyuncu and James Maddison.
Only Raheem Sterling erred for City, blazing his spot-kick over, while Ilkay Gundogan, Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko made no mistakes.
Guardiola cut a relieved figure afterwards, declaring the tie to be "a tough game" and admitting "it was always difficult at Leicester".
However, he reserved special praise for both Garcia and Muric, insisting their displays vindicated his decision to blood them at the King Power Stadium.
The 47-year-old told reporters: "Aro is so big, his reaction is so quick and he took the right decisions. It's good experience for him. He is a young guy, he is so shy, it's a nice moment. He deserves the big applause.
"He (Garcia) has good vision, a good pass. He's so smart. It's incredible, I'm very pleased. I'm so delighted with his performance."
De Bruyne, who made his first start since Nov 1, also hailed Muric's heroics as a "beautiful moment", adding: "To be out for so long and to play 70 minutes is a good sign for me. We want to win titles so there's two games more and we can battle for another trophy."
In the other last-eight tie, third-tier Burton advanced to the semi-finals for the first time in their history after a shock 1-0 win at Championship side Middlesbrough through Jake Hesketh's winner.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Zohore gives Cardiff 2-1 win over Southampton in thrilling finish Eurosport; Warnock charged by FA over remarks following Chelsea loss Goal; Cardiff boss Neil Warnock pleads not guilty to three FA
Zohore gives Cardiff win over Southampton in frantic finale
MANCHESTER: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer celebrated his first game as permanent Manchester United manager with a 2-1 Premier League win over Watford at Old Trafford on Saturday. It was a far from impressive performance from United but goals from Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial earned the victory which moved them up to fourth in the table, level on
Man Utd 2-1 Watford | Rashford & Martial Goals Give Ole Win
SHOOTING STARS midfielder Muchineripi Muneri has been arrested as part of investigations into allegations that some Dynamos players could have been paid to throw away their final match of the
Barbara Bonansea scored twice to give Italy a surprise, last-gasp 2-1 victory against Australia in its opening Group C game at the women's World Cup on Sunday. The Italians, back at the World
Australia fall to Italy in dramatic Women's World Cup clash
Get more information about BARRY MAGUIRE at straitstimes.com. Ex-Dutch youth international Maguire seeks soaring start with Geylang Maguire hopes to rebuild career with Geylang
Farid Noor Ali Fazal, Executive Director & Marketing Director
Sport > Football > Football League Arsene Wenger hails Marcelo Bielsa's sportsmanship after Leeds United boss gifts Aston Villa a goal. Former Arsenal manager believes Bielsa's decision to
Wenger hails Leeds' Bielsa for sportsmanship in Villa draw
We have been experiencing some problems with subscriber log-ins and apologise for the inconvenience caused. Until we resolve the issues, subscribers need not log in to access ST Digital articles.
U.S. businesses optimistic on China growth, bemoan unfair
Blues manager Maurizio Sarri hails Higuain-Hazard partnership
Thanks for watching ! SUBSCRIBE to receive more videos for free. Rockets aim to keep momentum HOUSTON - After the Houston Rockets easily downed the San Antonio Spurs, James Harden was asked about
Nuggets aim to keep momentum going in Game 5 vs. Trail Blazers
Highlights. Manchester United beat Bayern Munich in charity match The charity game was a rematch of the 1999 Champions League final Ole Gunnar Solskjaer tormented Bayern Munich once again
Man Utd legends thrash Bayern in 1999 charity rematch
'I made a mistake': Pochettino takes blame but slams 'sloppy' Spurs Pochettino's side made a dismal start as Donny van de Beek put Ajax ahead after just 15 minutes at the Tottenham
'I made a mistake': Pochettino takes blame but slams 'sloppy
Real Madrid 1-4 Ajax (3-5 agg): Dusan Tadic shines as reigning champions crash out in humiliation after visitors put on stunning display to claim historical win at Bernabeu and progress to the
0 Kommentare:
Kommentar veröffentlichen