For the first time in five seasons, there will be a new Carabao Cup champion. Reigning, defending champions, Manchester City were knocked out on penalties in the round of 16 by Londoners, West Ham. A penalty shootout defeat ends City’s dominance in the competition. Phil Foden turned out to be the villain in the shootout missing the first spot-kick as the Hammers score all five of their attempts winning 5-3.
Under normal circumstances, this game had no right to end goalless in regulation time. Man City played in a very controlled manner bossing possession with over 63% of the ball. Profligacy in front of goal was the story of the game for City’s talented attack, with many chances misses especially in the first half of the game. Manchester City were unlucky not to score in the second half with an inspired performance from Alphonse Areola in goal. A spectacular acrobatic save from an equally audacious Olek Zinchenko 30 yarder was the highlight of the West Ham keeper’s night. A number of City players went close but couldn’t bury the ball in the net. Penalties have been a sure bet for City in the Carabao Cup winning all their last four shootouts in the competition.
City’s trophy-winning culture in the competition may have ended but that could be seen as just a blip on the way to more trophies in other competitions. Pep Guardiola’s men are back in action on Saturday afternoon against Crystal Palace in a game they should win on paper. The test posed by Viera’s team is rather unique after drawing four of their last five games scoring in each of these four games. The disappointment of missing out on the Carabao Cup could serve as motivation for City who are trying to keep up with Chelsea and Liverpool heading into November.
Phil Foden would have to pick himself up for Saturday, with his manager stating that it’s an experience the youngster should learn from. City may be out of the competition they’ve dominated in the last five years but like Pep Guardiola said after the game, they will be back next year. Until then attention shifts to the PL and some big champions league games over the next two months.
