NEW DELHI: Newcastle United pulled off a major upset by defeating Manchester City 1-0 in the League Cup, securing a spot in the fourth round and setting up a showdown with reigning champions Manchester United, who had defeated them in last season's final.
The deadlock was finally broken in the second half at St James' Park when Swedish forward Alexander Isak capitalized on a low cross from Joelinton, finding the back of the net in the 53rd minute.
In the first 45 minutes, Manchester City dominated possession but failed to convert their opportunities into goals. Despite having Phil Foden and the prolific Erling Haaland on the bench, City couldn't find a way past Newcastle's resolute defence.
City's Julian Alvarez had two notable chances, with one shot denied by the outstretched foot of Newcastle's goalkeeper Nick Pope. Despite enjoying 68% of possession, City struggled to put more shots on target than their opponents.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe commented on the match, saying, "It was a game of two halves for us. First half was tough... I thought we didn't play particularly well but defended well in that first period because we didn't have a lot of the ball. In the second half, we were excellent in most aspects, defensively and offensively, we attacked really well and probably deserved to win in the end."
This marked the third consecutive year that Manchester City, who had previously won the League Cup four times in a row from 2018 to 2021, exited the competition early.
City manager Pep Guardiola acknowledged the result, saying, "We played an incredible game. They scored a goal. Congratulations to Newcastle."
Newcastle's victory sets up an intriguing encounter with Manchester United in the next round, promising an exciting clash between the two fierce rivals.
(With Reuters inputs)
