Guardiola has no concerns over Haaland’s effectiveness off the ball
Southampton are hoping to inject some positivity into their shocking season when they challenge Manchester City for a spot in the Carabao Cup semi-finals tonight. The Saints have struggled this year and are currently bottom of the Premier League with no wins in seven league fixtures however, they have been successful in the cup competitions.
Nathan Jones’ men have breezed into the final eight of the league cup after victories over Cambridge United, Sheffield Wednesday, and Lincoln City whilst last time out they defeated Crystal Palace 2-1 in the FA Cup third round. The Saints will be hoping to continue their fine cup runs and transfer that momentum into league wins but they face a difficult challenge tonight.
Manchester City are Southampton’s opponents and they will be keen to join Newcastle and Manchester United in the final four. City have had no issues reaching this stage of the tournament despite coming up against Chelsea and Liverpool in the previous rounds. The club has won this competition four times in five years under Pep Guardiola and look on course for another trip to Wembley at the very least.
Follow all the action from the Carabao Cup quarter-final at St. Mary’s as Southampton host Manchester City:
HT Southampton 2-0 Man City
Will Pep Guardiola look to the bench immediately or will he trust the starting XI to get the comeback on?
Kevin De Bruyne has been warming up at half-time.
Michael Jones11 January 2023 21:00
HT Southampton 2-0 Man City
Over at the City Ground the other quarter-final is getting back underway for the second half. Willy Boly’s first half strike is still the only difference in that match between Nottingham Forest and Wolves.
Forest lead 1-0 and as it stands will be joining Newcastle, Manchester United and Southampton in the semi-finals.
Michael Jones11 January 2023 20:55
HT Southampton 2-0 Man City
Moussa Djenepo scored his first goal for Southampton since March 2021 and it was a scorcher. Could he have helped the Saints into the Carabao Cup semi-finals?
Michael Jones11 January 2023 20:51
Half-time: Southampton 2-0 Man City
45+1 mins: What a start to this quarter-final tie. Southampton came out of the blocks quickly and forced Man City onto the back foot. They were brave and bold in possession and scored two brilliant goals to head into the break with a two-goal cushion.
Expect changes from Pep Guardiola and Manchester City in the second half. They’ve got 45 minutes to turn this tie around.
Michael Jones11 January 2023 20:47
Southampton 2-0 Man City
44 mins: Sergio Gomez flicks a cross into the penalty area and Ilkay Gundogan barely gets a touch to the ball before it’s booted away from him.
James Ward-Prowse looks to kick a counter-attacking into gear but a heavy first touch takes the ball away from him.
Michael Jones11 January 2023 20:45
Southampton 2-0 Man City
41 mins: Pep Guardiola is sat deep in thought on the side of the pitch. He wouldn’t have been expecting this start to the game and will be thinking ahead to any half-time changes he can make.
His opposite number, Nathan Jones, is very animated in the dugout. Telling his players what to do and updating them with fresh instructions.
Michael Jones11 January 2023 20:43
Southampton 2-0 Man City
38 mins: Whether it’s patience or otherwise there seems to be a reluctance from City to whip crosses into the box. It’s as though they think that Southampton are more competent at clearing aerial balls.
Instead they’re trying to run the ball into the penalty area but Southampton have all but two men back to defend meaning there is very little space to thread the ball into.
Michael Jones11 January 2023 20:41
Southampton 2-0 Man City
35 mins: Pep Guardiola’s men have a very strong record when down by two goals. In the five matches that has happened City have gone on to win twice, draw twice and lose just once. Can the Saints inflict a second defeat on them tonight?
The visitors push up the pitch and whip the ball into the penalty area. Southampton have plenty of men back now though and boot the ball clear without too much trouble.
Michael Jones11 January 2023 20:35
Southampton 2-0 Man City
32 mins: Southampton’s lead is a fully deserved one. They’re playing with a confidence that seems to have come from their victory over Crystal Palace last time out.
A win tonight would be a huge result for the Saints and manager Nathan Jones. Can they use this lead to their advantage?
Michael Jones11 January 2023 20:34
GOAL! Southampton 2-0 Man City (Djenepo, 28’)⚽️
28 mins: What a finish this is! Southampton beat the Man City press and slide the ball down the inside left channel where it comes to Moussa Djenepo.
He brings the ball inside and glances at goal spotting that Stefan Ortega is off his line. The midfielder rolls the ball onto his right foot before lobbing a shot from 20-odd yards over the City goalkeeper and getting it to dip underneath the crossbar!
Southampton have a two goal lead.
Michael Jones11 January 2023 20:29
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