Man Utd edge out City in League Cup
Jose Mourinho got his own back on great managerial rival Pep Guardiola as Manchester United beat a weakened Manchester City 1-0 in the fourth round of the English League Cup on Wednesday, with Juan Mata scoring a second-half winner.
Manchester United's Juan Mata celebrates scoring a goal against crosstown rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford. Photo: Dave Thompson / AP
Six weeks after City’s 2-1 win at Old Trafford in the Premier League, United got a measure of revenge as Mourinho’s decision to play a virtually full-strength team paid off.
Mata fired home from 10 meters in the 54th minute following a lay-off by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, ensuring City is now winless in six games under Guardiola – the worst run of the Spaniard’s distinguished coaching career. Guardiola rested most of his key players, starting two 19-year-olds among his fringe players, and City faded after a decent start.
It was Mourinho’s fourth win in 18 meetings with Guardiola and an important victory psychologically for United, coming three days after a 4-0 loss to Chelsea in the Premier League – Mourinho’s heaviest loss in English soccer.
The titleholders are out – although Guardiola said the League Cup was the least of his priorities this season and that was reflected in his starting lineup.
In other games that completed the last 16, West Ham downed Chelsea 2-1 in another derby clash as objects were thrown and scuffles between fans broke out behind one of the goals at London Stadium.
Supporters and stewards clash during the English League Cup match between West Ham United and Chelsea at the London stadium. Photo: Alastair Grant / AP
There has been crowd trouble at previous matches this season at the stadium, West Ham’s new home following its move from Upton Park. For this game, supporters faced enhanced security checks and a larger police presence than normal.
West Ham is starting to look more at home on the field after this second win there in four days.
Cheikhou Kouyate headed in Mark Noble’s cross in the 11th minute and Edimilson Fernandes added a second in the 48th to see off a weakened Chelsea lineup.
Gary Cahill scored a late consolation goal for the visitors.
Southampton advanced with a 1-0 win over Sunderland, with Sofiane Boufal scoring the winner in the 66th minute on his first start since his club-record move from Lille in August.
The Morocco midfielder found the top corner from 25 metres.
Sunderland was looking for some respite from the Premier League, in which the team is bottom on just two points from nine games.
-AP
