By Victor Kanayo
Southampton sprinkled an unexpected shocking 2-0 defeat on giants Manchester City to storm the semi-final of League Cup where they confront Newcastle United.
The Saints scored twice before half-time to keep their dream of a first title alive, putting an unusually toothless opposition to bed in the process.
Southampton with a Super Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo made a bright start, as Duje Caleta-Car saw an excellent half-volley tipped around the post by Stefan Ortega.
The goalkeeper was powerless to stop the next effort on target though, as Sekou Mara was perfectly picked out by Lycano’s right-wing cross, and delivered a crisp first-time finish into the bottom corner.
They were 2-0 up before the half hour mark, doubling the lead in style as Moussa Djenepo drove forward from midfield before spotting Ortega off his line and superbly curling over the ‘keeper and into the back of the net from 30-yards.
The introduction of Erling Haaland had little impact as Southampton heaped 100th career defeat on Pep Guardiola.
In the other match, Nottingham Forest beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-3 after penalty shootout to book a last four date with Manchester United after Wednesday night draw.
Forest will host the first leg.
On Tuesday, Marcus Rashford’s late double had led Manchester United to a 3-0 victory over third-tier Charlton Athletic to power his side to semi-final stage.
The semi-final will take place between January 23 and 30, 2023.
