Isak scores as Newcastle beat Man City in Carabao Cup
Alexander Isak fired Newcastle into the Carabao Cup fourth round at the expense of Manchester City.
The Sweden international struck eight minutes after the break to seal a 1-0 victory for the Magpies, their first over City in any competition in 11 attempts in front of a crowd of 51,692 at St James Park.
Their place in the draw was reward for a dogged display by a team featuring 10 changes to the one which started Sunday’s 8-0 Premier League victory Sheffield United, but one which was particularly hard-earned after they were given the run-around before the break by Pep Guardiola’s under-studies.
Paul Dummett had to make a perfectly-timed challenge to deny Grealish a clear run at goal, and Sandro Tonali threw himself into the path of Kovacic’s goal-bound strike with Newcastle’s inability to retain the ball causing them all kinds of problems.
Alvarez blased a 28th-minute shot across goal after running on to Bobb’s clever flick from Kovacic’s square ball as the home side chased shadows, although they might have changed the narrative of the first half four minutes before the break.
Murphy cut inside and found Joelinton, who powered his way into the penalty area before smashing the ball across goal from a tight angle to find the unmarked Isak, who finished with ease at the far post.
In an instant, the atmosphere inside St James’ Park changed with the visitors finding themselves under sustained pressure for the first time.
Meanwhile Manchester United will face Newcastle in the Carabao Cup fourth round in a repeat of last season’s final.
West Ham host Arsenal, Bournemouth are at home to Liverpool and Everton host Sean Dyche’s old club, Burnley, in three more all-Premier League ties.
Fulham visit Championship side, Ipswich, and Chelsea host Blackburn.
There will be at least two EFL sides in the quarter-finals, with League Two Mansfield at home to Port Vale and Exeter playing Middlesbrough.
The fourth-round ties will take place in the week commencing 30 October. —Independent
