No spot of bother
City join Arsenal in League Cup semis after penalty drama
LONDON: A much-changed Manchester City held off a spirited challenge from Leicester to reach the League Cup semi-finals following a dramatic penalty shootout, as Arsenal also progressed.
Pep Guardiola showcased the riches at his disposal by making nine changes as his runaway English Premier League leaders held their nerve to edge through 4-3 on spotkicks after the two sides were locked at 1-1 following extra time.
Arsenal beat West Ham 1-0 to keep alive the prospect of two mouthwatering semi-finals featuring four of English football’s “Big Six”.
In an ironic twist at the King Power Stadium Jamie Vardy – who
The way we had to react was not easy, we were tired, we had a lot of young players. Pep Guardiola
had earlier scored a penalty deep into time added on to keep the tie alive – missed his spot kick in the shootout and Riyad Mahrez had his effort saved by City keeper Claudio Bravo.
“The way we had to react was not easy, we were tired, we had a lot of young players, Danilo was playing at centreback for the first time in his life,” said Guardiola.
“It’s not easy because Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez were there.
“What I liked the most is how we reacted and overcame that situation. It’s a good indication for the future.”
City and Leicester have won the League Cup seven times between them but Guardiola and Foxes boss Claude Puel showed their priorities lie elsewhere with almost all of the big names missing from the two starting line-ups.
“We were unlucky,” said Puel. “We have had most chances. It was a fantastic game between two good teams.”
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who replaced all 11 of his starters from the weekend Premier League home win over Newcastle, still had plenty of international pedigree as England’s Danny Welbeck got the winner three minutes before halftime. Welbeck’s persistence in bundling home from close range was one of the few highlights, a solitary shot on target, in a dull derby but David Moyes’ side never threatened Arsenal, with a wayward Aaron Cresswell free-kick proving their best effort.