Newcastle 1-0 Manchester City
by Roger Domeneghetti
at St. James’ Park

THE young pretenders took the spoils in the battle of the Oil Firm B teams thanks to a second-half goal from Alexander Isak.

The tie of the League Cup third round was a tepid, pedestrian first half.

With both teams in the Champion League, this competition is now, understandably, bottom of both their priority lists. And it showed. City made eight changes, giving a debut to the Norwegian tacker Oscar Bobb, while Newcastle made 10 giving debuts to two teenagers, the Lewises Miley and Hall.

It was 17 minutes before either keeper was troubled. Oscar Bobb, City’s young Norwegian striker, found Julian Alvarez with a reverse pass. His low shot across goal was saved with by the outstretch foot of Nick Pope.

It wouldn’t be until five minutes before the break that Newcastle had a meaningful chance, Jacob Murphy running on to an Alexander Isak pass on the right before seeing his shot saved by Stefan Ortega.

The half-time Bovril seemed to perk both teams up, the second half being an immediately more energetic rollocking cup tie. But it was the home side which was the more energetic.

Anthony Gordon, on for Hall at the break, set the tone, storming across the pitch to make a robust tackle on Matteo Kovacic. The home fans lapped it up as Pep Guardiola sarcastically applauded his efforts.

Three minutes later, Newcastle were rewarded for their blistering start. Murphy received the bad on the turn, and passed quickly to Joelinton on the edge of the D who reversed a low ball to Isak how tucked the ball away at the far post.

Murphy started the move, receiving a pass beautifully on the half turn and fizzing it into Joelinton on the edge of the D. He ran back outside the City defence and reversed a low cross that was put in with glee by Isak at the far post.

The visitors who had bossed possession in the first half looked increasingly frustrated after the goal. Rico Lewis flashed the ball wide with a minute left but that was as close as they came.

“Anthony and Bruno both improved our performance,” said Eddie Howe. “In and out of possession we were better. But the most important thing was that we didn’t concede in that first half.”

Guardiola, who was shown a yellow card in the second half was clearly disappointed with the uncharacteristically early exit for his team. “We played really good,” before acknowledging that Newcastle “were more aggressive.”