Manchester City Wins Carabao Cup
Manchester City claimed a record-equalling fourth successive Carabao Cup triumph as Aymeric Laporte’s late header sealed a 1-0 victory against Tottenham Hotspur at the Wembley stadium.
Tottenham rookie manager Ryan Mason, who replaced Jose Mourinho after he was sacked last week, was up against master tactician Pep Guardiola.
Spurs had soaked up intense City pressure for most of the first half as Raheem Sterling tormented Tottenham’s defence. City also created chances through Riyad Mharez, Joao Cancelo and Phil Foden, however, the score remeind 0-0 by half-time.
Tottenham improved after the break with England striker Harry Kane, declared ready to start after an ankle injury put his place in doubt, finally getting into the game.
Giovani Lo Celso almost gave Spurs an unlikely lead when he picked his spot, but City’s Zack Steffen was equal to his effort, pushing the ball around the post.
Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Loris kept his side in the game after stopping efforts from City captain Fernandinho and Mahrez. However, City finally made the breakthrough in the 82nd minute from an unlikely source as defender Laporte met Kevin de Bruyne’s free kick and headed past goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.
The match finished 1-0 to Manchester City as they secured their fourth League Cup title in a row. Tottenham Hotspur will yet again go through a Premier League season without a trophy.
Pep Guardiola’s side have now matched Liverpool’s feat of winning the competition for four seasons in a row, and also join Liverpool with the most League Cup wins on eight.
Guardiola also became the first manager to win the League Cup in four successive seasons.