Manchester City have exited the Carabao Cup at their earliest stage since 2014 after losing to Newcastle 1-0 in the third round.
Here are five things we learned from City’s earliest exit under Pep Guardiola…
Have Newcastle found their long-term Trippier replacement?
After signing from Southampton for an initial fee of £32m in the summer, Toni Livramento had only played 24 minutes of football before the game versus City. While there were some moments in the first half where Livramento seemed a little rusty, the full-back put in an extremely impressive performance on the day. Livramento seemed calm and capable on the ball, playing out of City’s high press with overall success and winning back possession multiple times in what could have resulted in profitable attacks for the visitors. At only 20 years of age, Newcastle may have very well found their long-term Kieran Trippier replacement.
Lewis Hall shows versatility
When Lewis Hall singed on loan from Chelsea this summer, it seemed as though Dan Burn’s place as starting left-back may be under scrutiny. While this may still be the case, Eddie Howe opted to play Hall on the left wing for his first start at St. James’ Park. Hall showed signs of promise playing off the left flank, proving that he is certainly capable of playing further up field. Hall was substituted for his compatriot Anthony Gordon at the beginning of the second half, but certainly showed his versatility and capability on the day, giving Eddie Howe another option to add to the already impressive Newcastle attack. With PSG arriving on Tyneside for Newcastle’s next UCL game on Wednesday, Eddie Howe may opt for the younger, quicker Hall at left-back over Dan Burn in an attempt to nullify the electric PSG front line.
Joelinton running the show in midfield
Coming back into the starting line-up on the day, Joelinton proved why he is quickly becoming an undroppable player for Eddie Howe’s side. The Brazilian ran the midfield, being the first to every loose ball and orchestrating Newcastle’s attack, culminating in a most impressive assist for the eventual Alexander Isak winner in the 53rd minute. With Newcastle due to play PSG and Borussia Dortmund in the coming weeks in the Champions League, each player must play at their highest possible level. And with Joelinton, he may have found his form at just the right time.
The Kalvin Phillips issue
With Kalvin Phillips coming into the side for the suspended Rodri, the Englishman would have hoped to prove his worth and claim a stake for more involvement going ahead in the season. Phillips didn’t have a bad game by any means, but certainly struggled to make an impact in the much-changed Manchester City side. Phillips has been in the news earlier this week as Pep Guardiola claimed he has failed to get the best out of him, with his performance versus Newcastle epitomising his manager’s point to a tee. While it is unclear what exactly is going on with Phillips, one thing remains certain; he must rediscover his form if he is to make Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the upcoming European championships.
Rico Lewis promise
Despite only having played 86 minutes of football so far this season, Rico Lewis had an extremely impressive performance versus Eddie Howe’s men. The English full-back had an extremely bright first half, frequently popping up in the midfield and helping advance City’s attack. Lewis was equally impressive on the defensive side, showing great composure on the ball and nullifying any threat Newcastle’s left flank had to offer in the first 45. With the European Championships rearing its head this coming summer, if Lewis continues to take his chances and perform when called upon, he will certainly be worthy of consideration by Gareth Southgate come June.
