City win without Haaland – continue in the cup
Riyad Mahrez scores a superb free-kick as Manchester City beat Chelsea 2-0 in the League Cup. Erling Braut Haaland sat the whole game on the bench.
In an even game, the first goal came almost ten minutes into the second half. City were awarded a free-kick just outside the 16-yard box and Mahrez deflected the ball beautifully just past the wall and into the net behind an outstretched douard Mendy. Minutes later, Mahrez was again involved as Julian Alvarez headed home the rebound and scored when Mendy saved Mahrez’s finish.
As well as City putting their chances forward, goalkeeper Stefan Ortega had a big day at the back. He stopped some of Chelsea’s big chances with good saves. In extra time, Chelsea thought they had a reduction, but Christian Pulisic was sent off for offside.
It was enough to secure progress to the next round. The young Blues have a proud tradition in the league cup. They have won five times in the last seven years, and had won four in a row before Liverpool won last year.
Erling Braut Haaland started on the bench as he trained after an ankle injury. He didn’t come on as City took the lead and steered towards promotion.
“Infuriatingly humble coffee guru. Travel practitioner. Freelance zombie fanatic. Certified problem solver. Food scholar. Student.”
