Manchester City managed to hold off a last-minute challenge and turned the tide following their unsettling draw against Arsenal on Sunday. They clinched a 2-1 victory over Watford in the third round of the Carabao Cup. The initial goals scored by Jeremy Doku and Matheus Nunes effectively enabled the heavily reshuffled team to progress into the next round, beating their Championship rivals at Etihad Stadium.
Despite Watford’s goalkeeper, Jonathan Bond, stopping the margin from escalating with numerous saves in the latter half, and Savinho striking the post, a brilliant shot from Tom Ince allowed the visiting team some hope. However, Man City, led by Pep Guardiola, managed to maintain their lead against Watford’s team featuring the Irish international, Festy Ebosele, without the tense last-minute drama from the weekend match.
Meanwhile, Chelsea secured a confident win against Barrow in the Carabao Cup’s third round with Enzo Maresca making 11 changes. The initial phase of Maresca’s reign at Stamford Bridge was never under threat as a hat-trick by Christopher Nkunku led to a 5-0 thrashing of the League Two side. Joao Felix played a vital role in the Blues’ powerful attacking display during the first half, and his free-kick that went off the post helped his team gain a considerable margin over their opponents, who were just four years out of the National League.
Nkunku eventually completed his hat-trick in the second half, bagging Chelsea’s fifth goal. This was followed by Pedro Neto making a mark by opening his Blues’ tally with a neat finish from Mykhailo Mudryk’s pass.
Aston Villa secured their progression after clinching a 2-1 victory over Wycombe, courtesy of goals from the on-fire Jhon Durán and Emi Buendia. However, the Premier League team had a hard time against Wycombe from League One, who earned their final score through Richard Kone. Meanwhile, Leicester City progressed following a goalless draw against Walsall, having to rely on a penalty shootout to win.