Manchester City welcomed Newcastle United to the Etihad in the fourth round of the League Cup this evening.
City, who are the holders of the competition, fell 1-0 behind after just six minutes when Rolando Aarons finished from inside the box and that goal was the difference between the two sides at the interval.
City responded in the second period, but it was Newcastle that scored again after 75 minutes, with Moussa Sissoko's effort securing the Magpies a surprise spot in the next round.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's League Cup coverage continues from the Etihad as the holders Manchester City welcome a rejuvenated Newcastle United. Right, before we get down to the details, let me bring you up-to-speed with the team news and there are plenty of changes for both sides.
TEAMS
MAN CITY: Caballero; Sagna, Demichelis, Mangala, Kolarov; Milner, Toure, Fernandinho, Silva; Jovetic, Dzeko
NEWCASTLE: Elliot; Janmaat, Coloccini, Dummett, Haidara; R Taylor, Abeid, Colback; Obertan, Armstrong, Aarons
So there we have it. Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has made seven changes to his XI from the one that lined up in the Premier League against West Ham United at the weekend. Eliaquim Mangala, Yaya Toure, David Silva and Edin Dzeko all keep their spots, while there is a spot in attack for Stevan Jovetic.
Newcastle, meanwhile, hand a first start in two years to Ryan Taylor, who is finally fit to return following a host of long-term injuries. Daryl Janmaat and Fabricio Coloccini start in what is an experienced defence, while there are spots in attack for exciting youngsters Adam Amstrong and Rolando Aarons.
These two sides met in the fourth round of the League Cup last season, with City winning 2-0 to advance into the quarter-finals of the competition. Manuel Pellegrini's side then overcame Leicester City and West Ham United over two legs before beating Sunderland 3-1 in the final to claim the trophy.
This season, City opened their League Cup defence with a thumping 7-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday, while Newcastle United beat Gillingham in the second round in August, before needing extra-time to overcome fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace towards the end of September.
The teams will enter this match in contrasting form, however. City currently sit third in the Premier League table on 17 points, but they lost 2-1 at West Ham United on Saturday. Prior to that, the Premier League champions were held to a 2-2 draw at CSKA Moscow in the Champions League, which has placed their progression in Europe in serious doubt. Pellegrini's side are yet to really hit top form.
Newcastle, meanwhile, have overcome a poor start to the season to take seven points from their last three league matches. Sunday's 2-1 success over Tottenham Hotspur made it back-to-back wins in the league, with that result moving the Magpies into 14th position in the table on 10 points.
The two teams have also already met in the Premier League this season, with City winning 2-0 at Newcastle at the start of the season. In fact, City have won each of the last five meetings between the two sides, scoring 14 times and failing to concede. Can Newcastle end that poor run tonight?
PREDICTION! In truth, I don't think many people would have predicted just how strong Pellegrini has gone this evening in terms of team selection. Newcastle still have experience in their XI, but it is a team for the future rather than right now. I am finding it difficult to make a case for the visitors despite their recent good form and therefore I am backing City to triumph 2-0.
Here we go then. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. It promises to be a fascinating fourth-round clash as the away side get the first 45 minutes underway.
Not the best of starts from Newcastle as they concede possession from kickoff, but Toure cannot slide a pass into Dzeko. It will not come as much of a surprise that the home side have taken control of the ball in the early moments. It is important that Newcastle ride out the opening 15 minutes or so.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of minutes, with the referee forced to intervene following a few late challenges. The tempo is quite slow in the early exchanges here.
Just as I say that, City burst into life as Silva drives to the edge of the Newcastle box, but Taylor brings the Spaniard to the ground. Good chance for the home side to open the scoring here...
... there is a slight worry over Silva here, who really does not look comfortable.
The resulting free kick is finally taken by Toure, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Kolarov looked favourite to take that, but stepped away. Silva, meanwhile, has returned to the field.
GOAL! City 0-1 Newcastle (Aarons)
Newcastle lead at the Etihad and it is the excellent Aarons who drives past Mangala before finishing into the bottom corner under Caballero. What a turn-up. Again, it is poor from the home side!
It appears that Silva will have to depart here - could he miss Saturday's Manchester derby?!
SUB! City do indeed make the change as Samir Nasri - himself just back from injury - replaces Silva. The Spaniard could well be a doubt for the clash with Manchester United on Sunday.
Well, not the best start for City! They are 1-0 down and have lost arguably their best player to injury. It has been a confident start from the visitors, who are popping the ball around in the final third.
Not too much in the way of a response from the home side in the last couple of minutes, with Newcastle comfortable in possession of the ball. Newcastle have a free kick in a dangerous position as Sagna brings Aarons to the ground outside the box. Brilliant chance for the visitors here...
... the resulting free kick is taken by Taylor, but his effort is straight into the City wall.
Obertan has made a bright start to proceedings here, with the Frenchman once again driving down the right before cutting inside, but City manage to clear the danger. The home side break down the other end with Toure moments later, but the attack comes to an end when Taylor fouls Jovetic.
Half-chance for the home side as Fernandinho finds some space outside the box, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. City are yet to really find their feet in this match in truth.
City have just started to enjoy more of the ball in the final third, but they are finding it difficult to break through the Newcastle defence. The visitors, meanwhile, remain a threat on the counter with the pace of both Aarons and Armstrong. Newcastle's forward pair look very lively here it must be said.
Half-chance for City as decent build-up leads to Toure finding Jovetic on the edge of the box, but his first effort is blocked, before the striker slices wide of the post. Still 1-0 Newcastle at the Etihad.
SAVE! Oh my word what a save! City should be level here as Nasri delivers a beautiful cross into Jovetic, who bundles his effort towards the bottom corner, but Elliot is on hand to make a super save. The pressure is just starting to build from the hosts, who have now woken up.
Aarons and Obertan are both performing their defensive duties for the away side, but City are now in control of the ball and looking increasingly dangerous. Newcastle just need a spell in possession.
Janmaat tries his luck for the away side from outside the box, but Caballero makes the save. City are down the other end moments later, but Coloccini blocks Dzeko's effort from close range.
Jovetic again tries his luck after finding some space outside the box, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Little under 20 minutes of the first period remaining and Newcastle still lead. Pellegrini does not look too pleased on the bench that is for certain. His team are struggling.
BOOKING! Dummett has his name taken for a foul on Jovetic. Harsh for me.
POST! Almost a horror moment for Coloccini as the Newcastle captain blocks a low cross from Milner, but he slices against his own post. From the resulting corner, City have a chance at the far post, but Jovetic fires high and wide. Newcastle are hanging on a little bit here.
In the last 10 minutes, City have had 75% possession, but they are still behind to that early strike from Aarons, who has not really been seen since finding the back of the net. Pellegrini will want an equaliser before the break and in fairness to the home side, they are now creating clear opportunities.
Another half-chance for Newcastle as Obertan drives down the right before crossing towards Aarons, but Mangala manages to clear for a corner. The match is so stretched at the moment, with both teams losing possession in the final third. Can the Magpies score a second here?
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Newcastle to score a second as Dummett meets a corner from the right, but Caballero manages to save with his legs. What a chance!
Alarm bells ring for City as Toure now hits the deck in the middle of the park...
... Toure hobbles back on, but the Ivorian does not look comfortable at all.
City continue to pin Newcastle to the edge of their own box, but they just cannot seem to fashion an attempt on goal. The ball is worked wide to Kolarov, but Taylor is on hand to make the block. City have a free kick moments later when Colback fouls Toure and the pressure continues from the hosts.
Newcastle have plenty of pace on the counter attack as Obertan leads his team away from their own box after another period of City possession. It has been an impressive 40 minutes from the away side.
Newcastle still lead in the latter stages of the first period and City boss Pellegrini has sent the likes of Navas and Aguero to warm-up. Changes at the break maybe? Jovetic attempts to feed Dzeko inside the Newcastle box moments later, but Haidara is on hand to make another vital interception.
SAVE! Elliot is again called into action as the Newcastle stopper denies Toure, who had struck one from outside the box. The pressure is building at the Etihad.
Dzeko meets the resulting corner for the home side, but his header was always dropping wide of the post. Newcastle could really do with half-time here as they continue to come under siege.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes.
City continue to dominate possession in the final third, with the home side forcing another corner when Toure challenges Abeid. The resulting set piece is delivered by Milner, but Mangala heads over the crossbar. Newcastle really, really need the interval here. Can they hold on until the break?
City continue to pass and probe outside the Newcastle box, but they are almost out of time in this half. Obertan, meanwhile, remains a threat on the break for the visitors with his pace.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Newcastle to score a second as Janmaat delivers a low cross into Armstrong, who challenges with Demichelis, but the ball just drops wide of the post.
HALF-TIME: City 0-1 Newcastle
Well, did anyone predict that? Not me! The referee brings the first period to an end with Newcastle leading Manchester City 1-0 at the Etihad. The only goal of the match came from Aarons inside six minutes. City have had chances, but have thus far been unable to find the back of the net.
BENCH WATCH! City boss Pellegrini could look to his bench at the interval and the Chilean has plenty of options in reserve. Nasri has already replaced Silva, who picked up an early injury, but the likes of Jesus Navas and Sergio Aguero could make a difference. Newcastle, meanwhile, also have attacking options in the shape of Gouffran, Perez, Cabella, Ameobi and Riviere.
In truth, since the goal, City have had the better chances and indeed dominated possession of the ball. However, Newcastle have had some excellent moments on the counter, with Armstrong coming close late in the half. Dummett also brought a fine save from Caballero, who has been busy in the City goal.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Can City turn this one around? It is the home side that get the second 45 minutes of action underway at the Etihad.
SUB! There has been one change at the interval, with Sammy Ameobi replacing Aarons, who has only just returned from injury. City, however, go with the same XI.
Slightly untidy start to the second period, with both teams giving possession away in the final third. You just get the feeling that Newcastle will need at least one more goal if they are to win this match.
Kolarov now seems to have a problem for the home side as the left-back goes to ground holding his elbow. It does not look too good at the moment. Another possible injury for City here.
Kolarov has been patched up and the defender has returned to the field. Not too much to report in the second period thus far and Newcastle will not mind with their one-goal lead still in tact.
City have a free kick outside the Newcastle box when Coloccini is adjudged to have fouled Jovetic outside the box. The ball had already gone, but there was minimal contact. The resulting set piece is taken short to Kolarov, who drives a cross into the box, but there are no takers at the far post.
Newcastle cannot keep the ball at the moment as they continue to drop deeper and deeper, which is asking for trouble at this stage of the match. City still have a long time to turn this one around. Kolarov delivers another cross from the left, but it goes behind, without a tough, for a goal kick.
GOAL DISALLOWED! Obertan rattles one into the top corner for Newcastle, but the Frenchman had been caught in an offside position. Some finish mind!
Little over 30 minutes of this League Cup contest remaining and still Newcastle lead. Will Aguero be introduced at some point for the home side? Dzeko has a half-chance for the hosts just outside the box, but his effort is blocked. Newcastle really need to find a way to ease some of this pressure.
SUB! City make their second change as Navas replaces Toure.
Newcastle manage to ease the pressure for a moment as Obertan drives into the City half, but the Frenchman cannot find a teammate. Abeid has a problem moments later as the midfielder clashes with Mangala, who seemed to lead with his forearm. Maybe some frustration from the City man.
City continue to dominate the ball, but they are not doing too much with it. Dzeko attempts to feed Milner inside the Newcastle box, but once again the move breaks down. The away supporters can he heard with little over 25 minutes of football remaining. Can City turn this one around?
SUB! Newcastle make their second change as Sissoko replaces Janmaat.
SUB! Quick-fire third change for Newcastle as Riviere replaces Armstrong.
Newcastle continue to clear their lines, with Dummett, who has been excellent, winning the battle against Dzeko once again. The home side force another corner, but it comes to nothing as the frustration continues. The clock is starting to run down and Newcastle are heading for a famous result here.
CONTROVERSY! Newcastle want a penalty here as Obertan is seemingly brought to the ground by Kolarov, but the referee is not interested. For me, that is a clear spot kick.
SUB! To make matters worse for Newcastle, Aguero has just entered for the home side, with the Argentine replacing Nasri, who himself came off the bench tonight.
Newcastle really, really should have had a penalty there. How has the referee not given it?!
Newcastle have just started to offer more of an attacking threat in the last few minutes, with City themselves looking nervous in defensive areas. Surely there is at least one more goal in this.
City have a free kick in a dangerous position as Colback fouls Aguero...
... Kolarov takes the resulting set piece, but his effort is straight into arms of Elliot.
BOOKING! Aguero is booked for denying Newcastle a quick free kick.
GOAL! City 0-2 Newcastle (Sissoko)
What a goal! Super, super work from Sissoko as the midfielder drives past two defenders into the City box before lifting his effort past Caballero. Sheer delight for the visitors at the Etihad!
The Newcastle supporters are doing the Poznan, which is not being well received inside the stadium. City have been poor again this evening, but you have to credit Newcastle, who have been excellent. They are little over 10 minutes away from recording a very big result in their season.
Little under 10 minutes of football remaining and Newcastle have possession in the City half. Is there a response from the home side? There has not been much of one thus far it must be said!
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as Milner collects a loose ball inside the Newcastle box, but there are no takers on his low cross. Another opportunity comes and goes.
Not much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments, with Newcastle slowing the game down in the final third. City are throwing balls into the box, but Coloccini and Dummett have both been excellent. Alan Pardew must be so pleased with the character of his team this evening.
BOOKING! Milner is looked for a lunge on Sissoko.
BLOCK! Incredible, just incredible. Dzeko has a golden chance for City after meeting a low cross from Aguero, but somehow Taylor makes the block. How on earth did he do that?!
CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for the home side as Jovetic finds Navas inside the box, but the Spaniard can only roll his effort wide of the post. City just cannot score.
Riviere does excellent to win a free kick for his side after clashing with Mangala in the City half. Little over one minute of normal time remaining, but there should be a chunk of added time here.
It is a case of anywhere will do for Newcastle at the moment...
Jovetic glances another effort wide for the home side as we enter the first of six additional minutes.
BOOKING! Ameobi is booked for a lunge on Milner.
Time is running out for the home side and a number of their supporters have started to make their way towards the exits. It just hasn't happened as Newcastle continue to repel the danger.
Sissoko, who has been just excellent since entering for Newcastle, wins his side a corner as the clock continues to tick on. City are heading out here...
Caballero has a nervy moment as the City goalkeeper comes to collect a loose back-pass from Kolarov and just beats Ameobi to the ball. It goes for a throw, however, as time edges away.
FULL-TIME: City 0-2 Newcastle
Wow, just wow. What a night for Newcastle, who have knocked the holders Manchester City out of the League Cup here. Incredible from the Magpies, who have now won their last three in all competitions. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
