Man City vs Watford: Carabao Cup - LIVE!

7 hours ago

Matheus Nunes netted his inaugural goal for Manchester City during his 34th match, helping the team secure a comfortable 2-1 win against Watford, who play in a lower division. This victory allowed City to advance to the fourth round of the League Cup on Tuesday.

Man City vs Watford - Figure 1 — Photo Evening Standard

Jeremy Doku scored the first goal for City just five minutes into the match, and Nunes added a precise finish in the 38th minute, giving Pep Guardiola's team a strong lead at The Etihad.

Watford has experienced some brutal defeats to City in the Premier League over the past few seasons, but they didn’t give up easily. In the 86th minute, Tom Ince provided a glimmer of hope with a stunning curled shot.

The eight-time champions City managed to steer clear of a penalty shootout, even though Watford applied some pressure in the final moments of the match.

City returned to the field just over two days after their significant match against Arsenal in the Premier League. Guardiola made some changes to the lineup, giving some of his usual starters a break and allowing 16-year-old Kaden Braithwaite to make his first start.

His well-placed shot from just outside the box was excellent, and he might have scored a hat-trick if it weren't for some impressive saves by Watford goalkeeper Jonathan Bond in the second half.

Watford started the match on the wrong foot when Ryan Porteous made a careless back pass that James McAtee intercepted. Jack Grealish then assisted Doku, who skillfully turned and scored an impressive goal.

The visitors had let in 26 goals during their previous five matches against City, which included a heavy 8-0 defeat in the Premier League back in 2019. However, they showed a stronger defense this time around.

They had a goal disallowed in the first half when Kwadwo Baah was deemed to have pushed Braithwaite before scoring past Stefan Ortega. However, they finally got their deserved goal near the end when Ince capped off a great play with an impressive left-foot shot.

Latest Updates on Man City vs Watford

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Check out our report and feedback below!

Pep Guardiola Gets Rodri's Promise After Surgery

Pep Guardiola has emphasized that it’s his responsibility to seek a substitute for Rodri, who will be sidelined due to a long-term injury.

The midfielder might be out for the remainder of the season following a significant knee injury sustained during Manchester City's 2-2 tie against Arsenal on Sunday.

After Manchester City advanced to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup following their 2-1 victory against Watford, Guardiola shared his insights on how he plans to fill the gap left by the Spaniard.

Action Shots via Reuters

Man City Advances To Carabao Cup Fourth Round

Manchester City managed to hold off a tense finish to secure their spot in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, winning 2-1 against Watford.

Goals in the first half by Jeremy Doku and Matheus Nunes were sufficient for Pep Guardiola's team to secure a victory at the Etihad Stadium.

In the closing moments, Tom Ince's late curling shot sparked some hope for Watford, but City managed to maintain their lead.

Man City Edges Watford 2-1

City managed to pull through in the end after a tense finish.

Watford is eliminated from the Carabao Cup as Manchester City advances to the next stage.

Man City Defeats Watford 2-1

90+2 minutes: Watford earns a nicely placed free-kick, with their traveling supporters encouraging the team, but City manages to clear the ball.

John Stones then strangely kicks the ball out, giving Watford an extra opportunity.

Man City Tops Watford 2-1

88 minutes: Watford has sprung into action in the closing moments while City is starting to feel the heat.

This is certainly not what Pep Guardiola envisioned.

"Man City Wins 2-1 Over Watford: Ince Scores!"

86 minutes: I might have jumped the gun with that comment, as Tom Ince just delivered a fantastic shot that curled perfectly into the far corner of the net.

This marks Ince's fourth goal in the Carabao Cup this season, following his impressive hat-trick in the opening round.