Manchester City Advances in EFL Cup Victory Against Watford

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola stated he won’t expend much energy on the EFL Cup despite his record success in the competition. City secured their place in the last 16 with a 2-1 victory over Championship side Watford featuring first-half goals from Jeremy Doku and Matheus Nunes marking Nunes’ first goal for the club. Guardiola made significant changes to the lineup with only Doku and Kyle Walker keeping their starting spots.

This came less than 50 hours after a 2-2 draw with Arsenal. As they prepare for a league match against Newcastle, Guardiola opted for a quick turnaround rather than rescheduling the match against Watford. He announced, “In the next round, I’ll play the second team. We are not going to waste energy.” The fourth round is set for October 29 or 30 with no clashes with European fixtures.

Although Guardiola has four EFL Cup victories, he emphasized the need to manage the tournament differently due to a packed schedule. He expressed that this competition is essential for players like James McAtee and Nunes to gain experience. Nunes had a standout performance following Doku’s early goal with a precise finish. Nunes signed for £53 million from Wolves had struggled for playtime.

However, Guardiola recognized his unique qualities and valuable contribution to the team. Meanwhile, 16-year-old Kaden Braithwaite made headlines by becoming one of City’s youngest starters demonstrating composure on the field. Although Watford suffered their 16th consecutive defeat to Manchester City, they showcased resilience and had a potential equalizer disallowed.

Despite the loss, Watford manager Tom Cleverley noted the progress his side is making even as they continue to navigate a tough season.