Gündogan's goal doesn't count: City moves to the cup final thanks to a derby win

Thursday, January 07, 2021

Gündogan hits do not count
City moves to the cup final thanks to a derby win

Manchester City get another chance to defend their title. For the fourth time in a row, Pep Guardiola's team reached the final of the English League Cup. Against city rivals Manchester United, of all things, two defensive players ensure the victory.

Defending champions Manchester City have reached the League Cup final for the fourth time in a row. The team of star coach Pep Guardiola prevailed in an entertaining semi-final in the evening 2-0 (0-0) against local rivals Manchester United. This means that in the final there is a coaching duel between Guardiola and José Mourinho. The Citizens face Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley on April 25.

John Stones (50th minute) and Fernandinho (83rd) scored the goals for the weakened guests in the empty Old Trafford. Guardiola had to do without several players who had tested positive for the corona virus, as last in the Premier League. For keeper Ederson, Zack Steffen stood in the city gate, which was loaned to Fortuna Düsseldorf last season.

The ball landed in the net several times in the first half. An own goal by City defender Ruben Dias after a saved shot by United striker Marcus Rashford did not count because Rashford had been offside when receiving the ball. In addition, two goals for Man City by Ilkay Gündogan and Phil Foden were not due to previous offside positions.

In the Premier League table, the two local rivals are currently separated by four points. Manchester United are tied for second place in the table with leaders Liverpool. Man City is fifth, but has played one game less than the Red Devils.

Man City had won the league cup for the past three years. This year's final opponent Tottenham Hotspur prevailed on Tuesday in the other semifinals 2-0 (1-0) against London second division club Brentford. The final was originally scheduled for February 28th. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the game at Wembley Stadium was postponed to April.