EFL Cup Round-up: United get their Derby revenge, fan violence mars Chelsea game

10/27/2016

Manchester United pulled one back against their city rivals as Juan Mata's goal helped Jose Mourinho's men to a 1-0 win over Manchester City in the EFL Cup on Wednesday. Elsewhere, West Ham's 2-1 win over Chelsea was blotted by violent fans who destroyed a section of the seats at the London Stadium.

The EFL Cup fourth round ties were more than eventful as the night saw Manchester United, West Ham United and Southampton move into the quarter-finals. The results were in stark contrast to the weekend performances from Chelsea and Manchester United.

United back to winning ways

Mata scored the only goal of the match as Manchester United bounced back from their humiliating defeat to Chelsea with a 1-0 Derby victory over holders Manchester City at Old Trafford.

Pep Guardiola made nine changes to the side that drew at home to Southampton on Sunday with Willy Caballero in the goal in place of error-prone Claudio Bravo. Neither he nor his opposite number David De Gea were given too much to deal with in a dull first half that ended without either side having a shot on target.

In the second half, United went close through Paul Pogba after the Frenchman latched on to a through ball from Ibrahimovic, but was brilliantly tipped onto the left-hand post by Caballero. In the 54th minute, United got their breakthrough when Ibrahimovic's squared pass was slotted home by Mata. Despite the goal appearing to have come off together between Ander Herrera and Fernando in the box, it was allowed to stand.

The late introduction of Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling failed to make any impact for Guardiola as City were unable to find an equalizer to force extra time. With this loss, Guardiola's win-less streak reached six games which is an all-time low in his managerial career. He also has fitness concerns over skipper Vincent Kompany, who was withdrawn after half time after returning midweek from a long-term injury.

Fan riots overshadow West Ham's win over Chelsea

Slaven Bilic's West Ham recorded a memorable 2-1 victory over city rivals Chelsea at the London Stadium after goals from Cheikhou Kouyate and Edimilson Fernandes fired the hosts into the lead. Gary Cahill pulled one back for Chelsea. But the cup tie was marred by angry fans destroying a section of the stadium seats.

Conte handed a full debut to Nathaniel Chalobah, as well as another start to youngster Ola Aina. Skipper John Terry also made it to the team sheet with Cesar Azpilicueta moving out to the left-wingback position. Conte also rested his premier striker Diego Costa as Michy Batshuayi led the line for the Blues.

Chelsea looked comfortable for most of the first half but they were rocked by Kouyaté’s goal just before the break. The defender met Mark Noble’s cross, after West Ham recycled a corner and sent in a strong header past Asmir Begovic.

The hosts doubled their lead within three minutes into the second half as a lightning counter led to Dmitri Payet drifting in a pass for Edimilson Fernandes, and the Swiss midfielder finished it from 20 yards. Chelsea squandered two great chances as Willian and Costa failed to make the most of them.

Cahill finally scored the consolation goal at the end of stoppage time but the brawl between both sets of fans took away the focus from the result with stewards finding it impossible to contain the crowd.

Meanwhile, Southampton edged out league strugglers Sunderland 1-0. The Saints' record £16m signing Sofiane Boufal's stunning strike in the 66th minute helped them secure a place in the quarter-finals.

In the quarter-finals, Manchester United will host West Ham while Southampton travel to London to face Arsenal. Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool, who beat Tottenham on Tuesday, will face Championship outfit Leeds United while Hull City take on Newcastle United.

All ties will be played on either Tuesday, Nov 29 or Wednesday, Nov 30.