25 september 2024 : Manchester City secured a 2-1 victory against second-tier Watford in the English League Cup, just two days after a tense Premier League clash with Arsenal. Despite fielding a significantly rotated squad, City managed to dominate the match at the Etihad Stadium. Jeremy Doku and Matheus Nunes scored in the first half, while Watford’s Tom Ince found the net late in the game.
In other third-round action, Chelsea defeated fourth-division Barrow 5-0, with Christopher Nkunku netting a hat trick and celebrating in a unique style by inflating a blue balloon. Aston Villa edged out third-tier Wycombe 2-1, with Jhon Durán contributing a penalty goal, while Leicester City advanced through a penalty shootout after a goalless draw against fourth-tier Walsall.
The competition is being held over two midweeks to accommodate the expanded Champions League and Europa League. City manager Pep Guardiola indicated he wouldn’t prioritize the League Cup this season, aiming to give playing time to some less frequently used players.
Doku, who played in both the Arsenal match and against Watford, opened the scoring in the fifth minute following a defensive mistake by Watford. Nunes doubled the lead in the 38th minute with a low shot, marking his first goal since transferring from Wolverhampton.
Chelsea also made significant changes to their lineup, with Nkunku scoring two of the team’s goals early on and completing his hat trick in the 75th minute. Villa’s second goal came from the penalty spot, and Wycombe managed to score a consolation goal in stoppage time.
In the Leicester-Walsall matchup, Leicester successfully converted all three of their penalty kicks, while Walsall missed their first three attempts, ending the game early in the shootout.
