Manchester City crashed out of the League Cup with a 1-0 defeat at Newcastle on Wednesday.
Alexander Isak scored the only goal at St. James’ Park on 50 minutes as last season’s finalists progressed to the last 16.
City won the treble of the Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup last season, but any dream of surpassing that feat with an unprecedented quadruple was swiftly brought to an end.
City coach Pep Guardiola made eight changes from the side that beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 on Saturday and lacked the cutting edge offered by Erling Haaland, who stayed on the bench for the full 90 minutes.
Eddie Howe also rang the changes from an 8-0 thrashing of Sheffield United at the weekend.
But it was not until the Newcastle boss introduced Anthony Gordon and Bruno Guimaraes at half-time that the hosts took control.
Isak had the simple task of slotting home at the far post after a burst from Joelinton opened up the City defence.
Chelsea prevented the crisis at Stamford Bridge deepening as Nicolas Jackson’s goal beat Brighton 1-0.
The Senegalese’s wastefulness in front of goal has been partly to blame for the Blues’ return of one win in their opening six Premier League games under Mauricio Pochettino.
But Jackson coolly slotted home from the impressive Cole Palmer’s pass on 50 minutes.
AFP