The biggest victory of Southampton manager Nathan Jones' brief tenure came when his team beat favourites Manchester City to go to the EFL Cup semifinals. Since his transfer from Luton Town, Jones has had trouble winning over Saints supporters, but his popularity has undoubtedly increased as a result of the way the Premier League underachievers have continued their successful cup run.

Erling Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne were given rests by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola in preparation for this weekend's Old Trafford derby against Manchester United, but nothing should overshadow Southampton's energetic performance.

Sekou Mara's accurate goal after 23 minutes and Moussa Djenepo's outstanding second goal five minutes later, when he caught City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega off his line with a lofted long-range effort, put the game out of reach in the first half. After the halftime, Guardiola substituted De Bruyne and Haaland, but it proved ineffective as Southampton fiercely maintained their lead to advance to the final four, where they will face Newcastle.