EFL Cup: Southampton set up semi-final clash with Newcastle after Manchester City upset

Southampton are into the semi-finals of the EFL Cup after a shock win against Manchester City, with Newcastle, Manchester United and Nottingham Forest also through to the last four.

With Saints boss Nathan Jones having a difficult start to his tenure at the club since arriving in November, losing his first four Premier League games in a row, he will hope a surprise 2-0 triumph over competition favourites Manchester City in the EFL Cup will help galvanise his charges.

Saints on song

Fresh off the back of an impressive 2-1 victory on the road at Crystal Palace in the FA Cup last weekend, Southampton looked a dynamic force against an off-colour Manchester City side at St Mary's.

Perhaps for the first time under manager Jones' administration, Saints appeared to resemble his successful Luton Town side with regards to their focus on a high-pressing and aggressive style of play.

Both of Southampton's goals were easy on the eye, too, with summer signing Sekou Mara and Moussa Djenepo both striking in quick succession in the 23rd and 28th minute respectively to give opponents Manchester City a mountain to climb.

City boss Pep Guardiola will have been left bemused by his side's inability to match the intensity of the Saints, with the Premier League champions now faced with a tricky run of fixtures which sees them face up to both Manchester rivals United and Spurs over the next week.

Southampton are currently 11/1 to go all the way in the EFL Cup.

History beckons for Newcastle

Southampton have set up a semi-final against Newcastle United, who are through to the last four of the League Cup for the first time in almost 50 years after overcoming Leicester City 2-0 at St James' Park.

It was a commanding performance from the Magpies which has become the norm under Eddie Howe this season, with the Geordies sat in 3rd place in the Premier League with the best defensive record in the division.

Dan Burn's first goal for his boyhood club and a cool finish from Brazilian Joelinton were enough to see Newcastle down a weary Leicester side, whose disappointing campaign under Brendan Rodgers continues.

The Toon Army will now be dreaming of a first ever visit to the new Wembley by reaching the final, and they'll certainly fancy their chances against a Southampton team currently propping up the Premier League table.

Newcastle are second favourites to win the EFL Cup at 6/4.

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Forest firing

Like Newcastle, Nottingham Forest have ended a long drought of success in the EFL Cup, reaching the last four of the competition for the first time since 1991 after edging past Wolves on penalties at the City Ground following a 1-1 draw.

Dean Henderson was the hero on the night for Steve Cooper's men, making a series of saves during the match before pivotally keeping out spot kicks from Wolves' Ruben Neves and Joe Hodge to seal glory for his side.

Former Wolves players Willy Boly and Morgan Gibbs-White had combined to open the scoring for the home side in the 18th minute, with the former heading home from a corner, before Mexico international Raul Jimenez levelled the match in the 64th minute with a crisp finish from a Matheus Cunha cross to send the tie to extra time and penalties. 

Forest's triumph means they have set up a semi-final meeting against Manchester United, in a repeat of the final of the 1992 edition of the tournament in which they lost 1-0 courtesy of a Brian McClair winner.

Nottingham Forest are priced at 14/1 to win the EFL Cup.

First trophy for ten Hag?

Forest's semi-final opponents Manchester United made light work of their quarter-final matchup against League One Charlton, with a superb opener from Antony and a brace from Marcus Rashford sealing a 3-0 home win at Old Trafford.

United are now eight games unbeaten in all competitions, with a crunch derby match against Manchester City up next in the Premier League this weekend.

The five-time winners of the EFL Cup will now fancy their chances of adding to their account in the competition, which would see Dutch boss Erik ten Hag win his first silverware at the club in his maiden season in charge.

A semi-final draw against Nottingham Forest with the prospect of facing either Newcastle or Southampton in a Wembley final certainly appears a favourable pathway for the Red Devils.

Manchester United are 5/6 favourites to win the EFL Cup this season.

Full EFL Cup semi-final draw

• Southampton v Newcastle United
• Nottingham Forest v Manchester United