LONDON, Oct 30 (Reuters) – Tottenham Hotspur edged past Manchester City 2-1, thanks to goals from Timo Werner and Pape Matar Sarr, while Manchester United, under interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, dominated Leicester City 5-2 in the League Cup fourth round on Wednesday.
Van Nistelrooy, in his first game as United’s interim coach following Erik ten Hag’s departure, delivered an inspiring win that lifted spirits at Old Trafford. “I’m here to help, serve, and give everything for the club; that will never change,” he said after his team’s impressive display, with Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro each netting twice.
Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou, aiming to secure a trophy in his second season, saw his side deliver a strong attacking performance. City, having made seven changes from their recent victory over Southampton, struggled early as Dejan Kulusevski set up Werner, who scored his first of the season. Sarr doubled the lead in the 25th minute with a stunning strike from outside the box.
City pulled one back in first-half stoppage time through Matheus Nunes, connecting with a Savinho cross. However, City’s momentum took a hit when Savinho left the field with an injury in the 62nd minute. Despite a late effort from Nico O’Reilly, Spurs held on, with substitute Yves Bissouma clearing the ball off the line to secure the win. “We did well against a tough opponent,” Postecoglou told Sky Sports, adding that City’s push kept Spurs on their toes.
Elsewhere, Cody Gakpo scored twice as Liverpool edged Brighton 3-2, Arsenal comfortably defeated Preston North End 3-0, Crystal Palace won 2-1 at Aston Villa, and Newcastle progressed with a 2-0 win over Chelsea. In the quarter-final draw, Tottenham will face Manchester United, Arsenal play Crystal Palace, Newcastle meet Brentford, and Liverpool travel to Southampton.
