Six days ago, at Stamford Bridge, Manchester City used their 'Get out of Jail Free' card to emerge with a huge three points in the Premier League title race. At Southampton on Wednesday night, Pep Guardiola couldn't repeat his game-changing substitutions as his side crashed out of the Carabao Cup in a defeat entirely of their own making.
City were chasing a sixth Carabao Cup title in eight seasons, and travelled to St Mary's full of confidence after back-to-back wins over Chelsea. However, in a competition they have taken so seriously under Guardiola - City's attentions felt like they were elsewhere in this quarter-final. Perhaps on Saturday's Premier League clash with Manchester United.
Whether it was another puzzling team selection, or a simple fact that too many fringe players failed to take their chance, Southampton simply wanted a semi-final place more than City and took it. Guardiola warned his players on Sunday of the need to be ready for everyone to be involved in their hunt for four trophies. After seeing their quadruple hopes end for another season, he may have a clearer idea of who is willing to fight for the remaining three.
