Manchester, September 22 (BNA): Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez scored two goals as the defending champion moved to the fourth round of the League Cup with a 6-1 victory at home over the English Premier League (third tier) and Wycombe Wanderers.
Liverpool also advanced without problems with a 3-0 win over Norwich City in the entire Premier League match with Japanese striker Takumi Minamino twice and Divock Origi also scoring.
But with most Premier League teams making so many changes from the starting lineup, there have been losses in the Premier League, with Everton and Watford knocked out by lower league rivals.
Brandon Hanlan gave Wycombe a surprise lead at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester City in the 22nd minute, but the hosts took a 3-1 lead in the first half with goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Mahrez and Phil Foden before escaping in the second half.
City’s defeat was completed when 19-year-old Cole Palmer scored his sixth goal, his first for the club one night when coach Pep Guardiola made his debut for five young producers from the club’s academy.
“I will say a big thank you to the whole academy… They have so many good players, not just one or two. They are all incredibly educated people. Thanks to their families. We have talented players. We can absolutely count on them,” Guardiola said.
Finnish striker Markus Fors scored in the first division Brentford four goals to defeat the bottom club in the second league (fourth division) Oldham Athletic 7-0 in the third round match.
Burnley’s Jay Rodriguez scored four goals in his team’s 4-1 Premier League win over Second Division Rochdale at Turf Moor.
Everton lost 8-7 in a penalty shootout at Queens Park Rangers after the match ended 2-2 after 90 minutes.
Charlie Austin scored twice for Queens Park Rangers to give them a 2-1 lead before Andros Townsend scored in the 47th minute for Everton.
In the penalty shootout, QPR goalkeeper Sene Ding pushed Tom Davis’ penalty kick to the post and Rangers defender Jimmy Dunn converted the decisive penalty.
Watford were knocked out of the Premier League by Stoke City (Second Division), losing 3-1 at Vicarage Road.
Premier League Southampton needed a penalty shootout to beat Sheffield United 4-2 after the match ended 2-2 and Leeds United reduced the score well after escaping the penalty shootout in Fulham to win 6-5 after a goalless draw.
There is no extra time in the League Cup as the matches go straight to penalties if they are tied after 90 minutes.
The rest of the third round matches will be played on Wednesday.