Quick goals from Riyad Mahrez and Julian Alvarez gave Manchester City a 2-0 draw over Chelsea and a safe passage to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
On a night when both teams fielded second-string teams, Man City and Chelsea played a close affair with little to separate the teams in the first half.
Kalvin Phillips’ return was a welcome sight for City boss Pep Guardiola and England manager Gareth Southgate, who announced his 26-man World Cup squad on Thursday.
Phillips missed 12 games with a shoulder injury and was given a warm welcome when he was introduced five minutes after the break.
Jack Grealish was lively on the evening but was overshadowed by team-mate and City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, who made a series of fine saves to keep Graham Potter’s side at bay.
Chelsea’s best moment in the first half came as Lewis Hall saw his effort saved by Ortega with a gaping goal.
Ortega’s heroism came shortly after denying Christian Pulisic the chance to break the deadlock.
But Chelsea’s wastefulness came back to haunt them early in the second half as City took the lead after a moment of Riyad Mahrez’s boot magic.
The Algerian deftly curled a free-kick effort from 20 yards over the wall and past Edouard Mendy helpless.
But the ruthless city was not made. With Chelsea on the ropes, Guardiola’s side broke away and Mahrez’s parried effort was caught by Alvarez who netted his sixth of the season from close range.
Hall had another opportunity to score on the hour mark, after a superb play from Hakim Ziyech launched the 18-year-old, but Ortega came up short again.
Chelsea continued to push to cut the deficit and looked dangerous as they featured Raheem Sterling on his first return to the Etihad Stadium after his summer move to west London.
But City held on to secure their place in the fourth round as Chelsea suffered their third defeat in four games in all competitions.
OFFER OF THE DAY
Bet365: Bet €10 and get €50 free bets* – CLAIM HERE
Account opening offer. Bet €10 and get €50 free bets for new customers at bet365. Minimum deposit requirement. Free bets are paid out as betting credits and can be used when settling qualifying bets. Minimum odds, betting and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude wagering bet credits. Deadlines and terms and conditions apply 18+ Begambleaware.org