Newcastle United, fielding a largely second-string squad, pulled off a remarkable comeback to defeat a significantly altered Manchester City side in the Carabao Cup, with Alexander Isak scoring the winning goal.

Newcastle made ten changes from their previous match, which they won 8-0 against Sheffield United. The first half was dominated by Manchester City, but Newcastle improved dramatically after halftime, following substitutions of Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon. Isak scored the decisive goal after a brilliant play by Joelinton.

Eddie Howe’s team had a passive first half, as City controlled possession. Julian Alvarez had two decent chances but couldn’t convert for City.

Pep Guardiola made seven changes to the City lineup, including giving young midfielder Oscar Bobb his first start. City displayed their characteristic patient style but couldn’t respond to Newcastle’s second-half energy and determination.

This victory means Newcastle will face the team that defeated them in last year’s final in the fourth round.

The only downside for Newcastle was Isak’s injury, as they prepare for a Champions League match against Paris St-Germain and a league fixture against Burnley.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Executive Committee announced on Wednesday, September 27, in Cairo, Egypt, that the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be hosted by the East African nation of Morocco.

This decision marks Morocco’s return to hosting the tournament, with their last hosting stint dating back to 1988.

In 2015, Morocco was initially chosen as the host, but due to concerns surrounding the Ebola virus, the country requested a postponement, leading to CAF eventually revoking their hosting rights.

Additionally, the committee revealed that the 2027 AFCON edition will be jointly hosted by three East African countries: Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

This decision reflects CAF’s commitment to expanding the tournament’s reach across the continent.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe expressed his enthusiasm about the future of African football, describing it as “brighter than ever.”

He even went further to suggest that an African nation could soon clinch victory in the FIFA World Cup, showcasing the growing talent and potential within the continent’s footballing landscape.

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal‘s manager, spoke to reporters ahead of Wednesday’s upcoming match and discussed Emile Smith Rowe’s popularity within the team. Arteta emphasized the team’s affection for Smith Rowe and how much they value him.

Arteta acknowledged that while being popular and well-liked by the team is important, it’s equally crucial for a player to start games and maintain consistency once they are on the pitch. He also highlighted the significance of staying fit to be a consistent presence in the starting lineup.

Mikel Arteta said: “Emile Smith Rowe is incredibly popular. We all love him, it’s no different what the people feel and what we feel about him.

“But one thing is to be there, the other one is to start the games and then once you start, you are consistent to stay there. You have to stay fit as well. Obviously, we speak with our players.

“We always try to explain the reason why we make certain decisions, but Emile is clear on what he needs to do — which is performing on the pitch and giving the best to win games for us.”

Emile Smith Rowe is anticipated to make a return to Arsenal’s starting lineup when the team faces Brentford in the EFL Cup third round match on Wednesday.

This could mark Smith Rowe’s first start for Arsenal in nearly 499 days, with his last competitive start for the club dating back to May 16, 2022.