London: A much-changed Manchester City held off a spirited challenge from Leicester on Tuesday to reach the League Cup semifinals following a dramatic penalty shootout, as Arsenal also progressed. Pep Guardiola showcased the riches at his disposal by making nine changes as his runaway Premier League leaders held their nerve to edge through 4-3 on spot-kicks after the two sides were locked at 1-1 following extra time.
Arsenal beat West Ham 1-0 to keep alive the prospect of two mouthwatering semifinals featuring four of English football’s “Big Six”. In an ironic twist at the King Power Stadium Jamie Vardy — who had earlier scored a penalty deep into time added on to keep the tie alive — missed his spot kick in the shootout and Riyad Mahrez had his effort saved by City keeper Claudio Bravo. Despite the changes in personnel, City — featuring England teenage star Phil Foden — dominated the early stages of the contest, twice going close to scoring through Ilkay Gundogan.
