MAN CITY LEAGUE CUP DEFEAT WAS ‘WAKE-UP CALL’, SAYS GUNDOGAN

Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan called his team’s shock League Cup exit at struggling Southampton a “wake-up call” as they attempt to catch Premier League leader Arsenal.

City failed to register a shot on goal at St Mary’s on Wednesday, falling to a 2-0 quarterfinal defeat thanks to goals from Sekou Mara and Moussa Djenepo.

Even the introductions of substitutes Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland in the second half could not spark a comeback for the visitors, who have won the competition eight times.

The Premier League champions face Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday, and Gundogan says there is no room for error.

“There’s no room for errors or poor performances,” said the Germany international, whose team is five points behind Arsenal.

“Hopefully, if there is something good we can take out of this game, it was something like a wake-up call at the right time.

“Even though it is sad and disappointing to be out of this cup, hopefully, in a few weeks, we can look back and take something positive away from this game.”

City manager Pep Guardiola said his team had “no chance” of beating in-form Manchester United if they replicated their poor performance against Southampton.

“Every game is different, every competition,” he explained. “But of course, if we perform in this way, we will not have a chance.

“We know exactly what we need to do to improve our game, so that’s what we’ll try to do.”

Southampton manager Nathan Jones celebrated the best result of his brief tenure.

The Welshman believes the win, which sets up a two-leg semi-final against Newcastle, gives him hope for the future as he returns his focus to the top-flight relegation battle.

“City are one of the best sides in the world, with the most innovative manager of all time,” said Jones, whose team is bottom of the table and faces fellow strugglers Everton on Saturday.

“We knew we had to be at our best, but from minute one to 96 and a half, we demonstrated that we can be a very good Premier League side.”