Manchester City achieved the astonishing feat of triumphant victories in the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup last season. However, the football giants' aspiration of surpassing this accomplishment with an unprecedented quadruple was mercilessly shattered. 

Thanks to a second-half winner from Alexander Isak, Newcastle United dumped eight-times winners City out of the League Cup. This resounding upset, secured by Eddie Howe, notched his inaugural managerial victory in 14 encounters against the esteemed Pep Guardiola. 

Newcastle, while displaying discipline, adopted a rather passive approach in the face of City's unwavering possession dominance. Fortuitously, the hosts managed to maintain parity on the scoreboard at the halftime mark. However, their victory in the end was well-deserved, owing to their spirited and energetic performance after the interval.

In recent years, the clashes between these two teams have yielded monumental encounters. However, it is worth noting that several key figures who played vital roles in those memorable ties were absent from both starting line-ups on this occasion. 

Newcastle, who came up short in last year's final against Manchester United, opted for a significant lineup overhaul, making 10 changes from their resounding 8-0 victory over Sheffield United on Sunday. 

City, meanwhile, entrusted Kalvin Phillips with his only fifth start for the club and appointed Nathan Ake as the captain for the match. Notably, City's leading goal-scorer, Erling Haaland, remained on the bench for the entire 90 minutes, leaving a palpable absence felt in their lackluster performance.

Despite the considerable number of alterations made to their respective lineups, the distinctive styles that have propelled both Newcastle and City to prominence in the football world were unmistakably apparent in this captivating encounter. 

City sought to assert control over the game and methodically dismantle their opponents. However, the outcome could have been significantly different had Julian Alvarez exhibited the clinical finishing prowess that has defined his season thus far. With two opportunities at his disposal, a more predatory touch from him could have potentially paved the way for an effortless victory for Guardiola's side. 

But Newcastle showcased their well-drilled nature by effectively thwarting City's advances until halftime. The decisive turning point can be attributed to the substitutions made by Howe, specifically the introduction of Anthony Gordon and Bruno Guimaraes in the second half. These alterations acted as a catalyst, injecting renewed energy and dynamism into Newcastle's gameplay. 

Exerting their dominance in terms of possession, Joelinton exhibited commendable skill in creating an opportunity as he skillfully maneuvered the ball before delivering a precise cross towards the goalmouth. Sensing the impending moment of breakthrough, Isak positioned himself strategically, ready to effortlessly tap the ball into the net.

"It was a game of two halves," observed Howe. "The first was tough and City played well. We didn't but defended well as we didn't have the ball. In the second half, we were excellent in most aspects, defensively and offensively. We attacked well and probably deserved to win in the end." 

Newcastle have now extended their unbeaten streak to four games, an admirable achievement considering their previous run of three consecutive defeats. As a result of their triumph on Wednesday, they have earned a coveted fourth-round fixture against United. On the other hand, for Guardiola's side, this defeat marked only their second loss across their last 38 games in all competitions. 

"Congratulations to Newcastle," Guardiola said afterwards. "We were brilliant in the first half but they increased their intensity and aggression and kicking. Bruno Guimaraes was important for them, Joelinton too. I don't know how many fouls they did but they are a top side, a very strong side."