Man City win convincingly, advance to the League Cup semi-finals.

Even without fielding their strongest lineup, the defending champions still defeated Hull City 4-1 to secure their place in the semi-finals.

The Etihad Stadium had many empty seats during last night's match. Photo: IH.

Wilfried gave his team an early lead in the 11th minute. The advantage allowed Man City to play without rushing, especially in the unfavorable English weather. The match only became lively in the final 10 minutes, with four more goals scored. Kevin De Bruyne scored a brace, and Iheanacho's goal secured the victory for Man City. Robertson's final goal was merely a consolation for Hull.

This is the fourth time in the last seven seasons that Man City have advanced beyond the quarter-finals of the League Cup.

"We want to achieve the best possible results in the Champions League, the League Cup, and the Premier League. And then there will be the FA Cup in the new year," manager Pellegrini affirmed the club's ambitions. Man City is following the Chilean strategist's plan. The Etihad Stadium team is the first English club to reach the last 16 of the Champions League. They are leading the Premier League and are now in the semi-finals of the League Cup, a competition that brought Pellegrini his first title in England last season. "Blue Moon" are highly likely to defend their title as Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal have all been eliminated.

Probably knowing they had little hope of beating Man City at home, manager Steve Bruce fielded a team with many reserve players. Hull made seven changes compared to their last Championship game, where they are currently fourth and aiming for promotion.

On the other side, manager Manuel Pellegrini also didn't field his strongest lineup, but the home team's squad was still far superior. Up front were players with speed and strength like Jesus Navas, De Bruyne, Fernandinho, and Bony. Man City also welcomed back Fabian Delph and David Silva after long periods out due to injury.

Man City therefore controlled most of the game with 62% possession, taking 15 shots, double that of their opponents.

De Bruyne (right) has integrated well into Man City's playing style. Photo: Reuters.

No surprises occurred in the remaining semi-final matches. Premier League clubs advanced to the next round by facing lower-league teams. Everton beat Middlesbrough 2-0, and Stoke City defeated Sheffield Wednesday 2-0. The remaining quarter-final match is Liverpool against Southampton, taking place this evening.

According to VNE