The first proper trophy of this season has been won, and it’s gone to Jose Mourinho’s Man United side.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic put paid to the antiquated notion that he doesn’t turn up for the big games by opening the scoring, and nabbing the winner just two minutes from time, either side of a Jesse Lingard goal.
It was heartbreaking for Southampton, who had brought the score back to 2-2 through two goals by Gabbiadini.
The Saints also had plenty of reason to feel aggrieved, with many shouts that an early goal from Gabbiadini was wrongly disallowed for offside. Seconds later, Ibrahimovic scored an outrageous free-kick and made it 1-0 to United.
Twitter timelines were ablaze with jubilation from the United fans and more than a bit of anger from those who felt that the Red Devils weren’t exactly worthy of their win.
Faintly incredible that Pogba, Rojo and Smalling get winners' medals and Gabbiadini, Tadic and Redmond don't.
— Jonathan O'Brien (@obrien_jonathan) February 26, 2017
Absolutely incredible game. Man United won the EFL Cup by the scruff of the neck. That is the sign of winners. José Mourinho does it again.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) February 26, 2017
IBRAHIMOVIC YOU ARE THE SIGNING OF THE SEASON, YOU ARE THE MAIN MAN, THIS IS YOUR WORLD WE JUST LIVE IN IT.
— José (@MourinhoMindset) February 26, 2017
The level of officiating in England is appalling, poor decisions are completely influencing the title race, relegation battle & cup ties
— Patrick Timmons (@PatrickTimmons1) February 26, 2017
Never at any moment did Gabbiadini look offside. Bad break for Saints.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) February 26, 2017
Feel for Southampton…the better team and also robbed of a goal!!
— Jody Morris (@morriskid) February 26, 2017