Goal-crazy Southampton weep Newport 8-0 in Caraboa cup

Southampton went goal crazy on Wednesday demolishing Newport County 8-0 away from home to progress through to the third round of the Carabao Cup.

What had been viewed as a tricky assignment given Newport’s reputation as giant-killers turned into a cakewalk as Saints improved on various 6-0 away wins down the years.

Mohamed Elyounoussi grabbed a hat-trick and Armando Broja scored twice, while Nathan Tella, Kyle Walker-Peters and Nathan Redmond also netted as Saints cruised into round three.

Newport manager Michael Flynn was absent after testing positive for coronavirus and the architect of so many cup upsets was sorely missed by the Exiles.

Rodney Parade has been a graveyard for several Premier League teams in recent years, but a new pristine playing surface being used for the first time was perfect for Southampton.

Saints had boosted their defensive ranks in the previous 24 hours or so with Torino central defender Lyanco and Everton full-back Thierry Small moving to St Mary’s.

read alsoSouthampton sign defender Lyanco from Torino

But the tie came too soon for the pair to be involved as boss Ralph Hasenhuttl made nine changes from the side which drew at home to Manchester United on Sunday.

Skipper James Ward-Prowse and defender Jack Stephens were the only players retained as League Two Newport welcomed back a meaningful crowd for the first time since March 2020.