The League Cup, often seen as the poor relation to the more illustrious FA Cup, provides Manchester City with a wonderful opportunity.
They face Liverpool on Sunday in the competition's final at Wembley. Victory would see them win a major piece of silverware, a significant moment—given last season was a trophyless affair—that would lay down a marker for the rest of the season.
Manuel Pellegrini's men have suffered a turbulent campaign, but Wednesday's win in Ukraine against Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League was brilliant and well-timed. After three defeats on the bounce, a high-energy, tactically astute display was just what City needed.