Manchester United's season could well be very different without Zlatan Ibrahimović.
The Swedish striker has been the star man time and time again since arriving on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain, so it was only fitting that he was the man to earn José Mourinho his first trophy since taking over at Manchester United.
Ibrahimović scored United's first, before a first-half finish from Jesse Lingard and a Manolo Gabbiadini double for Southampton left the EFL Cup Final delicately poised going into the closing stages.
It looked like United might be taken to extra-time, just as they were in last season's FA Cup final against Crystal Palace, only for their top scorer to come through with the goods after a sublime cross from Ander Herrera.
The goal clearly meant a lot to the veteran, who has now won domestic competitions in five different countries.
https://twitter.com/SkyFootball/status/835919214632304640
There was a sense of relief among United supporters.
https://twitter.com/SmnLlyd5/status/835916200114860032
https://twitter.com/Okwonga/status/835916289793277953
https://twitter.com/tomajbuchanan/status/835916353689235456
Elsewhere, meanwhile, a sense of inevitability was felt by many.
https://twitter.com/hughwizzy/status/835916626306482177
https://twitter.com/mchlgrhm/status/835916080950431744
https://twitter.com/jackpitt89/status/835916146062868480
https://twitter.com/The_Paris_Angel/status/835916164626808838
https://twitter.com/thehuwdavies/status/835916258952556544
Some were still keen to cling to whatever crumbs of comfort remained. So much so, in fact, that they did their clinging when it was still 2-2.
https://twitter.com/LowQualityRegen/status/835908764159131648
It was never in doubt, was it?
https://twitter.com/stuholden/status/835916338270916608
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