Carabao Cup Roundup, Fourth Round
The round of 16 in the 2024/25 Carabao Cup has just wrapped up, featuring exciting games and impressive performances. Here is a Carabao Cup roundup of the week’s games.
Southampton 3-2 Stoke City
Southampton advanced to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup after James Bree scored a late goal to secure a 3-2 victory over Championship team Stoke on Tuesday. Southampton appeared to be on their way to the next round after Taylor Harwood-Bellis scored with a header and Adam Armstrong converted a penalty within the first 35 minutes. However, goals from Ashley Phillips and Tom Cannon put Stoke in a position to force a penalty shoot-out until Bree fired a shot from 25 yards out with just two minutes remaining. Southampton will go on to host Liverpool at the St. Mary’s in the quarter-finals.
Brentford 1-1 Sheffield Wednesday (Brentford win on penalties)
Brentford dominated the match against Sheffield Wednesday after Kevin Schade scored in the first half. However, Wednesday equalized just before the hour mark with Djeidi Gassama’s impressive goal, which was their first shot on target. Brentford was unable to secure a victory in regular time, but goalkeeper Mark Flekken became the hero by saving a penalty from Liam Palmer, allowing the hosts to advance 5-4 after a 1-1 draw. The Bees will face Newcastle in the quarter-finals at St. James’ Park.
Brighton 2-3 Liverpool
Cody Gakpo secured the victory for Liverpool in a 3-2 match against Brighton, contributing to Arne Slot’s impressive beginning with the team. Although Gakpo had yet to score in the Premier League or Champions League this season, he has netted four goals in two League Cup matches. The Dutch forward showcased his skill with two strong shots after cutting in from the left wing onto his right foot. Luis Diaz also scored for Liverpool, while Brighton’s Simon Adingra and Tariq Lamptey found the net late in the game.
Preston 0-3 Arsenal
Ethan Nwaneri impressed with a stunning goal as Arsenal comfortably defeated Championship team Preston 3-0 to advance to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup. Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz also contributed with goals for the Gunners.
Newcastle 2-0 Chelsea
Newcastle sought to avenge their Premier League loss to Chelsea over the weekend, alleviating some of the pressure on manager Eddie Howe. The Magpies have not won in five league matches but were eager to continue their quest to end a 55-year drought for a major trophy. A goal from Alexander Isak and an own goal by Axel Disasi within the first three minutes of the first half were crucial in their victory at St. James’ Park.
Manchester United 5-2 Leicester City
Ruud van Nistelrooy had a successful debut as interim manager of Manchester United, leading the team to a 5-2 victory over Leicester in the League Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday. Casemiro started the scoring with a spectacular shot into the top corner, followed by Alejandro Garnacho finishing off a cross from Diogo Dalot, much to Van Nistelrooy’s delight. Bilal El Khannoussi quickly responded with a goal for the heavily altered Leicester side.
Bruno Fernandes then scored from a deflected free-kick, restoring United’s two-goal lead, before Casemiro netted his third goal in two matches. Conor Coady added another goal for Leicester, but United secured only their second win in nine games. Fernandes capped off the scoring by taking advantage of a short back-pass, rounding Danny Ward, and finding the net.
Tottenham 2-1 Manchester City
Man City faced consequences for not including Erling Haaland in their lineup in north London, as Tottenham edged closer to breaking their 16-year trophy drought. Timo Werner scored his first goal since March, capitalizing on a well-placed cross from Dejan Kulusevski. Pape Sarr extended Spurs’ advantage with a long-range shot, but Matheus Nunes pulled one back for City just before halftime. Despite their efforts, City couldn’t level the score. Spurs will go on to face Man United in the next round.
EFL Cup quarter-finals draw:
Tottenham vs Manchester United
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace
Newcastle vs Brentford
Southampton vs Liverpool
The quarter-finals are scheduled to take place in the week starting December 16, 2024.