The Carabao Cup third round saw thrilling matches on Tuesday, September 17, as top clubs advanced to the Round of 16. Among the standout performances was Liverpool’s resounding 5-1 victory over West Ham at Anfield. Despite an early setback with an own goal from Quansah, Liverpool quickly regrouped and went on a scoring rampage, showing their depth and firepower in the competition.
Arsenal’s Youthful Brilliance
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s young sensation, Ethan Nwaneri, stole the spotlight with a brilliant performance against Bolton. The 16-year-old forward scored a brace, demonstrating his enormous potential and securing Arsenal’s comfortable 5-1 win. Arsenal dominated the match with 77% possession, showcasing their superiority and allowing manager Mikel Arteta to give his younger talents valuable minutes on the pitch.
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Thrillers and Tight Penalty Shootouts
Elsewhere, drama unfolded as Preston stunned Premier League side Fulham with an intense penalty shootout. After a 1-1 draw at the end of regulation time, the shootout ended in a nail-biting 16-15 in favor of Preston, who now advance to face Arsenal in the next round.
Southampton also edged past Everton in another penalty thriller, winning 6-5 after the game ended 1-1. Sheffield Wednesday’s narrow 1-0 victory over Blackpool ensured their place in the fourth round, while Leicester City secured their passage by defeating Walsall in a goalless match that went to penalties, ending 3-0.
Manchester United and Rashford’s Resurgence
Manchester United delivered a masterclass performance against Barnsley, thrashing the lower-division team 7-0. Marcus Rashford, looking sharp again, scored twice, as did Christian Eriksen, providing the Red Devils with a much-needed morale boost as they advance to the Round of 16. United will face Leicester City next, adding intrigue to the upcoming fixtures.
Round of 16 Draw and Big Matchups
With several Premier League giants still in the competition, the Round of 16 promises to be an exciting chapter in the EFL Cup. The standout tie sees Tottenham face Manchester City, while Manchester United’s clash with Leicester City is another fixture full of promise.
Here’s the full draw for the Round of 16:
- Preston vs Arsenal
- Tottenham vs Manchester City
- Manchester United vs Leicester City
- Newcastle/Wimbledon vs Chelsea
- Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace
- Brighton vs Liverpool
- Brentford vs Sheffield Wednesday
- Southampton vs Stoke City
Dates for these fixtures are yet to be confirmed, but with several thrilling matchups on the horizon, fans can look forward to more high-stakes action as the competition progresses.
