After another entertaining bout of midweek action, we now know the eight quarter-finalists for the EFL Cup. It’s a competition that is often scorned by players and coaches alike, but there are plenty of top sides still left in the hat for the last eight. Let’s take a look at the main talking points from the fourth round.
Black Cats bouncing
When it comes to the betting exchange, few would have had their money on Sunderland to reach the quarter-finals. But, with a hard-fought penalty shootout win over Queens Park Rangers, fans of the North East outfit can begin to dream of cup success.
The match ended 0-0 after normal time, despite both teams having chances to win it. Indeed, QPR will feel aggrieved that Albert Adomah’s goal was ruled offside, with replays showing that the goal was legitimate. Nonetheless, it was Sunderland who were celebrating in the end at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium, and they’ll be hoping for a marquee occasion in the last eight.
More penalty success for Chelsea
For the second EFL Cup tie in succession, Chelsea were held to a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge and required a penalty shootout to progress. Last month it was Aston Villa whose luck was out in West London, and this time it was Southampton who paid the penalty. Will Smallbone’s spot-kick was a disaster, blazing high over the Chelsea crossbar and allowing the home side to get the job done.
Thomas Tuchel’s side haven’t looked hugely impressive in the competition so far, but you have to be in it to win it, and it would be no surprise to see them engage top gear from here on out.
City’s dominance is broken
You’d have been brave to bet against Manchester City winning the EFL Cup this season, especially when you consider that they have won the competition in each of the last four campaigns. However, amid a fervent atmosphere at the London Stadium, West Ham United stood up to the defending champions and took them down with the aid of a penalty shootout.
West Ham’s season keeps getting better and better, and their supporters will be dreaming of a cup success to mark this exceptional run they’ve been on over the last couple of years.
Liverpool far from convincing
After a commanding 3-0 win over Norwich City in the previous round, much was expected of Liverpool’s second-string side against Preston North End, but in reality it was a difficult night for Jürgen Klopp’s team. Preston were the better side for most of the first half, and should really have taken the lead, but Liverpool’s defence stood firm thanks to some heroic defending and top saves from Adrián.
It was always likely that Liverpool’s superiority would tell in the end, and that proved to be the case. Takumi Minamino’s deft finish gave the visitors the lead with just under half an hour to play, before Divock Origi’s improvised finish in the latter stages added gloss to the scoreline. This season marks 10 years since Liverpool last won the League Cup. Could another Wembley success await?
Full results
Arsenal 2-0 Leeds United
Chelsea (p) 0-0 Southampton
QPR 0-0 (p) Sunderland
Burnley 0-1 Tottenham Hotspur
Leicester City (p) 2-2 Brighton
Preston 0-2 Liverpool
Stoke City 1-2 Brentford
West Ham (p) 0-0 Manchester City
