EFL Cup Recap: Liverpool, Chelsea, Fulham and Other Premier League Sides in Action
Tuesday night delivered plenty of drama in the EFL Cup as Premier League clubs fought for places in the fourth round. Five top-flight sides progressed, while others endured scares against lower-league opposition. Here are the key takeaways from a busy evening of football.
Liverpool 2-1 Southampton
Liverpool were made to work hard at Anfield, eventually edging past Championship side Southampton. Alexander Isak finally scored his first goal for the Reds, but the victory was overshadowed by injuries and a late suspension.
Arne Slot rotated heavily, making eleven changes from the Merseyside derby win over Everton. The lack of rhythm was obvious, with Southampton starting brighter. Isak almost struck inside the opening minute, denied only by an outstanding save from Alex McCarthy. Adam Armstrong then rattled the bar before McCarthy gifted possession to Federico Chiesa, who squared for Isak to finish just before half-time.
Giovanni Leoni’s debut ended prematurely as he was stretchered off injured. At the interval, Hugo Ekitike replaced Isak and looked lively, even linking up with Wataru Endo for a disallowed goal due to Chiesa straying offside. Southampton eventually equalised through Shea Charles after Endo’s failed clearance from Ryan Manning’s corner.
Just when momentum was shifting, Andrew Robertson’s pinpoint pass released Chiesa, who unselfishly set up Ekitike to restore Liverpool’s lead. Yet Ekitike was then shown a second yellow for removing his shirt in celebration, meaning he will miss Saturday’s league clash with Crystal Palace.
Barnsley 0-6 Brighton
The standout story of the night came at Oakwell, where Brighton thrashed Barnsley 6-0. Paraguayan forward Diego Gomez, just 22, stole the headlines with a sensational four-goal haul.
His opener came in the ninth minute after good work by summer signing Tommy Watson. Moments later, Gomez doubled his tally with a thunderous strike into the top corner. His hat-trick was completed via a stunning long-range volley that left the Barnsley keeper rooted.
Danny Welbeck assisted Gomez’s fourth midway through the second half, an extraordinary feat considering he had only scored twice before in his Brighton career. Teenagers also made their mark: 17-year-old Harry Howell netted his first senior goal, and Yasin Ayari rounded off the rout late on. Gomez became the first player to score four away goals in a League Cup game since Julio Baptista did so for Arsenal at Anfield in 2007.
Lincoln City 1-2 Chelsea
Chelsea had to come from behind to beat League One’s Lincoln City at Sincil Bank. Enzo Maresca’s men made eight changes and were tested by a physical home side.
Lincoln stunned the Blues three minutes before half-time when Rob Street coolly slotted past Filip Jorgensen. Earlier, Lewis Montsma had already struck a post, underlining Chelsea’s vulnerability.
The response came swiftly after the break. Tyrique George fired in a superb half-volley off the post to level, and just three minutes later Facundo Buonanotte dribbled through the defence to score the winner. Relief for Maresca, who had endured defeats to Bayern Munich and Manchester United in the week before this tie.
Wolves 2-0 Everton
In the evening’s only all-Premier League tie, Wolves claimed a confidence-boosting 2-0 win over Everton. Vitor Pereira’s side, struggling in the league, grabbed goals through Marshall Munetsi and Tolu Arokodare.
Munetsi struck first, reacting quickest after Jhon Arias’ volley was parried by Mark Travers. Everton improved in the second half with Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye introduced by David Moyes, but Wolves sealed the victory late on. Arokodare latched onto Joao Gomes’ pass and delicately chipped over Travers to confirm Everton’s elimination.
For Everton, the long wait for silverware—stretching over three decades—continues.
Fulham 1-0 Cambridge United
Fulham eventually overcame League Two side Cambridge United at Craven Cottage. Marco Silva rotated completely, changing all eleven starters, and his side struggled to break down stubborn opponents.
After a frustrating first half, Fulham pushed harder. Harrison Reed and Raul Jimenez tested Cambridge keeper Jake Eastwood before the deadlock was broken in the 66th minute. Timothy Castagne’s cross found Emile Smith Rowe, who converted after Eastwood had earlier denied Jimenez in the same move. It proved the decisive goal as the Premier League side advanced.
Burnley 1-2 Cardiff City
The night’s biggest shock came at Turf Moor, where League One’s Cardiff City stunned Burnley. Scott Parker’s decision to make 11 changes backfired, as the Bluebirds punished the Clarets.
Joel Colwill struck first after half an hour, set up by Calum Chambers. His brother Rubin then delivered a brilliant cross for Callum Robinson to volley in Cardiff’s second just five minutes later.
Burnley fought back when goalkeeper Nathan Trott gifted possession to Marcus Edwards, who set up Zian Flemming to score. Despite late pressure, Cardiff held on for a famous victory.
Other Results and Fixtures
Elsewhere in the competition:
- Sheffield Wednesday 0-1 Grimsby Town
- Brentford 1-1 Aston Villa (Brentford won 4-2 on penalties)
- Crystal Palace 1-1 Millwall (Palace won 4-2 on penalties)
- Swansea 3-2 Nottingham Forest
Remaining third-round ties to be played today:
- Huddersfield vs Manchester City
- Newcastle vs Bradford
- Tottenham vs Doncaster
- Port Vale vs Arsenal
The fourth-round draw will take place tonight following Arsenal’s clash with Port Vale. Matches are scheduled for the week commencing Monday 27 October.