Arsenal will take on London rivals Crystal Palace in an all-capital clash in the Carabao Cup quarterfinals, while League One side Cardiff City have been rewarded for its giant-killing run with a home tie against Chelsea in the Welsh capital.
Manchester City will meet fellow Premier League outfit Brentford after coming from behind to beat Swansea City in the fourth round, while defending champions Newcastle United will host Fulham at St. James’ Park as they continue their quest for back-to-back EFL Cup titles.
Half of the remaining sides – Fulham, Cardiff, Crystal Palace and Brentford – have never won the competition before, ensuring a mix of fresh storylines and familiar ambitions as the tournament reaches its business end.
ARSENAL EYE EFL CUP
Premier League leaders Arsenal registered their eighth straight win in all competitions to move a step closer to ending their 32-year wait for the League Cup trophy. Second-half goals from Ethan Nwaneri and Bukayo Saka helped the Gunners past Liverpool, who have now lost six of their last seven games across competitions.
It was also a record-breaking night for Arsenal’s academy talent Max Dowman, who became the youngest player ever to start a competitive match for the club at just 15 years and 302 days.
CITY SURVIVE SCARE
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City were briefly stunned in Wales when Swansea’s Goncalo Franco opened the scoring with a long-range stunner. However, City soon turned it around, equalising through a deflected Jeremy Doku effort before Omar Marmoush struck his first goal for the club to seal a 2-1 win and a last-eight spot.
CHELSEA HOLD OFF WOLVES
Chelsea continued their resurgence with a 3-2 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, though they ended the match with 10 men after Liam Delap was sent off on his return. The Blues were cruising with a three-goal first-half lead, only to face late pressure from Wolves – who remain bottom of the Premier League after conceding three or more goals for the fifth time this season.
NEWCASTLE’S WEMBLEY DREAM ALIVE
Defending champions Newcastle United eased past Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 at home to keep their hopes of retaining the trophy alive. Eddie Howe’s heavily rotated side proved too strong despite making eight changes, as the Magpies reached the EFL Cup quarterfinals for the fourth straight year.
Newcastle, who ended their 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy by winning this competition last season, will now fancy their chances of another Wembley appearance.
PALACE PILE MISERY ON LIVERPOOL
Crystal Palace continued their remarkable run by knocking out Liverpool – condemning the Premier League champions to a sixth loss in seven matches. It marked Liverpool’s fifth straight domestic defeat, their worst run since 1953, and their third loss to Palace in just 80 days.
CARABAO CUP QUARTERFINAL DRAW
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace
Cardiff City vs Chelsea
Manchester City vs Brentford
Newcastle United vs Fulham
Arsenal’s quest for their first EFL Cup since 1993, Chelsea’s pursuit of silverware under their new management, and Newcastle’s title defence headline what promises to be a compelling quarterfinal stage.