Tottenham KO Manchester City, Ruud Era Starts With Win and Liverpool Win Thriller: Carabao Cup Recap

The Carabao Cup fourth round provided an evening full of high-stakes drama, upsets, and thrilling moments as Tottenham Hotspur sent Manchester City crashing out of the competition, Manchester United celebrated a winning start under interim coach Ruud van Nistelrooy, and Liverpool emerged victorious in a tense encounter.

Tottenham 2-1 Manchester City

Manchester City crashed out of the Carabao Cup after suffering their first defeat of the season at Tottenham on Wednesday. With a depleted squad of only 15 fit outfield players, City faced further setbacks as Manu Akanji was pulled from the lineup during warm-ups, and Savinho was stretchered off midway through the second half.

Pep Guardiola made six changes and rotated his squad through substitutions, keeping Erling Haaland on the bench without warming up, with his focus clearly set on Saturday’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth.

Spurs seized an early lead through Timo Werner, followed by a first-half goal from Pape Sarr. Matheus Nunes pulled one back just before the break, continuing his impressive form, but City couldn’t find the equalizer, with Nico O’Reilly’s late effort brilliantly kept off the line by Yves Bissouma.

Brighton 2-3 Liverpool

Cody Gakpo’s brace propelled holders Liverpool into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals with a thrilling win over Brighton. After a quiet first half, Gakpo broke the deadlock just a minute into the second period, cutting inside to unleash an unstoppable strike. Liverpool nearly doubled their lead on a three-on-one break, but Gakpo’s pass to Dominik Szoboszlai allowed Brighton’s defense time to recover.

However, a costly mistake by Tariq Lamptey led Gakpo through for his second goal. Brighton’s late pressure yielded a goal from Adingra after a Liverpool defensive lapse, but Luis Diaz sealed the victory with an 81st-minute strike, despite Lamptey’s deflected response in the final moments.

Manchester United 5-2 Leicester City

In their first game following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal, Manchester United lifted spirits at Old Trafford with a dominant 5-2 victory over Leicester, securing their spot in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals. Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro each netted twice, while Alejandro Garnacho added another to cap off a thrilling and morale-boosting performance.

While Ruben Amorim is expected to take the job in a full-time role, Van Nisterlooy has made a case for himself with a comfortable win over the Foxes.

Preston 0-3 Arsenal

Arsenal cruised into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals with a commanding 3-0 win over Preston North End. The Gunners took control early at Deepdale, opening the scoring as Gabriel Jesus capitalized on Jakub Kiwior’s knockdown for his first goal since January. Arsenal then doubled their lead with a stunning effort from Ethan Nwaneri, who curled a beautiful shot from the edge of the box to make his mark once again.

Kai Havertz came off the bench to seal the victory with a powerful header just before the hour mark, putting the game firmly out of reach of the hosts.

Newcastle United 2-0 Chelsea

Alexandar Isak’s strike and an own goal from Axel Disasi within a three-minute span in the first half secured Newcastle’s place in the quarter-finals at St James’ Park. After falling short in the 2023 final, Newcastle’s quest for their first trophy since 1969 now moves one step closer to reality.

For Chelsea, who fielded a completely rotated side with 11 changes following their weekend Premier League win over Newcastle, this marks the first significant setback of the season under Enzo Maresca.

Aston Villa 1-2 Crystal Palace

In a dramatic Carabao Cup encounter, Daichi Kamada’s sensational second-half strike sent Crystal Palace into the quarter-finals, intensifying scrutiny on Oliver Glasner’s position as manager. The Japanese midfielder, coming off the bench to replace an injured Eberechi Eze, made an instant impact with a stunning 25-yard goal in the 64th minute, thrilling the Palace supporters.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery opted for a major overhaul, making ten changes to the side that had drawn just days before, with only captain John McGinn maintaining his place. However, the gamble didn’t pay off, and Villa’s pursuit of their first trophy since 1996 remains unfulfilled.

Southampton 3-2 Stoke City

James Bree netted a dramatic 88th-minute winner to secure Southampton’s place in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup with a narrow victory over Championship side Stoke City. The Saints initially took control of the match, establishing a two-goal lead in the first half. Taylor Harwood-Bellis scored with a powerful header from Matheus Fernandes’ corner, and Adam Armstrong converted a penalty after Jaden Dixon fouled Yukinari Sugawara in the box.

Stoke responded just before halftime when left-back Eric Bocat’s free-kick deflected off Sugawara and set up Ashley Phillips for his first senior goal, executed with an impressive backheel finish. The Potters equalized shortly after the break when Tom Cannon struck a first-time shot into the top corner from Junior Tchamadeu’s deflected cross.

Substitute Million Manhoef nearly gave Stoke the lead with a late scramble, but Sugawara made a crucial interception to keep the score level. Moments later, Bree emerged as the hero for Russell Martin’s side, ensuring they avoided a penalty shootout and advanced to the next round.

Brentford 1-1 Sheffield Wednesday (5-4 pens)

Brentford advanced to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday after a penalty shootout victory over Sheffield Wednesday, following a 1-1 draw in regulation time. The Premier League team controlled much of the match and initially went ahead thanks to Kevin Schade.

A significantly altered Wednesday squad had only one touch in the Brentford penalty area during the first half; however, shortly after the break, Djeidi Gassama equalized for Danny Rohl’s side with a stunning 25-yard strike.

Both teams pressed for a decisive goal and brought in key players from the bench, yet neither could secure the necessary breakthrough, leading to a penalty shootout. The first nine penalties were converted successfully before Mark Flekken made a crucial save against Palmer, sealing victory for Brentford.

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Mohd Faisal Hakak

Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.