Three teams have secured their spots in the semi-finals of the English League Cup, showcasing not only their talent but their determination to contend for silverware. Liverpool, Arsenal, and Newcastle all emerged victorious from their quarter-final clashes, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the final quarter-final match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.
At St Mary’s Stadium, holders Liverpool overcame Southampton with a 2-1 victory. The match was marked by goals from Darwin Núñez and Harvey Elliott, who set the tone early by finding the net within the first half. Just 24 minutes in, Núñez capitalized on defensive errors, scoring after Southampton's Jan Bednarek mis-kicked the ball and goalkeeper Alex McCarthy stumbled. The Uruguayan had earlier faced jeers from fans, and his goal was met with relief as he silenced critics by gesturing for quiet as he celebrated. Elliott doubled the Reds’ lead shortly after, firing a low shot from Cody Gakpo's pass.
Southampton, managed by Simon Rusk following the sacking of Russell Martin, fought back through Cameron Archer, who scored with a curling effort just inside the box. "We knew they were going to come out fighting, and we were ready for it," Elliott remarked post-match, highlighting the team's preparation and resilience.
Meanwhile, Arsenal staged a thrilling comeback against Crystal Palace, winning 3-2. The Gunners found themselves down early when Jean-Philippe Mateta scored for Palace, but their second half was dominated by Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus, who delivered a stunning hat-trick. Manager Mikel Arteta praised the forward, stating, "I’m so pleased for him. It’s been a long period without goals, and today to score three types of goals is a great thing for the team."
Jesus equalized shortly after the break, finishing with composure after receiving a beautiful through-ball from Martin Ødegaard. He went on to score again when Bukayo Saka assisted him, pushing the Gunners to the front. Completing his hat-trick, Jesus took advantage of yet another pass from Ødegaard to make it 3-1, before Eddie Nketiah brought Palace back within one goal, ensuring a nervy finish. Despite the pressure, Arsenal held on to secure their semi-final spot.
Across the north at St James' Park, Newcastle prevailed with ease, defeating Brentford 3-1. Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali was the star of the match, scoring the first two goals, including one from outside the box and another from close range. Fabian Schar added to the scoreline, tapping home from Bruno Guimarães's cross. Tonali’s strong performance is particularly noteworthy, considering his return from a lengthy ban earlier this season. "It was great to see him score the two goals," Newcastle manager Eddie Howe remarked, expressing confidence as his team gears up for the semi-finals.
Despite their loss, Brentford's boss Thomas Frank did acknowledge the quality of goals his team conceded, admitting, "It’s disappointing to lose on the day to a stronger side, and we can’t allow three goals to seep through like we did."
The remaining quarter-final will see Tottenham host Manchester United on Thursday, with both teams vying for the chance to join this trio of clubs known for their illustrious history and competitive spirit. The semi-finals not only promise thrilling matchups but will also feature some of England’s best talents, raising expectations as teams prepare to clash for the coveted League Cup title.
Overall, the quarter-finals of the English League Cup have showcased thrilling football, resilience from struggling sides, and standout performances from key players, setting the stage for the upcoming rounds. With several teams aiming to assert their dominance, the competition remains fierce as they look to secure their place among the top clubs of the tournament.
