Liverpool FC edged past Chelsea FC in a nerve‑wracking penalty shoot‑out at Anfield to secure a place in the EFL Cup quarter‑finals, and Manchester City FC later survived a late‑stage scare against Brighton & Hove Albion FC after a 2‑2 draw, winning the subsequent shoot‑out.
The tie between the two English clubs ended 1‑1 after regular time, with Morgan Rogers converting a 40th‑minute spot‑kick for Chelsea before Cody Gakpo restored parity three minutes later from the penalty spot. The shoot‑out saw Valentin Barco’s effort hit the post, Kostas Tsimikas missing his chance, and goalkeeper Mike Pender’s save denying Ryan Gravenberch, before Giorgi Mamardashvili denied Emmanuel Emegha, allowing Liverpool to stay alive. Joe Gomez eventually scored for the Reds, and a mis‑hit from Wesley Fofana into his own net sealed the victory.
What decided the Liverpool‑Chelsea tie?
- Final score after 90 minutes: 1‑1.
- Penalties: Liverpool 5, Chelsea 4.
- Key contributors: Morgan Rogers (Chelsea), Cody Gakpo (Liverpool), Joe Gomez (Liverpool).
- Managerial note: Andoni Iraola celebrated his third win at Anfield, joining Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot as managers who have reached the League Cup final in their debut Liverpool campaigns.
How did Manchester City survive Brighton's challenge?
The Etihad clash finished 2‑2, with Brighton taking the lead through Malick Yalcouye after 30 minutes, Manchester City equalising via Mateo Kovačić’s 25‑yard strike, and Brighton regaining advantage before half‑time through Georginio Rutter. A late free‑kick from Rayan Cherki, deflected by Vitor Reis, forced extra time and led to a penalty shoot‑out. City prevailed 4‑3 after Jason Steele saved Kovačić’s spot‑kick and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma (rested) was replaced by a keeper who denied Yasin Ayari and Lewis Dunk.
Enzo Maresca, who made nine changes following a loss to Aston Villa, praised his squad’s resilience: “The boys showed great character to hold their nerve in a tense shoot‑out.”
Both fixtures underline the unpredictable nature of knockout football, with managers making extensive rotations – Iraola introduced seven changes after Liverpool’s 2‑0 win over Brighton, while Maresca rested stars such as Erling Haaland and Ruben Dias.
The winners now look ahead to their next league commitments, with Liverpool set to host a Premier League clash at Anfield later this week and Manchester City scheduled to meet Brighton again at the Etihad on Saturday.
Other domestic cup action saw Bournemouth beat Aston Villa 3‑0, Crystal Palace secure a 1‑0 win over Fulham, Sunderland defeat Brentford 3‑2, and fourth‑tier Fleetwood advance past Arsenal via penalties. Everton will host Newcastle in the final fourth‑round tie on Thursday.