Holders Liverpool Reach League Cup Semis, Arsenal Advance
In an action-packed Wednesday night of football, Liverpool and Arsenal showcased their determination to advance in the League Cup, with both teams securing thrilling victories.
Liverpool, the reigning champions, eased past Southampton with a 2-1 win at St Mary’s, marking their record 20th semifinal appearance in the tournament’s history.
The match was notable for the standout performances of Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott, who each found the back of the net. Nunez, who had been struggling with form, opened the scoring in the 24th minute after capitalizing on a defensive error by Jan Bednarek. This goal marked only Nunez’s fourth of the season, ending a frustrating six-match drought.
Elliott doubled Liverpool’s lead shortly after, striking a low shot past Southampton’s goalkeeper Alex McCarthy from 12 yards out in the 32nd minute. Despite a spirited response from the Saints, who pulled one back through Cameron Archer’s curling strike in the 59th minute, they could not recover.
Southampton’s frustrations were evident as they felt aggrieved by a penalty appeal late in the game, but ultimately fell to another defeat under caretaker manager Simon Rusk, who is still searching for his first win after taking over following Russell Martin’s dismissal.
Meanwhile, at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus ended his goal drought in style, scoring a hat-trick in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace. The Brazilian striker, who had not scored at home since the beginning of 2024, was pivotal in reversing Arsenal’s fortunes after a disappointing 0-0 draw against Everton just days prior.
Palace shocked the Gunners early, with Jean-Philippe Mateta capitalizing on defensive lapses to score in the fourth minute. However, Jesus responded with a composed finish in the 54th minute, leveling the match. He then put Arsenal ahead in the 73rd minute, narrowly avoiding the offside trap, before sealing his hat-trick with another precise effort in the 81st minute. Despite a late header from Eddie Nketiah for Palace, it was not enough to change the outcome.
In another quarterfinal clash, Newcastle United cruised to a 3-1 victory over Brentford at St James’ Park. Sandro Tonali starred for the Magpies, scoring twice and helping propel Newcastle closer to their first major trophy since 1969.
Tonali opened the scoring in the ninth minute and added another just before halftime, while Fabian Schar added a third in the 69th minute. Yoane Wissa’s stoppage-time goal for Brentford was merely a consolation.
