Author: Amrit Santlani
After reigning champions Manchester United’s comfortable 3-0 win over Crystal Palace in the third round of the EFL Cup, the rest of the big teams were in action on Wednesday. Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City have won the EFL Cup for four years, but after last season’s disappointment, they were knocked out by Newcastle United, which ended their hopes of a fourth title.
Liverpool, meanwhile, played a ruthless game during their 3-1 win over Leicester City. The score could have been much higher had it not been for the Foxes’ last-ditch defending. London heavyweights Arsenal and Chelsea recorded narrow 1-0 wins over Brentford and Brighton respectively.
Newcastle end City’s hopes of four titles
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City were beaten by Newcastle United at St. James’ Park. Julian Alvarez was guilty of missing two early chances before Josko Gvardiol came close, but he couldn’t keep his header on target. Jacob Murphy was unable to beat Stefan Ortega one-on-one, before Brazilian defender Joelinton fed Alexander Isak, who opened the scoring in the 53rd minute.
Nick Pope saved attempts from Jeremy Doku and Jack Grealish, before Ortega denied Murphy once again as the game ended 1-0 and the Toons celebrated their passage to the fourth round.
Brazilian player Joelinton played the entire match and was crucial in setting up the winning goal. His fellow countryman Bruno Guimarães came on in the second half and was as reliable as ever in midfield.
Liverpool beat Leicester City
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72279860/1453443183.0.jpg)
Jurgen Klopp’s side went behind to an early goal from Kasey McAteer, but as the game wore on, Liverpool came out on top. Ben Doak hit the crossbar as Liverpool searched for the equalizer, and Cody Gakpo combined with Ryan Gravenberch to finally level the match after the restart.
Gakpo also hit the crossbar, before Dominik Szoboszlai’s screamer from outside the box put Klopp’s side ahead. Jakub Stolarczyk made some important interventions to stop Darwin Nunez and Szoboszlai. Jarell Amorin Quansah played the pass for Diogo Jota to finish with a fine touch to make it 3-1.
Reiss Nelson leads Arsenal to fourth round
Reiss Nelson scored an eighth-minute winner to give Arsenal an early lead on their short trip to west London to face Brentford. Eddie Nketiah took advantage of a misplaced pass from Mathias Jørgensen to feed Nelson, who did the rest.
In a wonderfully crafted team move, Emile Smith Rowe entered the Brentford area but was impeded by Mark Flekken. Yoane Wissa picked up the ball inside the Arsenal box and fired a shot that was pushed around the post by Aaron Ramsdale.
The Brazilian defender put in an impressive performance as he completed the entire game. His fellow countryman Gabriel Jesus entered the field in the 68th minute and also played an intense part in the game right to the end.
Chelsea finally win, with Mudryk and Palmer shining
Mykhailo Mudryk and Cole Palmer shone for Chelsea, while Nicolas Jackson scored the all-important winner to get Chelsea back on track. The club beat a spirited Brighton side and had a lot to thank Robert Sanchez for helping them advance to the fourth round.
The Spaniard made many saves, while Jackson took advantage of a pass from Palmer to put the hosts ahead at Stamford Bridge. Palmer and Mudryk missed chances to score, but the win eased the pressure on Mauricio Pochettino.
Brazilian defender Igor Julio had a confusing debut in the EFL Cup, but nevertheless completed the game. His fellow countryman João Pedro was guilty of missing two important chances when Brighton failed to score, but the striker also played the whole match.