If the EFL Cup is supposedly the poor relation of the major competitions in English football, then fans of many clubs this week were well and truly spoilt.
That’s because it produced entertainment in virtually every tie as the League Cup highlights kept coming across three nights and there were big name casualties along the way.
The tournament favourites with the SBOTOP League Cup betting odds did not suffer such a fate, however.
That’s after two goals in five early second half minutes saw off last season’s beaten finalists Chelsea.
After an even first half in which the west Londoners had the better chances, Manchester City turned the screw as Riyad Mahrez drove in a free-kick before Julian Alvarez sealed the win with a close-range finish.
Despite bringing on some big names, Chelsea were not able to respond against the Manchester City steamroller and bow out at the third round stage.
They were one of five London clubs to be beaten, including the two North London giants.
Perhaps the biggest surprise saw Spurs go down 2-0 to Nottingham Forest, despite Antonio Conte naming a strong side.
Again, two quick goals early in the second period won the day as Steve Cooper’s charges took the lead through a fine curled effort from Atletico Madrid loan man Renan Lodi.
An impressive Jesse Lingard headed home following a swift counter-attack to double their lead and that was that.
Arch rivals Arsenal were also defeated by fellow Premier League opposition as Brighton continued their fine form with a 3-1 win at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal had played a total of 12 home matches since their loss at home to Brighton in April and won the lot. Then Brighton duly rolled into north London again, with a new manager but the same expansive approach and it paid dividends.
Eddie Nketiah had given Arsenal the lead with a curling finish but Danny Welbeck, who played for the Gunners in their 2018 Final defeat, equalised with a penalty before two second half goals from Kaoru Mitoma and the promising Tariq Lamptey won the day for the Seagulls.
With both sides making changes aplenty from their weekend league outings, Brighton’s strength was impressive, while Arsenal fans can perhaps comfort themselves at being top of the table.
In one of six ties to go to penalties, there was also bitter disappointment for Crystal Palace and West Ham.
Nick Pope proved the hero for Newcastle United as Eddie Howe’s side saw off Palace in a shoot-out to following a goalless draw at St James’ Park.
The England man saved from Luka Milivojevic, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Malcolm Ebiowei as the hosts prevailed 3-2 on spot-kicks.
There was frustration for the Hammers as Championship side Blackburn netted an 88th minute equaliser as the contest finished 2-2 after 90 minutes, and 19 penalties were scored before Angelo Ogbonna hit the crossbar – Rovers ultimately winning the shoot-out 10-9.
It was a real missed opportunity for the Hammers, a section of whose fans may be frustrated by results in recent weeks.
Defeat made it back-to-back losses at home for the first time since May in all competitions, having won six on the spin at the London Stadium prior to defeats to Palace (on Sunday) and Blackburn.
The winners of this season’s League Cup qualifies for next season’s Europa Conference League and, considering West Ham currently sit 15th in the Premier League, this could have been a more direct and easier option of trying to make it three straight seasons in Europe next term.
Don’t be surprised though if West Ham do well in that competition in 2023.
One Premier League team which did not need penalties was Bournemouth who saw off Everton comfortably.
Again, both managers named much-changed line-ups and it was the Cherries who prevailed.
They led via Jamal Lowe’s deflected shot and Junior Stanislas finished following a defensive error.
Substitute Demarai Gray pulled one back for Everton only for Emiliano Marcondes and Jaidon Anthony to promptly secure Bournemouth’s place in the last 16.
The final word goes to their rivals on the South Coast who survived a scare as they finally saw off League One high-fliers Sheffield Wednesday on penalties.
Josh Windass gave the Owls the lead, although James Ward-Prowse equalised from the penalty spot just before the break.
With no further goals, penalties were needed and Dominic Iorfa’s saved spot-kick meant the Premier League side progressed.
It was a much-needed morale boost for the Saints who, following a run of just one win in nine games, sacked Ralph Hasenhuttl as manager on Monday.
I thought that was harsh and new manager Nathan Jones will do well if he can achieve what the Austrian has during his time at the club. He has a League Cup last-16 tie just before Christmas to look forward to.
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