From Portman Road to Anfield: goals, upsets and drama on a night where the favourites survived, while surprises remained part of the beauty of the Cup. The EFL Cup does not disappoint. Five matches, 16 goals and different stories: from Anis Mehmeti's goal against Arsenal, to the Liverpool-Tottenham spectacle and Peterborough's drama with Barnsley. A night where big names pass, but not without being proven.
When the Cup opens its door, hierarchies do not disappear… but are shaken. And the night of the EFL Cup showed this again. At Portman Road, Anis Mehmeti gave voice to Ipswich's reaction. The Albanian's goal in the 62nd minute narrowed the gap against Arsenal, but the "Gunners" had done the damage earlier. Two goals from Max Dowman, one from Madueke and another from Merino gave Arsenal a 4-2 victory. However, for Mehmeti it remains a special night: in his first chance as a starter he managed to score against Arsenal, despite failing to avoid elimination.
At Anfield, Liverpool did not allow the surprise. Tottenham tried to come back after goals from Mac Allister and Gakpo, but Szoboszlai, with a spectacular shot in extra time, sealed 3-1 and qualification. Fulham passed West Ham 3-2, in a duel where the Londoners equalized twice, but Oscar Bobb gave the final shot. Meanwhile, Peterborough–Barnsley was a drama of its own: 3-3 after 90 minutes and the home team triumphed on penalties. And Brentford? 1-2 against Reading, another proof that in the EFL Cup, a name is not enough. In the end, five games, many goals and a clear message: in England, the Cup is the place where the favorites must earn qualification.
