Liverpool achieved a solid win in very difficult playing conditions at the Vitality Stadium, after a Cody Jacobo goal and a Darwin Nunez brace.
This means that the Reds will play in the quarter-finals of the League Cup, and the opposition was ready after the Manchester United-Newcastle match at Old Trafford.
Teams like Manchester City, Brentford, Brighton, Tottenham and Aston Villa were already out before the fourth round, and tonight Manchester United and Arsenal were also smoked. Many good teams were thus eliminated, potentially providing an easier route to Wembley and the new League Cup Final.
There were two non-Premier League teams in tonight’s game, but it was all over with West Ham at Anfield. A valid draw, with good chances of qualifying to the semi-finals.
This is how the quarter-final matches are held in the League Cup
In the remaining matches, two matches ended in the Premier League, and one with two teams outside the best company. Fulham will visit Everton at Goodison Park, and if both Liverpool teams qualify, it will be interesting to have two matches between the two city neighbours.
League One side Port Vale have a good chance of reaching the semi-finals of the League Cup this season. The home game against Middlesbrough is the only hurdle remaining before this feat is completed.
Chelsea and Newcastle, the two supposedly better teams apart from Liverpool, will play for a place in the semi-finals at Stamford Bridge.
Quarter-finals:
Everton – Fulham
Chelsea – Newcastle
Port Vale – Middlesbrough
Liverpool – West Ham
The matches will be held on December 19 and 20, a few days before Arsenal’s Premier League match on Christmas Eve. The Gunners lost 3-1 to West Ham tonight, and will have a week of recharging ahead of the game at Anfield.
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