After 1,827 days, Manchester City’s Carabao Cup reign finally came to an end in dramatic fashion yesterday evening.
The Citizens, who had their hearts set on a record fifth consecutive Cup triumph, were finally ousted from the competition at the hands of West Ham United, as the Hammers edged their Premier League rivals on penalties to reach the Quarter-Final.
Take a look back at how it all went down in Round Four, including West Ham’s triumph and much more…
West Ham stop dominant City
For over five years, Manchester City have dominated the Carabao Cup, and, following the 6-1 vanquishing of Wycombe Wanderers in Round Three, there was every indication that they could make history this year.
But City’s dreams of a fifth successive triumph and ninth League Cup title were dashed by West Ham. Few expected them to overcome the mammoth task of taking on the reigning champions.
Unable to be separated in 90 minutes, with a goalless draw on the cards, the two sides headed for a penalty shoot-out. Mark Noble, Jarrod Bowen, Craig Dawson, Aaron Cresswell and Saïd Benrahma kept their cool to make it five out of five, and it was Phil Foden, the starlet who made his mark in the competition, who spurned his spot-kick.
Liverpool’s dynamic duo
Between Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi, the Reds pairing have been solely responsible for leading the Liverpool line in the Carabao Cup this year.
The attacking duo have managed five goals as Jürgen Klopp’s men cruised to a 3-0 victory over Norwich City in Round Three and a comfortable 2-0 win against Preston North End yesterday evening, which saw the Reds book their place in the Carabao Cup Quarter-Final.
But it was Origi that stole the limelight yesterday evening. The Belgian’s spectacular scorpion kick-turned-backheel all but sealed Liverpool’s passage in the 84th minute. Kostas Tsimikas’ cross clattered against the crossbar and the rebound fell to Neco Williams, who managed to squeeze the ball through to Origi, keeping his cool to produce what was dubbed an outrageous finish.
Outrageous from Divock Origi! 😮 #EFL | @LFC pic.twitter.com/6mzxmQvBcp
— Carabao Cup (@Carabao_Cup) October 28, 2021
The last League One side standing
As the last EFL team standing in the competition, Sunderland AFC will come up against Premier League opposition in the Quarter-Final of the Carabao Cup, but the Black Cats are capable of going all the way, as history has shown.
Lee Johnson’s men reached the last eight for the first time since 2013/14, when two-time runners-up Sunderland made it all the way to the League Cup Final. The Black Cats locked horns with City in the Final; the year that City claimed their third title, beating Sunderland 3-1 under the arches at Wembley Stadium.
Foxes pay tribute
Leicester City supporters impeccably observed a minute’s silence before kick-off, in remembrance of the tragic helicopter crash, which killed five people, including Foxes Chairman, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, three years ago.
And the players did them proud, beating Brighton and Hove Albion on penalties to reach the Quarter-Finasl. Finishing 2-2 after the full-time whistle, the Foxes progressed 4-2 on penalties.
Club scarves, shirts, wreaths of flowers and other memorabilia were laid outside of the King Power Stadium prior to the match as fans flocked to the ground to pay their respects.
Big Gunners ploughing on
On his return, making his first appearance for the Club since August, Arsenal defender Calum Chambers set the Gunners on their path to the Carabao Cup Quarter-Final, scoring with his first touch against Leeds United on Tuesday evening in a resolute 2-0 display at the Emirates.
Even more impressive is Eddie Nketiah - the former Whites loanee that helped Leeds earn promotion from the Sky Bet Championship - who is in an impressive vein of form in the Carabao Cup. With five goals in six appearances in the competition for the Gunners, and two in two for Leeds, the 22-year-old could add to his tally with Arsenal in the hat.