There was more than just a hint of excitement in the air as the final stages of the match at Liberty Stadium approached in January 2013. The score was 0-0 between the home team Swansea City and Champions League holders Chelsea. But with the Swans having won the first leg of their League Cup semi-final 2-0 at Stamford Bridge, they were within touching distance of preparing for a final appearance at Wembley.
Arne Slot knew full well that the first question of his post-match press conference after Tuesday night's Carabao Cup win over Southampton would be about Hugo Ekitike - but he wasn't happy about it.
Arsenal laboured against a spirited Port Vale to ease into the League Cup fourth round, courtesy of Eze's first goal in a Gunners shirt early in the first half and a late strike from substitute Trossard. The Gunners made a flying start to the match, scoring inside the opening 10 minutes and looked like they would blow League One Vale away. But chances were hard to come by and the hosts enjoyed more possession as the match progressed, then Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta introduced Trossard who secured the win with five minutes remaining.
Phil Foden continued his wonderful start to the season by starring in Manchester City's 2-0 win at Huddersfield Town as Pep Guardiola's side strolled into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with little resistance. Foden scored the opener and then set up Savinho, whose second-half goal killed off any hope of a fightback from the League Two side.
Liverpool have been dealt a massive blow, with summer signing Giovanni Leoni having suffered a potentially season-ending anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The defender saw his debut for the Reds in the Carabao Cup cut brutally short and reports have now confirmed that severity of the 18-year-old's issue.
Federico Chiesa has broken his silence on Arne Slot's decision to leave him out of Liverpool's Champions League squad. The Italy international will not be playing in Europe, but he has still maintained his plan for the season is to prove his worth, and attempt to become indispensable under Slot.
Arne Slot delivered a bleak update on Giovanni Leoni's condition after Liverpool's summer signing suffered a horror injury on his debut. The former Parma defender was handed his maiden start in the Carabao Cup clash against Southampton on Tuesday but was stretchered off the pitch in the 81st minute after an awkward fall.
Arne Slot slammed Hugo Ekitike for picking up a "needless and stupid" red card after scoring Liverpool's winner against Southampton in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday. The Reds boss also gave full credit for Ekitike's goal to Federico Chiesa, who provided the unselfish pass for the Frenchman to claim the glory. Ekitike's sending off now means that he will be suspended for Liverpool's next Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace.
Lionel Messi's former team-mate, Diego Gomez, scored a contender for the Puskas Award with an insane 35-yard goal for Brighton in the Carabao Cup against Barnsley. The Paraguayan midfielder ripped the Tykes to shreds in the Carabao Cup, smashing home four goals in a performance that will find a place in the Seagulls' folklore.
Alexander Isak's first goal for Liverpool should have been the story after Tuesday night's 2-1 win over Southampton at Anfield. Instead, it was Hugo Ekitike getting himself stupidly sent off after netting the winner.
Tyrique George saved Chelsea's blushes with a goal and an assist but goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen had a shocker in the absence of Robert Sanchez. The Blues came from a goal down to knock Lincoln City out of the Carabao Cup with a 2-1 third round win but the Club World Cup champions were given a real scare. There will be plenty to ponder for Enzo Maresca, especially after a wretched first half.
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