Liverpool through to League Cup semis; Jesus hat-trick gives Arsenal win

Holders Liverpool secured their place in the League Cup semifinal with a 2-1 victory over Southampton at a wet and windy St Mary's Stadium. The match saw goals from Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott, with Nunez responding after being taunted by the Saints fans earlier in the game for a wild miss. Elliott added a second for the Reds, while Cameron Archer pulled one back for Southampton.

Nunez put Liverpool ahead in the 24th minute, capitalizing on a mistake by Southampton’s Jan Bednarek and goalkeeper Alex McCarthy. Elliott doubled the lead eight minutes later with a powerful strike from Cody Gakpo’s pass. Archer scored for the hosts in the 59th minute; however, Liverpool held firm to reach the semifinal.

Elliott’s comments

Elliott reflected on the win, acknowledging the tough circumstances Southampton were facing and their determined fight. He also emphasised Liverpool's desire to defend their League Cup title.

Slot’s reaction

Liverpool manager Arne Slot, who watched the game from the press box due to a touchline ban, expressed his joy at reaching the semifinal, saying the team was focused on competing in every competition.

Arsenal fight back

Gabriel Jesus scored a second-half hattrick to help Arsenal overcome Crystal Palace 3-2 in a thrilling encounter. Palace had taken the lead early in the fourth minute through Jean-Philippe Mateta; however, Arsenal dominated the second half.

Jesus' hattrick

Arsenal's response came in the 54th minute when Martin Odegaard’s pass set up Jesus to equalise. Jesus scored his second goal in the 73rd minute following a pass from Bukayo Saka and completed his hattrick in the 81st minute after another great assist from Odegaard.

Arteta’s praise for Jesus

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised Jesus, saying it was important for the team to have a player of his quality to rely on after a tough period without goals.

Tonali stars as Newcastle beat Brentford

Sandro Tonali scored twice to lead Newcastle to a 3-1 victory over Brentford at St James' Park. The midfielder opened the scoring in the ninth minute with a powerful long-range shot and doubled the lead just before halftime with a volley from an Anthony Gordon cross. Tonali’s brace was his first since returning from a 10-month ban for breaching betting rules. Newcastle extended their lead in the 69th minute when Fabian Schar tapped in a pass from Bruno Guimaraes to make it 3-0.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe expressed his delight in seeing Tonali score twice and praised the team’s growing confidence and positive momentum.

Last semifinal spot up for grabs

The final spot in the League Cup semifinal would be determined on Thursday when Tottenham Hotspur host Manchester United.