Arsenal, Newcastle, and Liverpool secured their places in the semifinals of the English League Cup on Wednesday, setting the stage for a highly competitive lineup.
Gabriel Jesus was the standout performer for Arsenal, scoring a hat trick in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace. His crucial second goal, which came in the 73rd minute, was controversial as replays indicated he was offside when he scored. However, with no video review available until the semifinals, the goal stood. Jesus had previously managed only one goal in 20 appearances this season, making his hat trick all the more surprising. He equalized in the 54th minute with a deft chip over Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson and completed his hat trick in the 81st minute with a powerful low strike. Despite former Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah narrowing the score to 3-2 with a header in the 85th minute, Arsenal held on to reach the semifinals for the first time since the 2021-22 season.
Liverpool maintained their title defense with a 2-1 win over Southampton, marking their 20th consecutive unbeaten game in all competitions this season, a feat not achieved since 1996. Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott scored in the first half, with Nunez notably responding to jeers from Southampton fans after missing an early chance by scoring and shushing the crowd. Interim coach Simon Rusk led Southampton, who sit at the bottom of the Premier League, following the dismissal of manager Russell Martin after a heavy defeat to Tottenham.
Newcastle also progressed to the semifinals, defeating Brentford 3-1, thanks to two first-half goals from Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali. This marks Newcastle’s second semifinal appearance in three seasons, as they seek to end a trophy drought that dates back to 1955. The club lost to Manchester United in the League Cup final last season.
The final quarterfinal match will see Manchester United face Tottenham on Thursday, ensuring that the semifinals will feature four of the most prominent teams in English football.
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