The 2016-17 EFL Cup has reached the semi-finals, after eight clubs battled to earn four spots in the next round across the country this week.
2016-17 EFL Cup semi-final preview
The semi-final pairings took place immediately following the two matches on Wednesday. Manchester United will meet Hull City, while Southampton were drawn against Liverpool.
Before looking ahead to the next round in January, we highlight the quarter-final matches from this past week.
Hull City 1 Newcastle United 1 (3-1 penalties) – KCOM Stadium
Hull City booked their first-ever trip to the EFL Cup semi-finals with a dramatic victory over Newcastle United on Tuesday evening. The match ended 1-1 after extra-time and the Tigers secured their spot in the next round 3-1 on penalties.
All appeared lost for the home side when Dieumerci Mbokani was sent off just before the 90th minute. A scoreless draw began to open up in the second half and Newcastle’s Mohamed Diame gave the Magpies a 1-0 lead in the 98th minute.
But Scottish international Robert Snodgrass equalised only moments later and it was on to penalties to decide a winner. Jonjo Shelvey and Dwight Gayle missed the first two attempts for the visitors and Newcastle were unable to recover.
Liverpool 2 Leeds United 0 – Anfield
Liverpool scored two late goals in a 2-0 victory against Leeds United on Tuesday, with Jurgen Klopp’s side returning to the semi-finals for a second consecutive season.
Against a squad featuring several reserves, Leeds and manager Garry Monk did well to keep the match scoreless at half-time. Both clubs were able to move the ball into the attack often, but could not convert in the final third.
Liverpool were eventually able to break down the Championship side, with goals from Divock Origi (76′) and 17-year old Benjamin Woodburn (81′) delivering the win.
Arsenal 0 Southampton 2 – Emirates Stadium
Southampton displayed an incredible team performance in their 2-0 quarter-final victory at Arsenal. Despite controlling possession throughout the match, the Gunners were unable to effectively penetrate the opposing defence.
Saints midfielder Jordy Clasie unleashed a thunderous shot past Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez early on, with Ryan Bertrand adding a second goal in the 38th minute.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger fielded a line-up missing many regulars, as the North London side chose to balance Premier League commitments.
Manchester United 4 West Ham United 1 – Old Trafford
Manchester United and manager Jose Mourinho secured an excellent moment after recent struggles in the Premier League with a 4-1 victory over West Ham United on Wednesday.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored in just the second minute of the match and a strong defensive performance kept the visitors from creating many scoring opportunities during the first half. But an impressive move from Hammers midfielder Dimitri Payet led to Ashley Fletcher finding the equaliser before half-time.
The Red Devils responded well in the second half, with Anthony Martial scoring two goals (48′, 62′) to seal the victory. Ibrahimovic added an emphatic fourth for United in the 90th minute.
Semi-final preview
The EFL Cup presents its most unique quality in the semi-final round with a two-leg aggregate series.
Manchester United and Southampton will host the first matches of the round and may both be able to get out to a strong start.
Liverpool and Manchester United will be favoured to meet in what would be a tremendous cup final.
The first legs will take place during the second week of January, with the deciding matches played during the final week of the month. The EFL Cup final will be played at Wembley Stadium on February 26th.
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