EFL Cup: Arsenal, Chelsea through to the quarter finals

Callum Chambers scored from his first touch as Arsenal dumped Leeds United out of the EFL Cup on Tuesday night. (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

It’s all looking good for Arsenal as the North London club extended their unbeaten run to 8 games after dispatching Leeds United in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night at the Emirates Stadium.

Chelsea yet again needed a penalty shootout to oust Southampton after Che Adams leveled at the start of the second half to cancel out Kai Havertz’ opener; the Blues had gone in at half time with a slender lead and it was looking like they’d coast home before the Saints came up with other ideas.

Traditional EFL Cup winners Manchester City aren’t playing until Wednesday, they will be away to David Moyes’ Westham while Liverpool will also travel to Championship side Preston North End. The quarter final draws has been slated for Sunday, 31^st of October.

Arsenal rang a host of changes to the team that beat Aston Villa on Friday night with only Ben White and Emile Smith-Rowe surviving that team sheet; Marcelo Bielsa wasn’t taking chances, the Argentine named a very strong squad with the hope of bouncing from a torrid start to the season.

The first half was one way despite Arsenal not having anything to show for it. Bernd Leno coming in for Aaron Ramsdale made fine saves to deny Harrison but that was about it for the visitors in the first half as Arsenal camped in their area throughout the half.

The second half was more of the same; Arsenal had a scare with Ben White limping off but his replacement, Callum Chambers scored from his first touch after Nicolas Pepe diverted a corner kick to his path.

Arsenal made it two when Stuart Dallas miscued to Illan Meslier, Eddy Nketiah robbed him, lobbed him and side-footed into the net although the Arsenal man cut a horrific stature as he thought he had fluffed the chance.

Chelsea had to make do with yet another Kepa Arizabalaga heroics after Southampton forced them to penalty shoot outs.

Mason Mount missed from the spot after Theo Walcott saw his effort tipped to the post by the Spanish goalkeeper, then Smallbone who was just returning from a lengthy injury layoff blasted over the bar to leave Reece James with the opportunity of sending Chelsea through again, he didn’t disappoint.

In the last game of the night, Sunderland sent Championship side QPR crashing on penalties too after regulation time ended goalless. It’s worth nothing that the Carabao Cup doesn’t go into extra time if regulation time doesn’t settle the two teams and there’s no luxury of VAR for center referees.