Eberechi Eze scored his first Arsenal goal as the Gunners beat Port Vale 2-0 to reach the League Cup fourth round, alongside Manchester City, Tottenham and Newcastle on Wednesday.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was able to exhibit the strength in depth of his squad as Eze, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli were among the nine changes from Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Manchester City.

Eze has made an impressive start after his move from Crystal Palace last month that could be worth up to £68 million ($92 million).

The England international slotted in from Myles Lewis-Skelly’s flick to give Arsenal the perfect start after just eight minutes.

However, the visitors were unable to build on that advantage despite dominating the game.

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Devante Cole, son of former Manchester United striker Andy Cole, came closest to a shock equaliser for Vale when his strike flew just over the bar.

Leandro Trossard finally killed the tie off with a powerful and precise finish into the bottom corner five minutes from time.

Foden back to his best

Phil Foden was City’s key man with a goal and assist as they beat Huddersfield 2-0.

Foden has shown signs in recent weeks of rediscovering the form that made him the Premier League player of the year two seasons ago.

The England midfielder arrowed in a low drive to give the visitors the lead after 18 minutes.

Erling Haaland was among those given the night off as Pep Guardiola made nine changes.

The Norwegian’s lethal finishing was missed as City had to wait until 15 minutes from time to make the tie safe when Savinho blasted in Foden’s pass from a narrow angle.

Holders Newcastle struck twice in two minutes early on against Bradford as the League One leaders were beaten 4-1 at St. James’ Park.

Joelinton and William Osula both struck twice for the Magpies.

Tottenham also got the job done inside the opening 20 minutes in a 3-0 victory over Doncaster.

Joao Palhinha’s overhead kick opened the scoring before Jay McGrath turned into his own goal after just 17 minutes.

Spurs had to wait until stoppage time for their third when Brennan Johnson raced through to net his third goal of the season.

Hugo Ekitike has apologised to Liverpool fans after he was sent off for removing his shirt following his late League Cup winner against Southampton a celebration labelled “stupid” by manager Arne Slot.

The 23-year-old new signing slid home Federico Chiesa’s pass five minutes from time to seal a 2-1 win over second-tier Southampton as Liverpool produced another late show at Anfield on Tuesday.

The France forward had replaced £125-million ($168 million) British-record signing Alexander Isak at half-time after the Sweden international opened his account for the club.

Ekitike’s first involvement was to be booked for punching the ball away in frustration.

Shea Charles equalised but Ekitike scored the winner in the 85th minute — wheeling away to the corner flag and removing his shirt before holding it up for the cameras.

Referee Thomas Bramall had no option but to issue a second caution followed by a red card, meaning the forward will be suspended for the Premier League leaders’ trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday.

A shame-faced Ekitike, who signed for the club in July for £69 million, said he had got carried away.

“I was so excited tonight to help the team achieve another victory here in our home for my first Carabao Cup (League Cup) match,” he posted on Instagram.

“The emotion got the better of me tonight,” he added. “My apologies to all the Red family.”

Liverpool manager Slot was distinctly unimpressed, labelling Ekitike’s behaviour in the third-round tie “needless” and “stupid”.

Live Action:

• Lincoln - Robert 42'

• Chelsea - George 48'

• Chelsea - Facundo 50'

Lincoln City (starting XI)

GK: Zach Jeacock

Defenders: Lewis Montsma, Ryley Towler, Sonny Bradley, Tendayi Darikwa

Midfielders: Conor McGrandles, Ben House, Ivan Varfolomeev, Tom Hamer

Forwards: Rob Street, Freddie Draper

Chelsea (starting XI)

GK: Filip Jorgensen

Defenders: Malo Gusto; Wesley Fofana; Trevoh Chalobah; Jorrel Hato

Midfield: Andrey Santos; Enzo Fernández

Attacking Mid / Wings / Forward: Alejandro Garnacho; Facundo Buonanotte; Jamie Gittens; Tyrique George

Fixture: Liverpool vs Southampton

Competition: EFL (Carabao) Cup, 3rd Round

Date & Venue: Tuesday, September 23, 2025 — Anfield, Liverpool

Background & Stakes

Liverpool kick off their League Cup campaign at home, a competition they’ve historically taken seriously. With multiple titles in their cabinet (10 League Cups, record winners) they will want to maintain their strong tradition in this tournament.

Southampton, now in the Championship following relegation, come into this game under pressure. Their league form has been underwhelming, picking up just six points from six games. Despite this, cup competitions can offer them a reset an opportunity to build confidence, rotate the squad, and perhaps cause an upset.

Latest Team News & Absences

Liverpool

Key players like Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Ryan Gravenberch, and Dominik Szoboszlai are confirmed to be rested. Slot is planning squad rotation.

Stefan Bajcetic remains out with a hamstring injury.

Southampton

They have their own injury concerns. Key absences include Welington.

Some players are doubtful or recovering, which may impact depth.

Head-to-Head & Recent Form

Historically, Liverpool have dominated this matchup. Southampton have only won once in many recent meetings, with Liverpool winning most of them.

Liverpool’s recent run is strong they’ve been winning regularly, though often needing late goals. Meanwhile, Southampton are struggling in their league campaign.

Tactical Thoughts & What to Expect

Liverpool are likely to field a rotated squad but still with enough quality to dominate possession and create chances. Expect younger players and fringe squad members to get a chance to impress.

Southampton will likely set up more defensively, hoping to catch Liverpool on the break or capitalize on set-pieces. Given their Championship schedule, they might see this as a chance to build momentum, but defensive solidity will be vital.

Predictions & Odds

Most previews and tipsters favor a Liverpool win. Scores like 3-1 are commonly predicted.

Betting markets lean heavily toward Liverpool, especially to win and possibly lead at half-time. Over 2.5 goals is expected in many previews.

Key Players to Watch

For Liverpool, even with some stars rested, expect strong performances from youth and squad players, perhaps someone like Rio Ngumoha could feature.

For Southampton, any attacking threat will likely come through set-pieces, counter-attacks, or from experienced players trying to exploit gaps.

Verdict

Liverpool should have enough depth and quality to progress, even with several first-team players rested. Southampton face an uphill task, but if they stay compact and disciplined, they may make Liverpool work for their goals. Expect Liverpool to advance, likely by a margin of 2-3 goals.

Predicted score: Liverpool 3-1 Southampton

Chelsea travel to the LNER Stadium on Tuesday night for an EFL Cup third-round clash against Lincoln City, with the Premier League giants looking to bounce back from a stuttering run of form.

Lincoln’s Confidence and Home Advantage

The Imps come into this tie brimming with belief. Mark Kennedy’s men are unbeaten in their last nine matches across all competitions, making a strong start to their League One campaign. They’ve already dispatched Harrogate Town and Burton Albion to reach this stage of the competition, and their impressive home record at Sincil Bank adds extra confidence that they could trouble their illustrious visitors.

In attack, Freddie Draper and Oscar Thorn are expected to lead the charge, while Francis Okoronkwo provides additional pace and flair. However, Jack Moylan misses out with an ankle injury, and midfielder Dom Jefferies remains doubtful.

Chelsea Under Pressure to Respond

For Chelsea, inconsistency continues to define their season. The Blues have suffered back-to-back defeats, including a costly Premier League loss to Manchester United, and manager Enzo Maresca will be demanding a reaction. The EFL Cup may offer a chance to rotate, but with pressure mounting, progress is non-negotiable.

In terms of team news, goalkeeper Robert Sánchez is suspended after his red card at Old Trafford, meaning Filip Jorgensen is set to start between the posts. Cole Palmer is a doubt, while Levi Colwill, Benoît Badiashile, Romeo Lavia and Liam Delap are among those sidelined. Fringe players like Andrey Santos, Trevoh Chalobah, and possibly young attackers could be handed opportunities to impress.

Key Battle

The big question is whether Lincoln’s energy and organisation can frustrate Chelsea’s rotated side. The home crowd will look to unsettle the Blues early, while Maresca’s men must show defensive concentration and clinical edge in front of goal.

Prediction

Lincoln’s momentum and home advantage make them dangerous, but Chelsea’s depth and individual quality should eventually shine through. Expect a spirited start from the Imps, but the Premier League side are favourites to progress.

Prediction: Lincoln City 1–3 Chelsea