English League Cup
London, Oct 30: Premier League teams Brentford and Southampton both squeezed past second-tier opponents to reach the quarterfinals of the English League Cup.
Brentford needed a penalty shootout to get past Sheffield Wednesday after a 1-1 draw.
Goalkeeper Mark Flekken saved from Liam Palmer off the last spot kick of a high-quality shootout that Brentford won 5-4.
James Bree scored an 88th-minute winner as Southampton beat Stoke 3-2.
A cup run is proving some respite for Southampton, which is in last place in the Premier League.The rest of the last-16 matches are played on Wednesday, with all of the competition favorites in action.Defending champion Liverpool visits Brighton, Premier League leader Manchester City is away to Tottenham and there are three other all-Premier League matchups: Newcastle vs. Chelsea, Manchester United vs. Leicester and Aston Villa vs. Crystal Palace. Arsenal visits second-tier Preston.As Brentford and Southampton narrowly secured their spots in the English League Cup quarterfinals, each team found a much-needed glimmer of optimism amidst challenging league seasons.
Brentford’s shootout triumph over Sheffield Wednesday highlighted Mark Flekken’s heroics in goal, his decisive save off Liam Palmer sealing a nerve-racking 5-4 victory. The night served as a testament to Brentford’s resilience, showcasing their grit even as league form remains a work in progress. Southampton, similarly, seized relief from an otherwise troubled campaign as James Bree’s late winner against Stoke sealed a 3-2 victory, bringing some solace to fans amid the team’s current Premier League struggles.
Now, as the remaining last-16 matches unfold on Wednesday, the stage is set for a series of heavyweight clashes. Defending champion Liverpool faces a tricky trip to Brighton, while Premier League frontrunners Manchester City meet Tottenham in what promises to be a thrilling matchup.
Newcastle’s showdown with Chelsea, Manchester United’s encounter with Leicester, and Aston Villa’s clash against Crystal Palace add to the high-stakes evening, with Arsenal’s visit to second-tier Preston rounding off the lineup. For Brentford and Southampton, their hard-fought victories offer a rare moment to celebrate, and perhaps, the foundation for a morale boost as the season progresses. Brentford and Southampton’s hard-won victories serve as a reminder of the unpredictable allure that cup competitions bring, especially for teams grappling with domestic challenges. For Brentford, the shootout win not only showcased Mark Flekken’s nerves of steel but also highlighted the team’s ability to persevere under pressure—a quality they’ll need as they aim to climb the Premier League table. Southampton, meanwhile, found a spark in James Bree’s 88th-minute heroics, giving their fans hope that a cup run could help rebuild confidence and unity in the squad. (AP)