Liverpool will host EPL rivals Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals after edging Chelsea on penalties, while holders Manchester City also needed a shoot-out to progress following a dramatic draw with Brighton.
Liverpool and Chelsea played out a 1-1 stalemate at Anfield, with Morgan Rogers scoring from the penalty spot before Cody Gakpo equalised.
Wesley Fofana then missed a crucial spot-kick as Liverpool prevailed 6-5 in the shoot-out.
Youth trust pays dividend
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola praised his young players after rotating his squad, while welcoming a third consecutive home victory.
“They showed us they had a very good level and they helped us a lot,” Iraola said.
Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso described the contest as a “proper cup game”, insisting his side had performed well enough to compete at Anfield despite their elimination.
Cherki stars again
Manchester City also advanced after drawing 2-2 with Brighton. Mateo Kovacic and Vitor Reis scored for Enzo Maresca’s side after Malick Yalcouye and Georginio Rutter had twice put Brighton ahead.
Rayan Cherki converted the decisive penalty in a 4-3 shoot-out victory, with goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli saving two Brighton attempts.
Maresca was pleased with his squad rotation but acknowledged defensive shortcomings.
“We have many things we can do better,” he said. “The game was chaotic but overall we controlled it quite good.”
Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler felt his side had done enough to win, describing the goals they conceded as “very unlucky”.
Bournemouth maintain winning run
Bournemouth secured their place in the last eight with a convincing 3-0 victory over Aston Villa, extending their winning run to five consecutive matches.
Marco Rose praised his side’s attitude after making eight changes, saying the performance demonstrated the squad’s depth and competitiveness.
Liverpool will now welcome Bournemouth, while Man City host Bradford City. Crystal Palace face Sunderland, with Fleetwood Town set to play Everton or Newcastle United.
The quarter-finals will take place during the week commencing December 14.
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