EFL Cup

From Kepa To Krul: A History Of Goalkeepers Subbed In For Penalty Kick Shootouts

Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel's decision to bring on Kepa Arrizbalaga late in the 2022 EFL Cup Final was not unprecedented — both for Chelsea and the footballing world. Kepa had replaced Mendy in the waning moments of extra time in the UEFA Super Cup against Villarreal earlier in the year, saving two penalties in Chelsea's shootout victory.

In fact, the Spaniard is an above-average keeper in his career when it comes to saving penalties. 

Decision To Bring On Kepa For EFL Cup Final Shootout Fails In Most Spectacular Fashion

When anyone starts talking about that infamous Kepa Arrizabalaga Carabao Cup final moment, the reply is now going to have to be "which one?"

In 2019, Kepa gave us the unforgettable scene of refusing to be substituted for penalty specialist Willy Caballero near the end of extra time. The Spaniard saved one but Chelsea ultimately still lost to Manchester City.  

Arsenal Beats Liverpool 0-0 After Another Boneheaded Xhaka Red Card

These days, it feels like it’s only a matter of time before Granit Xhaka does something reckless to cost Arsenal a match. For once, he did something rash and it didn’t cost Arsenal.

With some inspired defending and a bit of luck, Arsenal held on for a 0-0 draw with Liverpool in the first leg of the Carabao Cup on Thursday at Anfield. The tie felt more like a win after Xhaka was sent off in the 24th minute, forcing the Gunners to play a man down for more than an hour. 

Chelsea Has One Foot In Carabao Cup Final Courtesy Of Outrageously Comical Spurs Own Goal

A ridiculous Tottenham own goal helped Chelsea to a 2-0 victory in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semifinal. Ben Davies is the unlucky fellow credited for the own goal. There wasn’t much he could do after his fellow defender Japhet Tanganga headed the ball directly into Davies before nestling into the Tottenham net.

Tottenham Own Goal vs. Chelsea

Somehow, This Was A Goal

Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good. Eddie Nketiah was a bit of both on his goal against Leeds United in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.

Nketiah, a 22-year-old striker, has had a tough time getting into Arsenal’s squad this season. He hasn’t made the Premier League roster once in nine matches and made just his second appearance with the first team in a rare start on Tuesday in the League Cup. 

But Nketiah has made the most of his limited opportunities, scoring against AFC Wimbledon in the third round and then netting another against Leeds — barely. 

Guns, Drones And UFOs: The Craziest Reasons Football Matches Have Been Postponed

Over the years, soccer matches have been temporarily suspended for a variety of bizarre reasons, whether it be canine pitch invasions, tennis ball protests or a pig head on the pitch, but it takes a heck of a lot for an event to end a match.

Cannon Of A Shot Brings Down The House, Literally

There might be worse shot attempts out there, but I just haven't seen them yet. Barrow AFC's Offrande Zanzala earned top marks after his superb attempt that was just, unfortunately, a bit too high.

In a goal-scoring opportunity during the EFL Cup, Zanzala — from the corner of the box — booted a rocket that turned off the lights, literally. 

Zack Steffen Keeps Clean Sheet In Manchester City’s Carabao Cup Final Triumph

LONDON - Manchester City claimed a record-equalling fourth successive League Cup triumph as Aymeric Laporte's late header sealed a deserved 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Spurs had soaked up intense City pressure for most of the game to somehow stay in contention at Wembley Stadium. But City finally made the breakthrough in the 82nd minute from an unlikely source as defender Laporte met Kevin de Bruyne's free kick and headed past goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

8,000 Supporters Allowed Into Wembley For City Vs. Spurs League Cup Final

This month's League Cup final between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur will be allowed to host 8,000 spectators as part of pilot events to pave the way for the return of large crowds to stadiums, the British government said on Sunday.

The final will be held at London's Wembley Stadium on April 25. It was due to be played on Feb. 28 but was pushed back in the hope that a later date would allow fans to attend.

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