There was an all Premier League affair in the EFL Cup this evening, as well as League One side Bolton Wanderers’ trip to face Arsenal at the Emirates.
Here’s what went down.
Arsenal youngsters shine in demolition of Bolton
Scorers: Rice 16′, Nwaneri 37′, 49′, Sterling 64′ Havertz 78′; Collins 53′
Arsenal are through to the next round of the cup with a 5-1 hammering of Bolton Wanderers.
Any nerves from the Gunners were soon calmed when Josh Nichols’ cross was deflected into the path of Declan Rice who shot from 18-yards out and got his side off to a great start with his thumping effort.
Bolton kept the Premier League side at bay for the next 20 minutes, until 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri scored his first goal for Arsenal, after being assisted by Raheem Sterling who delivered an excellent ball from the left.
That must’ve put a spring in the step of the youngster, as Rice played in Nwanieri again and he finished from just inside the box.
Bolton rallied and after a quick break from a corner Aaron Collins ran from inside his own half, rounded 16-year-old goalkeeper Jack Porter and scored a consolation for his side.
Raheem Sterling provided some experience on the night, and he scored his first goal for Arsenal when he first played in Bukayo Saka with a flick, and when his team-mate’s shot was saved, Sterling was there to tap in the rebound.
Another former Chelsea man in Kai Havertz delivered Arsenal’s fifth, the Germany international finishing on the rebound from Sterling’s initial shot.
Liverpool come from behind to beat West Ham
Scorers: Quansah (OG) 21′; Jota 25′, 49′, Salah 74′, Gakpo 90′, 90+5′
Diogo Jota scored a brace for Liverpool as they beat West Ham by a 3-1 scoreline to advance to the next round.
West Ham had the ball in the back of the net first when some smart play from Jarrod Bowen allowed Danny Ings to score, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
That was a warning sign for Liverpool as shortly afterwards, the Hammers had the advantage for real. The home side failed to deal with a corner and the ensuing scramble saw Jarell Quansah poke the ball into his own net.
The lead only lasted four minutes though, when Federico Chiesa volleyed the ball hard into the ground and Diogo Jota jumped to what seemed an impossible height to head home.
Jota had his second not long after half-time, but it was Curtis Jones who made the goal when he carried the ball from inside his own half, played a quick one-two and then played a reverse ball for the Portugal international to finish.
Some superb work from Mohamed Salah set up a chance for substitute Alexis Mac Allister, and the Egyptian was there to score from the rebound when the initial shot had been saved.
The tie was sealed when Cody Gakpo added Liverpool’s fourth with a brilliant low finish from just inside the box, and added his second and Liverpool’s fifth.
The draw for the fourth round will take place after the conclusion of the match at Anfield.