The EFL Cup, also known as the Carabao Cup, delivered an exciting array of matches on September 24, 2024. Fans were treated to thrilling encounters, unexpected upsets, and standout performances. Here’s a detailed look at the key games and moments from this action-packed day.
EFL Cup Fixture: Manchester City vs. Watford – Highlights, man of the match, stats as Doku, Nunes score
Just 49 hours separated the end of City’s frantic 2-2 Premier League draw with Arsenal on Sunday and kickoff against the Hornets, resulting in Pep Guardiola making nine changes to his starting line-up – most notably handing 16-year-old defender Kaden Braithwaite his senior debut.
Watford, who also made nine changes, would have hoped to have kept things tight at the back early doors, but Man City needed just five minutes to open the scoring through Jeremy Doku, helped by an under-hit back-pass from Hornets defender Ryan Porteous in the build-up.
The Citizens doubled their advantage in the 38th minute when Matheus Nunes fizzed his first goal for the club into the bottom corner, after Watford’s Kwadwo Baah had an equaliser disallowed for a barge into the back of Braithwaite.
Guardiola’s much-changed side continued to dominate proceedings after the break and almost added a third when substitute Savinho fired a shot across goal and against the base of the post, before Jack Grealish was denied by Jonathan Bond at the near post.
Watford gave City a scare in the closing stages when Tom Ince curled a delightful left-footed strike into the top corner with four minutes remaining, and they pushed for a late leveller in stoppage time. However, the hosts held on to ensure that they avoided a second successive exit in the third round after losing 1-0 at Newcastle United at this stage last year.
Man City will find out who they will face in the fourth round when the draw is made on Wednesday after Liverpool’s match with West Ham United.
EFL Cup Fixture: Chelsea vs. Barrow – Nkunku hat-trick ensures impressive win for five-star Blues
The Blues have started the 2024/25 season in a very positive manner with four wins from their opening seven matches in all competitions. Enzo Maresca has the chance to make that five this evening and progress into the next stage of the first domestic cup competition of the campaign.
The most comfortable of victories for Chelsea in the end. Some brilliant attacking from the Blues, notably from Christopher Nkunku, who grabbed himself a hat-trick tonight.
Pedro Neto got his first goal for the club, while Joao Felix’s free-kick forced an own goal from goalkeeper Paul Farman.
The Blues are through to the next round.
EFL Cup Fixture: Wycombe 1-2 Aston Villa: Jhon Duran scores AGAIN
Emiliano Buendia scored his first goal since March 2023 and Jhon Duran grabbed his fifth of the season as Aston Villa reached the fourth round of the Carabao Cup after a 2-1 win at Wycombe.
Winger Buendia, who missed the whole of last season through injury, headed the opener before Duran tucked away a late penalty to see off League One Wanderers, who hit a late consolation through Richard Kone.
Villa may be facing mighty Bayern Munich in the Champions League next week, but first was a tricky trip to leafy Buckinghamshire to face a side renowned for their cup exploits, including a semi-final appearance in this competition back in 2007. Nevertheless, Villa boss Unai Emery made 10 changes from the side which started the 3-1 win over Wolves on Saturday, with midfielder Amadou Onana the only survivor.
EFL Cup Fixture: Walsall vs Leicester – Walsall punch above their weight
Fourth-tier Walsall came closest to an upset as they forced Leicester to penalties after a 0-0 draw.
However, the Premier League side won the shoot-out 3-0.
Newcastle’s trip to AFC Wimbledon was postponed. Apparently, this is after a sinkhole appeared on the League Two side’s pitch following heavy flooding in London this week.
However, the match will Newcastle will be the hosts at St. James Park on October 1.
Newcastle have contributed £15,000 to a fund to help repair the pitch at Cherry Red Records Stadium.
Manchester United and Tottenham were among the sides to progress to round four last week.
Liverpool take on West Ham and Arsenal host Bolton in the remaining two ties on Wednesday.
Also, read about Friedkin Group’s Everton takeover.
