EFL Cup: Southampton, Brentford scrape into League Cup quarter-finals

Premier League underperformers Southampton advanced to the quarter-finals of the English League Cup after James Bree netted a decisive late goal, securing a 3-2 victory over Championship side Stoke on Tuesday.

Another Premier League club, Brentford, also faced a significant challenge against their second-tier opponents, ultimately triumphing over Sheffield Wednesday in a penalty shootout.

At St Mary's Stadium, Southampton appeared to be on course for an easy progression after Taylor Harwood-Bellis scored with a header and Adam Armstrong converted a penalty within the first 35 minutes.

However, Stoke's Ashley Phillips and Tom Cannon brought the match level, threatening to send the game to penalties until Bree struck from 25 yards out with just two minutes remaining.

Southampton were fortunate to remain level at that point, as a crucial goal-line clearance by Yukinari Sugawara prevented Stoke substitute Million Manhoef from completing a comeback just moments earlier.

Saints manager Russell Martin, who was serving a touchline suspension due to a third booking this season, made six alterations to the starting lineup that had suffered a 1-0 defeat against Manchester City on Saturday, leaving the team at the bottom of the table with only one point from nine matches.

"They (Stoke) defended in numbers and caught us on a counter-attack, nearly doing so again later in the game," Martin remarked to BBC Radio. He further stated, "The players overcame adversity and secured the win through some quality play from (James) Bree."

In the evening's other match, Brentford dominated the game against Sheffield Wednesday after taking an early lead with a goal from Kevin Schade in the first half.

However, Wednesday equalized just before the hour mark with their first shot on target, a stunning strike from Djeidi Gassama.

Brentford was unable to secure a victory in regular time, with Mark Flekken emerging as the hero by saving a penalty from Liam Palmer, allowing the hosts to advance 5-4 following a 1-1 draw.

"I initially went the wrong way twice at the beginning of the shoot-out," Flekken remarked. "That certainly does not boost your confidence in such situations, but fortunately, I managed to save the last one."

Defending champions Liverpool will face Brighton away on Wednesday, while the defeated finalists Chelsea will play against Newcastle.

Additionally, Tottenham will host Manchester City, and Manchester United will be in action with Ruud van Nistelrooy serving as interim coach after the dismissal of Erik ten Hag on Monday.

SportsLigue