Liverpool and Arsenal progress to League Cup semi-finals

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Liverpool booked their spot in the League Cup semi-finals with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Southampton, who were without a manager. Goals from Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott secured the win for the reigning champions, as they advanced to the last four for the 20th time in the competition's history. Meanwhile, Arsenal rode on Gabriel Jesus' hat-trick to secure a thrilling 3-2 win over Crystal Palace. Jesus ended his goal drought in style, ensuring the Gunners progressed to the next round. The victory was a much-needed boost for Arsenal, who had suffered a surprise draw against Fulham in the Premier League last weekend. Under the stewardship of Arne Slot, Liverpool have been in impressive form, recording their 20th win in 24 games in all competitions. Slot, who took over from Jurgen Klopp, has only tasted defeat once since joining from Feyenoord. The Reds will be looking to continue their strong run under Slot as they aim to defend their League Cup title.

Slot, who watched the quarter-final from the stands while he served a touchline suspension, opted to rest Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk as the Premier League leaders made eight changes.

Liverpool's understudies were too strong for Southampton and Nunez ended his poor recent form with a clinical finish after Jan Bednarek made a hash of clearing Trent Alexander-Arnold's pass in the 24th minute.

It was only Nunez's fourth goal in all competitions in a difficult season for the Uruguay striker, who had gone six games without scoring.

Elliott doubled Liverpool's lead in the 32nd minute, drilling low past Alex McCarthy from 12 yards for his first goal this season.

Cameron Archer reduced the deficit in the 59th minute with a superb curling strike from just inside the area.

Southampton were furious when a late Jarell Quansah challenge on Mateus Fernandes didn't result in a penalty.

But there was no escaping yet another defeat for Southampton in caretaker boss Simon Rusk's first game after Russell Martin was sacked following Sunday's 5-0 thrashing by Tottenham.

"It was a very good and important win. We saw a lot of players that maybe don't start," Slot said.

"We handled it really well and only conceded one or two chances. We have to defend the trophy because the club won it last season."

Jesus hat-trick

At the Emirates Stadium, Brazilian striker Jesus finally found the back of the net on home turf for the first time in 2024.

Jesus' only previous goal in 20 appearances in all competitions this season had come against second-tier Preston in the League Cup.

The 27-year-old's first goals in nine games were well-timed after Arsenal were booed off following Saturday's 0-0 draw against Everton in the Premier League.

The Gunners, who last won the League Cup in 1993, are six points behind Liverpool and Mikel Arteta made eight changes as he prioritised Arsenal's rematch with Palace in the top flight on Saturday.

Arteta's gamble paid off after an early shock when Jean-Philippe Mateta punished weak defending from Jakub Kiwior to put Palace ahead in the fourth minute.

But Jesus equalised with a composed chipped finish in the 54th minute before lashing Arsenal in front after narrowly beating the offside trap in the 73rd minute.

Jesus sealed his treble with another clinical effort in the 81st minute and former Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah's header four minutes later came too late to save Palace.

"Sometimes I have this problem with a lack of goals," Jesus said. "I'm working a lot in training, finishing more, putting myself in a good position. I think my hard work has paid off."

Sandro Tonali scored twice as Newcastle beat Brentford 3-1 at St James' Park.

Magpies boss Eddie Howe named a full-strength side and was rewarded with a comprehensive victory that moved his club a step closer to emulating their run to the 2023 final.

Newcastle, who have not won a major trophy since the 1969 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, took the lead through Tonali's fine finish from the edge of the area in the ninth minute.

The Italian midfielder netted again two minutes before half-time and Fabian Schar tapped in after 69 minutes.

Yoane Wissa's stoppage-time strike was little consolation for Brentford.

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The last quarter-final sees Tottenham host Manchester United on Thursday.

(This story has not been edited by staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)