3 of the Most Memorable Carabao Cup Quarterfinals in Recent History

The Carabao Cup has produced some thrilling quarterfinal encounters over the years. For many teams, this competition represents a fantastic opportunity to go deep into a tournament, take home silverware, and maybe upset one of the big Premier League giants along the way.

As the fourth-round matchups unfold today with coveted quarterfinal spots on the line, we’re diving into the nostalgia of three unforgettable Carabao Cup quarterfinals. These thrilling encounters were filled with drama, passion, and a touch of magic that kept fans hooked until the very end. 

1) Arsenal 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur (2018/19): North London’s Bragging Rights 

The North London Derby is always fiery, but when Arsenal and Tottenham squared off in the 2018 Carabao Cup quarterfinal, the stakes felt even higher. It wasn’t just a shot at the semifinals; it was a chance for either side to claim bragging rights and send a message across North London. As the two teams lined up at the Emirates, fans knew they were in for a classic. 

Tottenham, led by Mauricio Pochettino, came out with a focused, energetic display that Arsenal’s defense struggled to handle. The game started at a furious pace, with both sides taking every opportunity to move forward. Early on, Arsenal looked slightly stronger in midfield, pushing Spurs back and testing their defense. However, it was Tottenham who struck first. Son Heung-Min latched onto a perfectly timed pass before slotting the ball passed Petr Cech in the 20th minute. 

Arsenal fought back fiercely, pouring men forward to try to break down Tottenham’s defense. The Emirates Stadium buzzed with anticipation every time the Gunners edged closer to goal, but Tottenham’s defense was rock-solid. As Arsenal pushed for an equalizer, Tottenham punished them on the counterattack, with Dele Alli sprinting down the field to score a beautifully taken second goal. The result not only booked Tottenham’s place in the next round but also handed them the North London bragging rights. That win was Tottenham’s first win at the Emirates Stadium since November 2010. 

This quarterfinal wasn’t just about advancing in the Carabao Cup; it was about pride, grit, and one team’s determination to assert dominance in a derby that both sets of fans live for. Alli’s performance, combined with Son’s ice-cold finishing, made it a night to remember for Spurs fans, while Arsenal were left wondering what might have been if they’d managed to find a breakthrough. 

2) Aston Villa 5-0 Liverpool (2019/20): Youth vs Experience 

In 2019, Aston Villa and Liverpool faced off in one of the most talked-about quarterfinals the competition had seen in years. This wasn’t just any Villa vs Liverpool match-up, though. Just a day before this quarterfinal, Liverpool’s first team was over in Qatar preparing for their FIFA Club World Cup fixture, leaving manager Jürgen Klopp with a significant dilemma: could he really field a top squad in Birmingham and Doha within 24 hours? In the end, Klopp made an unprecedented choice: Liverpool would face Aston Villa with a lineup made up almost entirely of their youth players, with an average age of just 19. 

The stage was set for a unique showdown: a hungry young Liverpool squad against a Premier League-experienced Aston Villa. Fans watching at Villa Park and on screens everywhere knew they were about to witness something rare. The youthful Liverpool side showed incredible energy and bravery, pressing Villa high and creating early chances. For the opening 10 minutes, Villa’s more experienced players were genuinely on the back foot, surprised by the pace and vigor of their opponents. Liverpool’s boys didn’t hesitate, moving the ball quickly and fearlessly challenging their more seasoned counterparts. 

However, as the match went on, Villa's experience and composure began to shine through. Jonathan Kodjia bagged a brace, and despite Liverpool’s young squad battling hard, Villa’s control and finishing touch ultimately sealed a 5-0 victory. While the scoreline suggested a blowout, the match was memorable because of the story it told—a fearless youth side stepping into the spotlight and giving it their all against a top Premier League squad. 

3) Leicester City 1-1 Manchester City (3-4 on Penalties) (2017/18): Pep’s Nerves Tested  

When Leicester City met Manchester City in the Carabao Cup quarterfinals during the 2017/18 season, the clash wasn’t just about two strong sides vying for a semifinal spot; it was also a test of depth and nerve. Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City were already tearing it up in the Premier League, but this match showed just how much a well-prepared Leicester side could push even the most dominant team. 

Manchester City started the game as they usually do, controlling possession and building play from the back. They got their breakthrough early, with Bernardo Silva slotting home coolly after some classic City passing magic. It seemed for a while that City might stroll through, but Leicester weren’t about to bow out quietly. Claude Puel’s team pressed high and responded with aggressive counter-attacks, creating their share of dangerous moments. 

The drama ramped up in the dying moments. With only seconds left on the clock, a VAR review awarded Leicester a penalty, which Jamie Vardy confidently converted to send the game to penalties. The atmosphere at the King Power Stadium was electric, and the tension was thick as the two sides prepared for a penalty shootout. Each penalty was followed by collective gasps and cheers as the teams traded strikes. Eventually, City edged it, winning 4-3, but only after Vardy and Riyad Mahrez both missed their penalties for Leicester. For Guardiola and City, it was a nerve-wracking test that ultimately reminded fans of the fine margins and sheer intensity that define knockout football. 

Also Read: Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City – Carabao Cup – Preview, Team News and Updates