Liverpool secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Southampton in the Carabao Cup fourth round at Anfield, with substitute Hugo Ekitike scoring a late winner only to be sent off for removing his shirt in celebration. Alexander Isak had opened the scoring for the hosts before Shea Charles equalised for the visitors. Ekitike's 84th-minute strike proved decisive, but his second yellow card for taking off his jersey means he will miss Saturday's Premier League trip to Crystal Palace.
Manager Arne Slot expressed mixed emotions after the match. 'We can't keep relying on late goals. We were nowhere near our standards, especially in the first half,' he said. 'I'm delighted for Alex; the first goal is always the hardest. Hopefully there are many more to come.' On Ekitike's red card, Slot added: 'I'll be very surprised if he does it again. Scoring a goal is always emotional and he must have forgotten he'd already been booked. The first one was stupidity, for kicking the ball away, and now we miss him for Saturday. It's silly on his part but he's only young and he'll learn from it.'
At the LNER Stadium, Chelsea survived a major scare to progress with a 2-1 win over Lincoln City. The Blues took the lead through a first-half goal, but the Imps pushed hard for an equaliser. In the 89th minute, Lincoln substitute Francis Okoronkwo volleyed over an open goal from close range after a cross was missed by Chelsea goalkeeper Jorgensen. Chelsea held on to secure their place in the last 16.
Elsewhere, Brighton advanced after a thrilling 4-2 victory at Oakwell, with Diego Gomez scoring four goals including two stunning strikes. Cardiff City caused the shock of the night by beating Burnley at Turf Moor, joining Wrexham and Swansea in the next round. Wycombe Wanderers also progressed, completing the set of 7.45pm ties.
