Wednesday, September 24, 2025, saw an exciting night in the English League Cup! Eberechi Eze marked a significant milestone, scoring his inaugural goal for Arsenal as they triumphed 2-0 over Port Vale. Not to be outdone, Premier League heavyweights Manchester City, Newcastle, and Tottenham also comfortably dispatched their third-tier rivals, securing their places in the Last 16.
For Eze, who joined his boyhood club from Crystal Palace over the summer, this was his fifth outing. He opened his Arsenal account with a clinical finish in the eighth minute, expertly converting Myles Lewis-Skelly’s brilliant flick. Later in the game, Leandro Trossard sealed the 2-0 victory with a late goal in the 86th minute.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta opted for a much-changed lineup, a clear indication that the League Cup might not be their top priority this season. However, the pressure remains on Arteta to deliver the club’s first major silverware since 2020.
Similarly, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City also rotated their squad, but still featured star midfielder Phil Foden. Foden proved his class by scoring a superb opener from outside the box and then assisting Savinho for City’s second goal, securing a 2-0 win against Huddersfield.
Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur cruised to a 3-0 victory over Doncaster, with Joao Palhinha’s spectacular overhead kick stealing the show. Defending champions Newcastle United also demonstrated their dominance, with Joelinton and William Osula each bagging a brace in their impressive 4-1 home win against Bradford.
Following these thrilling matches, the draw for the Last 16 was conducted, setting up some mouth-watering clashes. Reigning champions Newcastle will continue their title defense at home against Tottenham in one of four exciting all-Premier League encounters. Other notable matchups include Arsenal facing Brighton, Liverpool taking on Crystal Palace, and Wolverhampton Wanderers challenging Chelsea.
Last 16 Draw Results:
- Arsenal vs. Brighton
- Grimsby Town vs. Brentford
- Swansea vs. Manchester City
- Newcastle vs. Tottenham
- Wrexham vs. Cardiff
- Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace
- Wolverhampton vs. Chelsea
- Wycombe vs. Fulham