English Premier League underperformers Southampton clinched a spot in the League Cup quarter-finals on October 29. James Bree netted a late goal at home to overcome Championship team Stoke City 3-2.
Additionally, Premier League club Brentford faced a significant challenge against their second-tier opponents, overcoming Sheffield Wednesday in a penalty shootout.
Southampton Strong First Half
At St Mary’s, Southampton advanced to the next round thanks to a header from Taylor Harwood-Bellis and a penalty from Adam Armstrong within the first 35 minutes.
However, strikes from Ashley Phillips and Tom Cannon put pressure on the match, potentially leading to a penalty shoot-out, until defender Bree struck a powerful shot from 25 yards out just two minutes before the end.
The Saints were lucky to remain level after a goal-line clearance from Yukinari Sugawara prevented Stoke substitute Million Manhoef from scoring just minutes earlier.
Manager Russell Martin Reflects on Southampton Win
Southampton manager Russell Martin, currently serving a touchline suspension due to receiving a third yellow card this season, made six changes to the starting eleven following the 1-0 defeat against Manchester City over the weekend. This loss left the team at the bottom of the standings, with just one point from nine matches.
“They set up a strong defence and caught us on a counter-attack at a crucial moment, almost doing so again later in the match,” Martin shared with BBC Radio.
Thus, the team faced the challenge head-on, and we secured the victory thanks to some outstanding play by James Bree.
Southampton Victory Boosts Team Morale
The win provided a crucial lift for the team, which has struggled to find success this season. Additionally, their coach urged the players to enjoy the victory, if only for a day.
We talked ahead of the match about securing a victory and ensuring our advancement. We did advance, although we certainly made it more challenging than it needed to be, yet we also displayed some character, Martin continued.
We should recognize and celebrate every achievement together, whether it’s a match against a Championship team in the Cup or a Premier League game. The players seemed a bit down, so I reminded them that they could express their happiness about winning and advancing to the quarter-final.
Brentford Nerve-Wracking Penalty Shootout
In the evening’s additional match, Brentford was dominating the game against Sheffield Wednesday after going ahead with a goal from Kevin Schade in the first half.
However, their rivals equalized just before the sixty-minute mark with their initial shot on goal, courtesy of Djeidi Gassama’s impressive strike.
Brentford Goalkeeper Heroics Seal the Win
Brentford was unable to secure a victory during regular time, with Mark Flekken emerging as their standout player, as he saved Liam Palmer’s penalty, allowing the hosts to win 5-4 following a 1-1 tie.
I went to the wrong side twice at the start of the shoot-out, Flekken commented. That doesn’t make you feel better about your chances in a shootout, but I saved the last.
Upcoming League Cup Fixtures
The reigning champions Liverpool faced Brighton & Hove Albion away on October 30, while the runners-up Chelsea played at Newcastle United.
Tottenham Hotspur will also be in action as they welcome Manchester City, while Manchester United has Ruud van Nistelrooy serving as interim manager following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag on October 28.
The games began after the deadline for the press.
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