Arsenal claimed a 2-0 victory against Leeds United to progress to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup, while Chelsea defeated Southampton 4-3 on penalties to advance after a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes.
Arsenal started brightly and forced the first effort on goal with Gabriel Martinelli attempting to beat goalkeeper Illan Meslier from a tight angle, but the shot-stopper managed saved the effort. Moments later, Diego Llorente’s long ball carved open the Arsenal defence, releasing Dan James who’s touch let him down as Bernd Leno saved.
Arsenal’s best chance came towards the end of the half as the ball dropped invitingly on the edge of the penalty area for Emile Smith Rowe. However, he fired the ball over the bar. The scores remained 0-0 as they referee blew the halftime whistle.
Early in the second half, Arsenal defender Ben White was substituted for Calum Chambers after picking up an injury.
However, Chambers made an instant impact as he headed Nicolas Pepe’s pass into the net despite the best efforts of goalkeeper Meslier.
Nketiah, who spent half a season on loan with Leeds in the 2019/2020 season, then sealed Arsenal’s spot in the quarter-finals with a brilliant piece of skill.
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The young England striker pounced on Cooper’s poor headed back pass and flicked the ball over Meslier before bundling the ball into the net.
Arsenal will now wait to see who they will face in the last eight when the draw is made on Saturday.
“I think a really good performance overall against a team whose manager demands them to be so committed in every single action,” Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said. “We played well and understood the game and executed it in the right way.”
“They gave us some issues, they always do, because every time you lose a duel you can be one vs one, the way they play! We adjusted a few things at half-time and we got better and stronger.”
Carabao Cup results
Arsenal 2-0 Leeds United
Chelsea 1-1 Southampton (4-3 on Penalties)
Queens Park Rangers 0-0 Sunderland (1-3 on Penalties)
