Arsenal have reached the EFL Cup quarter-finals thanks to a hard-fought victory over Liverpool at Anfield.The two sides met on Monday night in the Premier League and Jurgen Klopp’s side sealed a 3-1 victory in that match.But it was Arsenal who won on Thursday evening, triumphing on penalties following a goalless 90 minutes.James Milner, Alexandre Lacazette, Gini Wijnaldum, Cedric Soares and Takumi Minamino all converted the first five spot-kicks.Mohamed Elneny and Divock Origi then both missed before Ainsley Maitland-Niles made it 3-3 with a remarkably cool penalty.
The 23-year-old took a series of short steps before producing a brilliant side-footed strike, high into the middle of the net, leaving Liverpool goalkeeper Adrian with absolutely no chance.Watch Maitland-Niles’ audacious penalty here…Talk about staying calm under pressure!He’s cheeky smile towards Adrian afterwards said it all.Arsenal fans on social media absolutely loved the England international’s penalty. Here’s some of the best reaction…
“People at home don’t realise what it takes to do that,” former Arsenal star Paul Merson said of Maitland-Niles’ penalty on Sky Sports after the match.
It turns out Maitland-Niles really is the king of penalties...
Custis Jones and Nicolas Pepe both converted their spot-kicks but Harry Wilson’s miss presented Joe Willock with the opportunity to send Arsenal through to the next round.
It wasn’t the best penalty but Adrian’s attempted save was unsuccessful and Arsenal’s name was subsequently entered into the hat for the EFL Cup quarter-final draw.
That took place after the match and Arsenal will face Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City for a place in the semi-finals.
The EFL Cup quarter-final draw in full:
Stoke v Tottenham
Brentford v Newcastle
Arsenal v Man City
Everton v Man Utd