Carabao Cup 2026/27: Arsenal Shock Exit, Liverpool Advance and Quarter-Final Draw Revealed
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The 2026/27 Carabao Cup has delivered a dramatic week of English football, with a major Arsenal upset, tense penalty shootouts, and exciting quarter-final matchups.
Football fans witnessed League Two side Fleetwood Town eliminate Arsenal on penalties, while Liverpool overcame Chelsea and Manchester City survived a difficult encounter against Brighton & Hove Albion to reach the last eight.
With the quarter-final draw now confirmed, the competition is entering an exciting stage. Can the remaining underdogs continue their remarkable runs, or will the Premier League giants take another step towards Wembley?
At FootballCrazy.store, we're following the latest football stories, results, and developments that matter to supporters. Here's everything you need to know about the latest Carabao Cup action.
1. Arsenal Suffer a Shock Carabao Cup Exit
One of the biggest talking points of the week was Arsenal's elimination by Fleetwood Town, a League Two club.
Arsenal and Fleetwood finished their fourth-round match level at 1–1 after 90 minutes. Fleetwood then won the penalty shootout 5–3 to secure a memorable victory and advance to the quarter-finals.
Viktor Gyökeres scored Arsenal's goal, but the Gunners could not find a way past their lower-league opponents over the course of the match.
The result was a major cup upset and a reminder of why knockout football remains so unpredictable.
For Fleetwood, defeating a club of Arsenal's stature represents a significant achievement. The reward is another opportunity to face Premier League opposition in the next round.
For Arsenal, the early exit will inevitably prompt discussions about squad selection, match performance, and the demands of competing across multiple competitions.
Why it matters: Cup competitions create opportunities for smaller clubs to challenge established teams. A single match can produce a result that supporters remember for years.
2. Liverpool Edge Chelsea in a Dramatic Penalty Shootout
Liverpool secured their place in the quarter-finals after eliminating Chelsea at Anfield.
The match finished 1–1 in normal time, with both sides scoring from the penalty spot. The contest was ultimately decided by a shootout, which Liverpool won 6–5.
The result continued Liverpool's recent success against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup and ensured that the Reds remain in contention for another domestic trophy.
Penalty shootouts place enormous pressure on players. Every kick can determine whether a team's cup campaign continues or ends, making them some of the most dramatic moments in football.
Liverpool's victory also sets up an intriguing quarter-final against Bournemouth, a team that has enjoyed an impressive run of results.
With a place in the semi-finals at stake, this matchup could become one of the most closely watched ties of the next round.
3. Manchester City Survive Brighton's Challenge
Defending holders Manchester City also had to work hard to reach the last eight.
City drew 2–2 with Brighton & Hove Albion before winning the penalty shootout 4–3.
Brighton took the lead through Malick Yalcouyé before Mateo Kovačić equalised. Georginio Rutter then put Brighton ahead again, but Vitor Reis scored City's second equaliser to send the match to penalties.
Goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli proved decisive in the shootout, saving two penalties as Manchester City avoided elimination.
The result demonstrated Brighton's ability to challenge one of English football's strongest teams while keeping City's hopes of retaining the trophy alive.
City will now face Bradford City in the quarter-finals.
Although City will be expected to compete strongly, knockout football offers no guarantees. Bradford have already shown their quality by progressing through the earlier rounds.
4. Bournemouth Continue Their Impressive Run
Bournemouth produced one of the standout performances of the round, defeating Aston Villa 3–0.
Amine Adli, Lewis Cook, and Álvaro Rodríguez scored as Bournemouth secured a convincing victory.
The result was particularly notable because Aston Villa had recently beaten Manchester City in the Premier League.
Bournemouth's cup performance adds further interest to their upcoming quarter-final against Liverpool.
The two teams have different ambitions and resources, but a single knockout match gives both a genuine opportunity to progress.
For Liverpool, the challenge will be to find a way past an opponent that has demonstrated its ability to produce strong performances against established clubs.
For Bournemouth, the quarter-final represents another chance to make a statement in English football.
5. Sunderland and Crystal Palace Reach the Quarter-Finals
Two other Premier League clubs also progressed.
Sunderland defeated Brentford 3–2 in an entertaining encounter. Sunderland established a three-goal lead before Brentford scored twice to make the closing stages more competitive.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace defeated Fulham 1–0, with Eddie Nketiah scoring the decisive goal.
The results mean Sunderland and Crystal Palace will meet in the quarter-finals.
This fixture offers both clubs an opportunity to move closer to a potential appearance at Wembley.
For supporters, the tie should be particularly interesting because it brings together two Premier League sides competing for a place in the semi-finals.
6. Carabao Cup 2026/27 Quarter-Final Draw
The quarter-final draw has produced four intriguing matchups.
| Quarter-final | Matchup |
|---|---|
| 1 | Fleetwood Town vs Everton or Newcastle United |
| 2 | Manchester City vs Bradford City |
| 3 | Crystal Palace vs Sunderland |
| 4 | Liverpool vs Bournemouth |
Everton and Newcastle United are scheduled to play their fourth-round match on 29 October. Fleetwood's opponent will be confirmed after that fixture.
The quarter-finals are scheduled for the week commencing 14 December 2026.
Fleetwood Town vs Everton or Newcastle United
Fleetwood will have another home tie after eliminating Arsenal.
Their opponents will be either Everton or Newcastle United, depending on the outcome of their fourth-round meeting.
After their victory over Arsenal, Fleetwood will enter the next round with confidence. However, facing another Premier League club will present a different challenge.
Manchester City vs Bradford City
Manchester City will host Bradford City.
City have extensive experience in major domestic cup competitions, but Bradford have earned their place in the quarter-finals and will be determined to make the most of the opportunity.
The match gives Bradford a chance to test themselves against one of the strongest clubs in English football.
Crystal Palace vs Sunderland
Crystal Palace will face Sunderland in an all-Premier League quarter-final.
Both clubs will see the tie as a realistic opportunity to advance, although the outcome will depend on performances on the night.
With a semi-final place available, this could become a tightly contested match.
Liverpool vs Bournemouth
Liverpool's meeting with Bournemouth is one of the most interesting fixtures in the draw.
Liverpool will have home advantage, but Bournemouth's recent results suggest they should not be underestimated.
Both clubs will be aiming to progress, and the winner will move one step closer to competing for the trophy at Wembley.
7. Why the Carabao Cup Matters to Football Fans
The Carabao Cup may not receive the same attention as the Premier League or UEFA Champions League, but it remains an important competition in English football.
For major clubs, it provides an opportunity to win silverware and give squad players valuable match experience.
For smaller clubs, it can create opportunities to face high-profile opponents, attract wider attention, and build memorable moments for supporters.
The competition also produces a different type of excitement from a league campaign. In knockout matches, there is no second chance to recover points in a later fixture. Teams must deliver when it matters.
Fleetwood's elimination of Arsenal is an excellent example of how unpredictable the competition can be.
The quarter-finals will provide another opportunity for underdogs to challenge established clubs and for favourites to demonstrate why they are among the contenders.
8. What Should Fans Watch in the Next Round?
As the competition approaches the quarter-finals, there are several storylines worth following.
Can Fleetwood produce another upset?
After defeating Arsenal, Fleetwood will attract considerable attention. Their next opponents will face a team that has already demonstrated its ability to compete under pressure.
Can Manchester City defend their title?
City survived a difficult match against Brighton. Their next challenge is Bradford City, and victory would take them closer to another appearance in the semi-finals.
Will Liverpool continue their cup success?
Liverpool have progressed after a tense shootout against Chelsea. Their meeting with Bournemouth will test their ability to maintain momentum.
Can Bournemouth continue surprising bigger clubs?
Bournemouth's 3–0 victory over Aston Villa was one of the round's most impressive results. Their match against Liverpool will provide another test of their ambitions.
Which club will reach Wembley?
The quarter-finals are an important step towards the final. With several competitive teams still involved, the road to Wembley remains open.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which teams have reached the 2026/27 Carabao Cup quarter-finals?
The confirmed quarter-final matchups include Fleetwood Town against Everton or Newcastle United, Manchester City against Bradford City, Crystal Palace against Sunderland, and Liverpool against Bournemouth.
Did Arsenal get eliminated from the Carabao Cup?
Yes. Arsenal drew 1–1 with Fleetwood Town before losing the penalty shootout 5–3.
How did Liverpool qualify for the quarter-finals?
Liverpool drew 1–1 with Chelsea and won the penalty shootout 6–5.
Did Manchester City beat Brighton?
Manchester City drew 2–2 with Brighton and won the penalty shootout 4–3.
When will the Carabao Cup quarter-finals take place?
The quarter-final matches are scheduled for the week commencing 14 December 2026.
Why are lower-league clubs important to the Carabao Cup?
Lower-league clubs can challenge more established teams, create memorable upsets, and give their supporters the opportunity to see their clubs compete against high-profile opposition.
Final Thoughts
The latest Carabao Cup round has delivered exactly what makes knockout football exciting: unexpected results, penalty-shootout drama, and opportunities for underdogs to challenge established teams.
Fleetwood Town's victory over Arsenal has become one of the competition's biggest talking points, while Liverpool and Manchester City remain in contention after surviving difficult matches.
With the quarter-final fixtures confirmed, attention now turns to December and the race for a place in the semi-finals.
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