(Football news) A dramatic clash between Liverpool and Leicester City, a last minute leveller by Takumi Minamino ensured the Reds went into the shootouts before winning the match 5-4 on penalties. The Reds made 10 changes from the team that started against Tottenham last Sunday and were down by two goals thanks to Jamie Vardy who found the back of the net twice in four minutes (9th and 13th minute). Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain kept Liverpool in the clash by scoring in the 19th minute before James Maddison’s 25 yard strike in the 33rd minute ensured that the Foxes maintained their two goal cushion.

Jurgen Klopp introduced Diogo Jota, James Milner and Ibrahima Konate after half-time and midway through the second half, Jota found the back of the net to make the score 2-3 before Minamino levelled the score in the fifth minute of second half stoppage time to take the tie to penalties. Leicester City managed six perfect penalties but Luke Thomas’ effort was then saved by Caoimhin Kelleher. With Liverpool firmly in the advantage, Minamino could not capitalize on the opportunity as his spot kick hit the bar. The tide turned when Ryan Bertrand’s penalty was saved by Kelleher while Diogo Jota converted his penalty in sudden death to ensure the hosts progressed into the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup to face Arsenal.

At the Brentford Community Stadium, the hosts took on Chelsea at the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup in a clash that was a lot tighter than it should have been. Brentford defender Pontus Jansson’s own goal gave Chelsea the lead in the 80th minute while Jorginho doubled the Blues’ lead with five minutes to go from the penalty spot. The hosts enjoyed the better chances in the first half but failed to take advantage of their opportunities as Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea will now face Tottenham in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, hoping to win the competition for the first time since 2015.

Also read: Arsenal defeat Sunderland in the Carabao Cup to progress into the semi-finals

A thrilling London derby between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham ended in favor of Antonio Conte’s team who took the lead just before the half hour when Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg combined with Steven Bergwijn who converted from close range in the 29th minute. The goal led to a frenzy as Hugo Lloris was forced to tip the ball over the bar twice after West Ham attempted to get an equalizer before Eric Dier’s mistake allowed Jarrod Bowen to find the back of the net in the 32nd minute. However, scarcely had West Ham finished celebrating when Lucas Moura gave Tottenham the lead yet again in the 34th minute after a majestic dribble by Bergwijn. The goal was controversial as Sergio Reguilon appeared to have obstructed Alphonse Areola's vision from an offside position but in the absence of VAR the goal stood.

The second half continued in a similar fashion as Hugo Lloris came to the rescue yet again by denying Bowen while referee Chris Kavanagh denied penalty calls from both sides when Harrison Ashby was appeared to have been fouled by Reguilon while Matt Doherty's cross hit Arthur on his chest followed by his arm. With West Ham desperate for an equalizer, substitute Said Benrahma had a couple of attempts but the Hammers failed to find a goal. With this result Antonio Conte will face his former club Chelsea in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup with the first leg in the week of January 3 and the second leg in the week of January 10.