The Carabao Cup, a thrilling competition that showcases the wildest and most unpredictable matches in English football, has a rich history of astonishing scorelines. From 12-goal thrillers to 10-0 humiliations and penalty shootouts that threaten to last almost as long as the match itself, the EFL Cup has had it all over the years. Here's a look at some of the most remarkable games the competition has ever produced, each with its own unique story and impact on the sport.
Dagenham & Redbridge 6-6 Brentford (2-4 pens)
On August 13, 2014, at Victoria Road, Dagenham & Redbridge, then in League Two, hosted Brentford, recently promoted to the Championship. What unfolded was a gripping match that went down in EFL Cup history as the joint-highest scoring tie. The game was level at 4-4 after 90 minutes, and the goals kept coming in extra time. Dagenham took the lead for the first time in the 113th minute, only to be tied 6-5 late on by Brentford's Harlee Dean in the 117th minute, sending the match to penalties. After a tense shootout, Brentford emerged victorious, with Kevin O'Connor scoring the winning spot-kick.
Wycombe 3-8 Aston Villa
In September 2005, at Adams Park, Wycombe Wanderers, a League Two side, faced Aston Villa, managed by David O'Leary. The Villans trailed 3-1 at halftime but mounted a comeback, scoring seven goals in the second half. Some Villa fans were angry at the early goals from Wycombe, but the response from Villa was remarkable. Goals from Milan Baros and James Milner brought them back to 3-3, followed by a Craig Easton own goal, two from Gareth Barry, and further strikes from Milner and Steven Davis. This turnaround showcased Villa's resilience and ability to turn a potential upset into a convincing victory.
West Ham United 10-0 Bury
On October 25, 1983, at the Boleyn Ground, West Ham United, then in Division One, recorded their record win over Bury, a Fourth Division side. There were no signs of a spectacular scoreline in the first leg, which West Ham won 2-1. However, the Hammers raced to a 5-0 halftime lead, with Alvin Martin, Trevor Brooking, and Tony Cottee dominating Bury. Cottee completed his hat-trick before the break, and the Hammers were just as ruthless in the second half, adding five more goals. This match showcased the sheer dominance of West Ham and the talent of their players, including Cottee, who scored four goals in the match.
Reading 5-7 Arsenal
On October 30, 2012, at the Madejski Stadium, Reading, still without a win in their return to the Premier League, faced Arsenal. Reading led 4-0 by the 35-minute mark but capitulated, losing 7-5. Arsenal's Theo Walcott sparked a comeback with a goal before halftime, and the match went into extra time. Marouane Chamakh put Arsenal in front, but Pavel Pogrebnyak equalized for Reading. Walcott restored Arsenal's lead, and Chamakh completed the scoring. The match was further highlighted by the moment when Olivier Giroud and Francis Coquelin threw their shirts into the crowd, only to have to ask for them back once they realized extra time was still ongoing.
Manchester City 9-0 Burton Albion
In January 2019, at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City, managed by Pep Guardiola, thrashed Burton Albion, a League One side, in the semi-final first leg. City's dominance was evident as they scored nine goals, with Gabriel Jesus scoring four. The Brewers, who had beaten Premier League and Championship sides to reach the last four, were powerless to stop City's attack. After the match, Nigel Clough, Burton's manager, humorously invited Guardiola for a glass of wine, hoping for more than one glass. The second leg finished 1-0 at the Pirelli Stadium, sealing a 10-0 aggregate victory for City.
Liverpool 10-0 Fulham
On September 23, 1986, at Anfield, Liverpool, the League champions, showcased their class with a 10-goal demolition of Fulham, a Third Division side. Steve McMahon scored four goals, including a missed penalty, as Liverpool swept aside their opponents. Ian Rush and John Wark struck early, followed by goals from Ronnie Whelan and McMahon, either side of Wark's second. This match demonstrated Liverpool's attacking prowess and the ability of their players to perform under pressure.
Preston North End 1-1 Fulham (16-15 pens)
In September 2024, at Deepdale, Preston North End and Fulham played out a third-round tie that went into the record books. The match ended 1-1, but it was the penalty shootout that produced the longest record in the competition's history. A total of 34 spot kicks were taken, with 31 successfully converted. Fulham's Timothy Castagne blazed his penalty over the bar, and Preston midfielder Ryan Ledson, who scored the game's opener, fired in the decisive penalty. This shootout eclipsed the previous record set in 2016, showcasing the drama and unpredictability that the EFL Cup can bring.
These matches, each with their own unique story, have left an indelible mark on the Carabao Cup's history, reminding us of the competition's ability to produce thrilling and unforgettable moments in English football.
