Thu Dec 19 13:48:26 UTC 2024: ## Liverpool Advance to League Cup Semifinals, Arsenal & Newcastle Secure Victories

**Liverpool** edged out **Southampton** 2-1 in a rain-soaked match at St. Mary’s Stadium to secure their place in the League Cup semifinals. Darwin Nunez, who responded to earlier jeers from the home crowd, and Harvey Elliott scored for the Reds, while Cameron Archer netted a consolation goal for Southampton. Elliott highlighted Liverpool’s determination to defend their title, while manager Arne Slot, watching from the press box due to a touchline ban, expressed his satisfaction.

Elsewhere, **Arsenal** overcame **Crystal Palace** 3-2 in a thrilling encounter, with Gabriel Jesus bagging a second-half hat-trick. Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta opened the scoring, but Jesus’s three goals, set up by Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka, secured the win for Arsenal. Manager Mikel Arteta praised Jesus’s crucial contribution.

**Newcastle United** also secured a victory, defeating **Brentford** 3-1 thanks to a brace from Sandro Tonali. Tonali’s first goals since returning from a ban were pivotal in Newcastle’s win, which also featured a goal from Fabian Schar. Manager Eddie Howe lauded Tonali’s performance and the team’s positive momentum.

The final League Cup semifinal spot will be decided on Thursday when **Tottenham Hotspur** hosts **Manchester United**.

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