Source: Alamy Stock Photo

Easy Wins for Liverpool Against West Ham and Arsenal Against Bolton

Arsenal advanced to the fourth round of the English Football League Cup with a commanding 5-1 victory over third-tier Bolton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium. Liverpool secured the same scoreline, defeating West Ham United at Anfield.

Arsenal’s goals came from Declan Rice (16’), Ethan Nwaneri (37’, 49’), Raheem Sterling (64’), and Kai Havertz (77’), while Bolton’s lone strike was courtesy of Welshman Aaron Collins (53’).

The Gunners’ win followed just 72 hours after their thrilling 2-2 draw against Manchester City in the Premier League, a match where Arsenal played the entire second half with ten men following Leandro Trossard’s red card just before halftime.

Mikel Arteta made seven changes to his starting XI from the City game. Notably, 16-year-old goalkeeper Jack Porter replaced the injured David Raya, and Raheem Sterling, on loan from Chelsea, made his Emirates debut.

Liverpool, the defending champions, followed Arsenal’s lead, overturning an early deficit to beat West Ham 5-1 at Anfield. The match also saw newcomer Federico Chiesa make his debut in the starting lineup.

Despite the convincing scoreline, Liverpool had their struggles early on. They trailed in the 21st minute due to an own goal by Jarrell Quansah.

However, Diogo Jota equalized with a header in the 25th minute after a bicycle-kick attempt from Chiesa, and he added a second in the 49th minute.

Manager Arne Slot brought on Mohamed Salah to replace Chiesa, and the Egyptian star made an instant impact, netting Liverpool’s third goal in the 74th minute.

West Ham’s troubles worsened when Edson Álvarez was sent off in the 76th minute, leaving them with ten men. Cody Gakpo added two late goals in the 90th and 93rd minutes to seal Liverpool’s third consecutive win in all competitions.

This latest win leaves Liverpool second in the Premier League standings, one point behind Manchester City.

With ten League Cup titles, Liverpool holds the record for the most trophies in the competition, ahead of Manchester City’s eight.