The Carabao Cup third round delivered a night of extraordinary drama, stunning individual performances, and high-octane football as teams battled for a coveted place in the fourth round. From marathon penalty shootouts to breakout displays by teenage talents, the 2026-27 season’s League Cup continues to showcase England’s depth and unpredictability.
Match Results
| Home Team | Score | Away Team |
|---|---|---|
 Peterborough United | 10 - 9 |  Barnsley |
 West Ham United | 2 - 3 |  Fulham |
 Ipswich Town | 2 - 4 |  Arsenal |
 Liverpool | 3 - 1 |  Tottenham Hotspur |
 Reading | 1 - 2 |  Brentford |
The headline-grabbing contest unfolded at the Weston Homes Stadium, where Peterborough United FC edged past Barnsley FC in an astonishing 10-9 victory after penalties. The match itself was a breathless affair, finishing 3-3 in regular time before descending into a nerve-shredding shootout that seemed to have no end. Both sides threw caution to the wind, trading attacks in a contest that will live long in the memory of fans. For Peterborough United FC, the win represents a vital morale boost in a challenging League One campaign and sets up a tantalizing fourth-round tie.
Elsewhere, the London Stadium played host to another thriller as Fulham FC toppled West Ham United FC 3-2. Summer signing Cesar Palacios and substitute Oscar Bobb—who netted a scintillating solo winner—were among the standout performers, while Fulham's manager Alvaro Arbeloa lauded the impact of his young bench. The match was also marked by an emotional tribute to former West Ham goalkeeper Ludek Miklosko, adding an extra layer of poignancy to the evening.
Young talent was also on full display at Portman Road, where 16-year-old Max Dowman starred for Arsenal FC in a 4-2 victory over Ipswich Town FC. Dowman’s two goals and an assist underlined his prodigious talent, with manager Mikel Arteta praising the teenager’s composure and intelligence. Alongside veteran Merino and Noni Madueke, Dowman led Arsenal FC to a convincing win, further highlighting the impressive depth of the Premier League champions’ squad.
At Anfield, Liverpool FC continued their cup run with a commanding 3-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur FC. Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo, and Dominik Szoboszlai found the net, while 20-year-old Lewis Koumas earned Player of the Match honours for a relentless attacking display. The victory reinforces Liverpool FC’s formidable squad rotation under Andoni Iraola and deepens Tottenham Hotspur FC’s early-season woes.
Completing the night’s action, Brentford FC had to work hard for their 2-1 win over Reading FC, a match that was not without controversy. A spectacular overhead kick from Reading’s Paudie O’Connor was controversially disallowed for a high boot, a decision that left Reading’s manager fuming and highlighted the absence of VAR in the competition’s early rounds.
As the dust settles on a remarkable night of Carabao Cup action, fans are left with memories of epic contests, rising stars, and the enduring magic of knockout football. With the fourth round looming, the stage is set for even more drama as the competition heats up.