Southampton and Manchester United joined Liverpool and Hull City in the last four of the League Cup with impressive victories over Arsenal and West Ham respectively.
Claude Puel’s Saints produced an excellent display to comfortably beat Arsene Wenger’s Gunners 2-0 at the Emirates, with goals from Jordy Clasie and Ryan Bertrand sealing their place in the semi-finals of a competition they have yet to win in their 131-year history.
They are joined in the last four by Jose Mourinho’s United who, with their manager banned from the stadium for kicking a bottle in their draw against West Ham, scored four to get the better of Slaven Bilic’s side this time around.
Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.
Braces from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Anthony Martial (Pictured) secured a much-needed win for the Red Devils, with Ashley Fletcher’s first-half equaliser little more than a blemish on a decent United performance.
The draw for the semi-finals was also made last night, with Southampton to face Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, and Hull’s reward for beating Newcastle on penalties on Tuesday night is a two-legged contest against Mourinho’s United.
Unsurprisingly, after an exciting night of cup action, many took to Twitter to express their views on yesterday’s game, and it was Southampton that deservedly stole the limelight, with many Saints fans thrilled at their side’s display at the Emirates last night…
https://twitter.com/badjackers/status/804086949921378306
#saintsfc great win tonight always good to get a result v arrogant Arsenal. Their usual fans didn't show up – they got one hell of a beating
— Mark Callen (@mrncallen) November 30, 2016
#Arsenal outplayed,outfought. Superb performance #saintsfc #Academy #leaguecup
— David Hann (@mrdavidhann) November 30, 2016
While many Gunners fans were frustrated with their team’s display on Wednesday night, as Arsene Wenger’s wait to lift the League Cup goes on…
https://twitter.com/Arsenal49News/status/804085617739124737
That was a very disappointing performance, but we must focus on our next game as we need to close the gap in the table. #AFC #COYG
— Khaled Ali (@Luka93_) December 1, 2016
https://twitter.com/ChhailC/status/804084265289994247
And some fans rightly suggested that, although Arsenal made ten changes to the side that beat Bournemouth on Sunday, Puel made eight changes to his line-up…
Who cares if Arsenal made 10 changes, #saintsfc made 8 and kept a good enough team with lots of back-ups playing!!
— Simon (@spminty) November 30, 2016
Didn't see the match tonight so can't comment to much, Southampton made several changes too so no excuses. #arsenal #afc #ARSSOU
— Taylor (@Taylor_Tweets_) November 30, 2016
In last night’s other game, Man United saw off West Ham 4-1, and several United fans were delighted that the performance was finally matched by the right result…
That was a similar performance to the draw at the weekend. Goes to show we dont need luck, we just need to finish our chances. #MUFC
— Maulin (@DaulinMesai) December 1, 2016
https://twitter.com/maani_77/status/804095628452253707
Enjoyed it tonight, proper performance that. Finishing is the only thing between dropped points and walloping teams. Good stuff #MUFC
— Davide (@davidemcdanger) December 1, 2016
While several Hammers fans were disappointed with their side’s efforts at Old Trafford, and some even speculated that Bilic could struggle to keep his job if performances don’t improve in the coming weeks…
Not surprised about tonights result,but the performance,really think Bilic is on borrowed time unless he can turn things round by Jan #whufc
— Rob Tighe (@MrRetroRob) November 30, 2016
https://twitter.com/billywhufc/status/804085283172077568
https://twitter.com/woolly74/status/804088291612041216
The draw was also made last night, and many took to social media to express their surprise (or lack of!) that United and Liverpool avoided each other…
United & Liverpool kept apart in the League Cup semi-final draw. Wow, what a surprise.
— Alex (@Britpop95) November 30, 2016
Tasty League Cup semi final draw.
— Navdeep Rehill (@WriteNav) December 1, 2016
https://twitter.com/J_Wade21/status/804091302530994176
