Riyad Mahrez scored two goals to lead Manchester City, the defending champions of the English League Cup, to the fourth round after defeating third-tier club Wycombe Wanderers 6-1 at home. Liverpool also advanced comfortably with a 3-0 victory at Norwich City, where Japanese striker Takumi Minamino netted two goals. However, with most Premier League clubs making numerous changes to their starting lineups, some clubs fell short as Everton and Watford exited the tournament against lower-tier opponents.
Brandon Hanlan gave Wycombe a surprising lead at Manchester City's stadium in the 22nd minute, but the home team ended the first half 3-1 thanks to goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Mahrez, and Phil Foden, before scoring three more in the second half. Finnish striker Marcus Forss scored four goals in Brentford's crushing 7-0 win over Oldham Athletic, who sit at the bottom of the fourth tier, in their third-round match. Jay Rodriguez of Burnley also netted four goals in his team's 4-1 victory over Rochdale in the fourth tier.
Everton lost 8-7 in a penalty shootout to Queens Park Rangers after the match ended 2-2. Watford, a Premier League competitor, exited the tournament against second-tier Stoke City, losing 3-1 at home. Southampton required penalties to win 4-2 against Sheffield United, a second-tier team, after ending the match 2-2, while Leeds United also triumphed 6-5 on penalties against Fulham after the game ended in a scoreless draw. There is no extra time in the tournament, as matches that end in a draw go straight to penalties.
