EFL Cup Round 3: 16/09/25 Matches In Review

EFL Cup Round 3: 16/09/25 Matches In Review

Just the three third round EFL Cup games on Tuesday, which included an Aston Villa side who were jetting off to play Swiss heavyweights, Young Boys just twelve months ago amidst the pinnacle of Europe’s elite.

And despite Europa league status this season, their omission from this seasons Champions League saw them have to watch from afar as this campaign's edition commenced.

It was Brentford who awaited Emery’s Villa, with Crystal Palace vs Millwall and Sheffield Wednesday vs Grimsby in the other ties on the night.

The Bees Stinger Slumps Aston Villa

Aston Villa are yet to get on the scoresheet this term and with no competitive goal since May 16th, Emery has become an increasingly frustrated figure as a result.

As for Brentford, they entered the game brimming with confidence, having drawn to Chelsea at the weekend and knowing they’d already defeated their upcoming opponents at home this season in the league.

It was new arrival Harvey Elliott who opened the scoring for the visitors on the stroke of half-time, in the midfielder's first start for his new side. Their goal drought was over. Brentford replied through Aaron Hickey in the 57th minute in a closely fought contest, that had to be decided by penalties.

In the shoot-out, the hosts keeper Valdimarsson made up for his earlier error for Villa’s goal, where he passed the ball straight to Elliott. His two penalties saves saw his side progress to the next round.

Huge character.
Huge saves.

Hákon Rafn Valdimarsson. pic.twitter.com/GWt5cmK8Hv

— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) September 16, 2025

Sense of Relief For The Eagles

Palace had a London derby to look forward to against Millwall in the third round. Despite the departure of Ebere Eze to Arsenal, keeping hold of club captain Guehi on deadline day was a pleasant surprise to the Palace faithful.

Their opponents Millwall were 13th in the Championship heading into this one. Serbian striker Ivanovic has scored just the once this campaign, with the club relying on last season's talisman to replicate his goal scoring form this time around.

It was The Eagles who started the brighter with Pino getting into some dangerous positions, but unable to convert. Millwall’s Camilla Neghli, who was 1-on-1 with back-up Palace keeper Benitez, but couldn’t find the target. Youngster Coburn had a great chance in the second half coming off the bench for Millwall.

Instead it was Palace who found the opener through Chris Richards. Millwall’s late corner was headed home by Ryan Leonard in the 91st minute sending the game to penalties. Benitez took all the plaudits, saving two penalties, as skipper Guehi guided the Argentine to the Palace fans to receive an ovation.

Marc Guehi making sure shoot-out hero Walter Benitez gets the love he deserves at Selhurst Park! 👏 pic.twitter.com/pUGwlS8RdM

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) September 16, 2025

Another Grimsby Cup Upset

After their £20,000 fine, for fielding inelgible player Clarke Odour in the previous round’s shock win against an inept Manchester United side, many thought the punishment didn’t befit the crime and hailed that the Cleethorpes outfit should be banished from the competition.

Whilst the EFL didn’t come to such harsh an outcome and instead Grimsby remained in the cup and could look forward to a trip to Hillsborough. Playing two league’s above the visitors, Sheffield Wednesday are having a torrid time as of late sitting in a measly 23rd in the Championship.

Protests continued from Owls fans towards the owner as large sections of the stadium were empty. The 6,000 travelling supporters were however in full voice and were unlucky not to take the lead against the youthful looking Wednesday side in the first period.

Jaze Kabia’s header from the corner deflected into the net, four minutes after the break giving The Mariners the deserved lead. Amaluzor thought he’d sealed victory for his side, only to be denied by the offside flag. It ended 1-0 to the visitors amid joyous times for Grimsby, but leaving much to ponder for a struggling Wednesday.

⏹️ @officialgtfc are heading for Round Four! #EFL | #CarabaoCup pic.twitter.com/MgN546KNeq

— Carabao Cup (@Carabao_Cup) September 16, 2025

Spot Kicks Stealing The Spotlight

With two of Tuesday nights games being decided by penalties, that takes the total up to 18 shoot-outs that we have been blessed with in the competition already this season.

Since removing extra-time seven years ago from the EFL Cup, it has made for quite the spectacle, particularly for the neutral when games do finish in a stalemate after 90 minutes. This decision was of course brought in to limit fatigue and to lessen the chances of players picking up injuries.

Whilst that is all well and good, the entertainment that it provides is delightful for any football supporter, not that the Aston Villa or Millwall fans will see it that way.