As the Carabao Cup returns for a new season, a look back at some of the competition's most memorable and high-scoring encounters highlights its unpredictable nature. Clubs often use early rounds to blood young talent or shake off pre-season rust, which can lead to some truly staggering results.
Among the joint-highest scoring ties in EFL Cup history are Dagenham & Redbridge's 6-6 draw with Brentford in 2014, which Brentford won 4-2 on penalties, and Arsenal's dramatic 7-5 victory over Reading in 2012 after trailing 4-0. Aston Villa also staged a remarkable comeback in 2005, scoring seven second-half goals to beat Wycombe 8-3 after being 3-1 down at half-time.
Record-breaking wins include West Ham United's 10-0 demolition of Bury in 1983 and Liverpool's 10-0 triumph over Fulham in 1986. More recently, Manchester City thrashed Burton Albion 9-0 in a 2019 semi-final first leg, securing a 10-0 aggregate victory.
The competition has also seen epic penalty shootouts. In 2024, Preston North End and Fulham played out a 1-1 draw before Preston won a record-breaking shootout 16-15, with 34 spot kicks taken.