Wednesday served up a dramatic mix of cup heartbreak, managerial disagreements, and high-profile football investment, alongside the continuing action at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Carabao Cup Penalty Agony for Lacroix and Palace
Arsenal secured their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals after a tense 8-7 sudden-death penalty shootout victory over Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium. The match was decided in the most cruel fashion for Eagles defender Maxence Lacroix, who endured a personal nightmare. The French centre-back had earlier scored an unfortunate own goal to give the Premier League leaders an 80th-minute lead.
Palace defender Marc Guehi forced the shootout with a dramatic equaliser in the fifth minute of added time. However, after a marathon sequence of spot-kicks, Lacroix saw his decisive penalty saved by Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. The Gunners will now face Chelsea in a two-legged London derby for a place in the final.
Slot and Frank at Odds Over Van de Ven Challenge
A serious injury to Liverpool striker Alexander Isak has sparked a war of words between two Premier League managers. Isak suffered a fractured fibula during Saturday's 2-1 win at Tottenham, an injury sustained as he scored the opening goal following a challenge from Spurs defender Micky van de Ven.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot labelled the tackle "reckless," stating: "If you make a tackle like that 10 times, 10 times there is a serious chance the player gets a serious injury." In contrast, Tottenham boss Thomas Frank defended his player, saying: "Reckless challenge? I don't think you see anything like that from Micky. He is very fair and I know the two players have sorted it out." Isak is expected to be sidelined for approximately two months.
Martha Stewart Becomes Latest Swansea City Investor
American television host and lifestyle author Martha Stewart has become a minority owner of Championship side Swansea City. The 84-year-old businesswoman, a close friend of rapper Snoop Dogg—who is also a co-owner—joins a consortium that includes Croatia and AC Milan midfielder Luka Modric.
Stewart attended the Swans' 2-1 victory over Welsh rivals Wrexham on Friday night. Majority owners Brett Cravatt and Jason Cohen welcomed her involvement, saying her in-person experience at the match had "increased her own enthusiasm and anticipation for being part of Swansea City."
Senegal Impress in Africa Cup of Nations Opener
In international football, Senegal began their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Botswana in Group D. Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson, currently on loan at Bayern Munich, was in fine form, scoring a brace with goals either side of half-time. Substitute Cherif Ndiaye completed the scoring late in the game.
Elsewhere in the tournament, Nigeria secured a 2-1 win over Tanzania in Group C thanks to goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman. Tunisia also triumphed 3-1 against Uganda, powered by a double from Elias Achouri. The Democratic Republic of Congo defeated Benin 1-0 in the other Group D fixture.
Today's sporting focus shifts back to the Africa Cup of Nations, where holders Ivory Coast begin their title defence against Mozambique in Group F. Cameroon also face Gabon in the same group. In Group E, Algeria meet Sudan after Burkina Faso's clash with Equatorial Guinea.
