Carabao Cup: EFL speak out after Arsenal and Manchester City ‘fourth substitute’ confusion

THE EFL have moved to clarify the situation of Arsenal and Manchester City’s Carabao Cup fates.

Eddie Nketiah scores first ever goal for Arsenal

The two clubs booked their place in the quarter-finals with respective victories against Norwich and Wolves last night.

However, each side used two substitutes in extra-time of the fourth-round ties.

And closer stipulation of the competition rules indicated that teams were only permitted to make one change in the extra half-hour - meaning the games may have been forced to be replayed.

By the end of the regular 90 minutes, both teams had only made two subs.

And they used their third, along with a permitted fourth substitute, in the additional time.

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The Carabao Cup quarter-final draw will take place tomorrow

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Manchester City beat Wolves on penalties last night

So the EFL have moved to reassure the Gunners and City that their victories will stand.

They say that the regular three changes can be used any time in the game, with the fourth only allowed if the game is tied after 90 minutes.

An EFL statement read: “A maximum of seven substitutes may be nominated for any match.

“Clubs may use three of those seven substitutes at any time in a match (including extra time).

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Eddie Nketiah scored twice as Arsenal beat Norwich

“Clubs are permitted to use a fourth substitute if the tie goes into extra time.”

The quarter-final draw of the competition will take place tomorrow (4pm).

Bournemouth, Bristol City, Leicester City and Manchester United have already booked their place in the last eight, alongside Arsenal and City.

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