Premier League: Players that impressed in the Carabao Cup

• Favorites Manchester City were among the teams that were eliminated from the Carabao Cup third-round action.
• We look at the players that impressed in the midweek.

Favorites Manchester City were among the teams that were eliminated from the Carabao Cup third-round action, which produced several talking points.

There were victories for Manchester United, Chelsea, Everton, West Ham, Liverpool, and Arsenal, while Port Vale became the second team in history to go to the League Cup fourth round.

We look at the players that impressed in the midweek.

Andrew Moran (Blackburn)

In order to go to the fourth round, Blackburn defeated Championship opponent Cardiff, and the teenager strengthened his already solid reputation.

Moran, who is on loan from Premier League Brighton to Blackburn, has had a fantastic start to the season. He was at the heart of the team’s best performance during the 5-2 victory at Ewood Park, scoring twice and dishing out two assists.

After Cardiff twice came from behind to tie the game, the 19-year-old took advantage of a defensive slip-up to put Blackburn ahead for the third time before putting the game beyond the reach of the visitors with a long-range shot.

His first senior goals in English football secured Blackburn a fourth-round matchup at Chelsea, and the Republic of Ireland under-21 international will look to improve on this performance going forward.

Curtis Jones (Liverpool)

Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones.Photo/Sky Sports

At Liverpool, Curtis Jones is still developing, and his impressive performance against Leicester while playing outside of his position demonstrated his maturity.

Jones was assigned to right-back for the Championship leaders’ visit but handled the new position well while wearing the captain’s armband at Anfield. He inverted into midfield and made good connections with Harvey Elliott and Ben Doak on the right side.

Last season, Jones’ career seemed to be on the verge of stalling, but he shined along the stretch and has carried that form into this season. Jurgen Klopp will be drawn to his ease in adjusting to a new job, and the home fans were grateful for his work after giving the stand-in skipper a standing ovation upon his introduction.

Anass Zaroury (Burnley)

With the Moroccan delivering a message to Vincent Kompany with creative brilliance against Salford, Anass Zaroury’s return to Burnley might give the Clarets the spark they so desperately seem to need.

Zaroury’s season got off to a bad start as he was dismissed against Manchester City on the first weekend of the Premier League. On Tuesday night, he earned his first start of the year and contributed to all four goals as Burnley defeated Salford City to go to the fourth round.

Sander Berge successfully headed home a fantastic set-piece delivery for the game’s first goal, and then Zaroury brilliantly set up Jacob Bruun Larsen for the second goal with a cross over the top. Dara O’Shea ultimately converted the winger’s free-kick for Burnley’s third goal of the game, and Zaroury earned his hat-trick of assists by perfectly placing a cross to find Wilson Odobert.

Zaroury is prepared for a run in the Premier League after experiencing early-season frustration.

Cole Palmer (Chelsea)

Cole Palmer.Photo/Livescore

Many people were surprised by Cole Palmer’s summer transfer to Chelsea when the West Londoners paid £42.5 million to get the England Under-21 international from Manchester City.

Given the caliber of offensive alternatives at the Etihad, Palmer had difficulty finding opportunities, but he proved he was prepared for regular participation at Chelsea by excelling in his debut start for the team.

When he cleverly turned and set up Jackson for the game’s winning goal against Brighton, Palmer provided the actual moment of greatness in the match while playing in a central position behind Nicolas Jackson.

Casemiro (Manchester United)

Casemiro scored and provided an assist as Manchester United beat Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup. Photo/ Eurosport.

In the first few weeks of the Premier League season, Casemiro has drawn criticism for seeming to be out of energy for a large portion of the season.

This week, when Manchester United defeated Crystal Palace 3-0, the Brazilian was at his best, giving the midfield presence that had been sorely absent in previous games.

At Old Trafford, Casemiro firmly headed in the second goal for the home team after meeting Mason Mount’s corner. He then switched roles, sending in a precisely placed cross that found Anthony Martial waiting at the back post.