The EFL Cup, officially known as the Carabao Cup due to sponsorship reasons, is one of England’s most prestigious domestic cup competitions. The tournament provides opportunities for clubs across all levels of English football to compete for silverware, with the Premier League giants, Championship clubs, and even League One and League Two teams battling it out for the coveted trophy.
As the competition continues to unfold year after year, one of the most fascinating aspects of the tournament is the wealth of statistics that accompany each season. Whether it’s goals, assists, minutes played, or team performance, these statistics help shape the narrative of the tournament, provide insights into player and team performance, and add a layer of intrigue for fans and analysts alike.
In this article, we’ll break down the key EFL Cup stats, including historical trends, notable individual and team achievements, top performers, and everything you need to know about how the competition has evolved. We will also explore what fans have been asking about the tournament, the most popular players, and how statistical trends impact predictions.
Overview of the EFL Cup
The EFL Cup, which is also known as the Carabao Cup due to its sponsorship, is a knockout-style football competition contested by 92 clubs in the English football pyramid. This includes clubs from the Premier League, Championship, League One, and League Two. The competition was founded in 1960 as the Football League Cup and has undergone various name changes due to sponsorship deals. The current sponsor, Carabao, a Thai energy drink company, has been the competition’s title sponsor since 2017.
Format of the Tournament: The tournament begins with a first-round, typically featuring teams from League One and League Two. The higher-tier clubs from the Premier League and Championship enter at a later stage, often after the third round. The competition culminates in a final at Wembley Stadium, where the two best-performing teams face off for the trophy.
Historical EFL Cup Stats
Over the years, the EFL Cup has seen an incredible number of goals scored. On average, the competition sees a high number of goals per game, making it an exciting tournament to follow. While the exact total number of goals changes every year, the most prolific campaigns can see a total of more than 1,000 goals scored.
The highest-scoring match in EFL Cup history occurred in 2004, when Wigan Athletic faced Nottingham Forest, and the final scoreline was an incredible 4-3 in favor of Wigan. Matches with a high goal tally are a common feature of this tournament, as lower-league clubs often take risks against top-tier teams, leading to wide-open, high-scoring encounters.
Number of Titles Won by Top Clubs
Some clubs have dominated the competition over the years, establishing themselves as EFL Cup kings. Here are some key statistics on the number of times the top clubs have won the tournament Liverpool holds the record for the most EFL Cup wins, with a staggering 8 titles. Manchester City has been highly successful in the competition in recent years, securing 8 titles as well, including a four-season streak from 2018 to 2021. Aston Villa, Chelsea, and Manchester United have each claimed the trophy multiple times.
Most Successful Managers
The EFL Cup has had its fair share of legendary managers who have left their mark on the competition. Here are the managers with the most EFL Cup victories:
Sir Alex Ferguson: The legendary Manchester United manager won the EFL Cup 4 times during his tenure.
Kenny Dalglish: Dalglish won the trophy 3 times as manager of Liverpool.
Manuel Pellegrini: Pellegrini managed Manchester City to a famous 2014 EFL Cup victory.
Key EFL Cup Stats for Players
Most Goals in the Competition: Certain players have become synonymous with the EFL Cup due to their outstanding performances and goal-scoring feats. Here are the players with the most goals in EFL Cup history:
Sergio Agüero (Manchester City): Agüero is the all-time top scorer in the EFL Cup with 14 goals to his name.
Martin O’Neill: While better known for his managerial career, O’Neill also made a name for himself in the EFL Cup with 8 goals.
Fernando Torres (Chelsea): Torres made significant contributions during Chelsea’s EFL Cup victories.
Most Assists
Assists are crucial in cup competitions, with many goals coming from well-executed assists. Some of the leading players in the EFL Cup’s assist charts include:
David Silva (Manchester City): Silva, with his creative playmaking skills, registered several key assists, earning a reputation as a top EFL Cup contributor.
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool): Gerrard is known for his leadership and passing accuracy, making him a frequent assist provider in EFL Cup ties.
Most Appearances
As clubs field rotated squads and make frequent changes to their lineups in domestic cups, certain players stand out for their longevity in the competition. Here are the players with the most appearances in EFL Cup history:
Ryan Giggs (Manchester United): With 56 appearances, Giggs holds the record for the most appearances in the competition, having played for Manchester United over many seasons.
Frank Lampard (Chelsea): The Chelsea legend is another player with over 50 appearances in the EFL Cup, adding to his trophy haul during his career.
Notable Trends and Statistical Insights
Over the years, lower-league clubs have often made surprising runs to the later rounds of the EFL Cup. These clubs are given the opportunity to test themselves against top-flight teams, and many have seized that opportunity. One such example is Bradford City, who reached the 2013 final as a League Two club, defeating Premier League sides on their way to Wembley.
Trends in Upsets: The EFL Cup is known for its upsets and surprise results, particularly in the early rounds when Premier League clubs often field weakened teams. Some examples of major shocks include:
Bristol Rovers defeated Arsenal in 2014. Leeds United’s victory over Manchester United in 2018. These upsets provide some of the most memorable moments in the competition’s history.
Most Red Cards in the EFL Cup
As a knockout competition, the EFL Cup can sometimes be heated, with emotions running high. Over the years, there have been some contentious moments, leading to red cards. While not a common occurrence, these moments add drama to the matches.
Top Red Card Incidents: Chelsea vs Manchester United in the 2005 final, when John Terry was controversially sent off. Sunderland’s match against Manchester City in 2013, where a late red card changed the course of the game.
Penalty Shootouts: Penalty shootouts have been a dramatic way to decide the outcome of tight EFL Cup ties. In some seasons, multiple matches have been settled from the spot, adding an extra layer of suspense. One of the most thrilling penalty shootouts took place in 2018 between Chelsea and Manchester City in the final, where City emerged victorious after a series of penalty conversions.
FAQs
What is the EFL Cup prize money?
The prize money for the EFL Cup is smaller compared to other major tournaments, but it still provides significant financial rewards for clubs. The total prize pool is £100 million. Winning clubs can earn £100,000 for lifting the trophy, with incremental prize money awarded as teams advance through the rounds. Additionally, the winner of the EFL Cup qualifies for the UEFA Europa Conference League (if they haven’t already qualified for European competitions through league performance).
Who is the top scorer in EFL Cup history?
As of April 2025, the all-time top scorer in the EFL Cup is Sergio Agüero, with 13 goals. Agüero was a standout performer for Manchester City, scoring consistently in the competition. Other top scorers include Fernando Torres (Chelsea) and Robin van Persie (Arsenal).
Which team holds the record for the most EFL Cup wins in a single decade?
Manchester City holds the record for the most EFL Cup wins in a single decade, winning the trophy four times between 2010 and 2020. Their success under manager Pep Guardiola has solidified them as one of the top teams in the competition’s modern era.
Why is the EFL Cup important for smaller clubs?
The EFL Cup represents a major opportunity for smaller clubs to compete in a prestigious competition and potentially win silverware. For clubs outside the Premier League, it is also a gateway to European football, as the winner qualifies for the UEFA Europa Conference League. Additionally, a good run in the competition can bring in valuable revenue and increase a club’s visibility.
What impact does winning the EFL Cup have on a team’s season?
Winning the EFL Cup can have a significant impact on a team’s season. Aside from the prestige and prize money, the victory often boosts team morale and gives clubs a taste of success, which can inspire better performances in league competitions. It also offers the winner a route into European competition (Europa Conference League), adding further importance for clubs aiming for international football.
In Summary
The EFL Cup has a long and storied history, with plenty of statistical intrigue surrounding the tournament each year. From the incredible number of goals scored to the dramatic penalty shootouts, the cup offers a wealth of statistics that help define the narrative of each season. As the competition evolves, it will be fascinating to track emerging trends, new records, and the individual performances that capture the hearts of football fans everywhere.
Whether you’re a fan of the Premier League giants or rooting for a lower-league underdog, the EFL Cup continues to provide an exciting spectacle. So, as you tune in for the next round of fixtures, take note of the statistics that help make this tournament a unique and captivating competition in English football.
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