By Toby Prince
Premier League top sides, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United, all progressed to the fourth round of the Capital One Cup after seeing off Walsall, Tottenham and Ipswich Town respectively on Wednesday.
Reigning champions, Chelsea, began the defence of their title with a 4-1 away bashing of Walsall.
Ramires, Loic Remy, Kennedy and Pedro Rodriguez scored for Jose Mourinho’s side with James O’Connor getting a consolation for the home team.
Chelsea’s reward for advancing to the fourth round will see them travel to the Britannia to face Stoke City.
Mathieu Flamini struck twice as Arsenal beat North London rivals Tottenham 2-1 Cup at White Hart Lane.
Arsene Wenger’s side will now face Sheffield Wednesday in the fourth round – the championship side shocked Newcastle 1-0 at St. James’ Park.
Wayne Rooney scored to end his domestic drought as Manchester United thrashed Ipswich 3-0 at Old Trafford.
There was also a maiden strike for Andreas Pereira, and a fourth in four games for the sensational Anthony Martial with United set to battle Middlesbrough in the fourth round.
Liverpool scraped into the fourth round by beating League Two side Carlisle on penalties at Anfield.
The Reds went in front when Danny Ings headed in Adam Lallana’s cross from close range, but Derek Asamoah fired in a low shot for the equaliser.
There were boos from Reds fans when the game went into extra time, and Carlisle held on to take the game to penalties.
Capital One Cup Fourth Round draw:
Manchester City v Palace
Liverpool v Bournemouth
Manchester United v Middlesbrough
Everton v Norwich
Southampton v Aston Villa
Sheffield Wednesday v Arsenal
Hull v Leicester
Stoke v Chelsea
Fourth round games will be played on October 26.
