Debutant Owen Hargreaves scored his first goal after a three-year injury lay-off as Manchester City beat holders Birmingham City 2-nil in an English football League Cup third round tie at the Etihad Stadium yesterday.
Liverpool, who have won the competition a record seven times, welcomed back skipper Steven Gerrard as a late substitute after six months out with an injury in a 2-1 away win at Championship (second division) high fliers Brighton & Hove Albion.
In the west London derby at Stamford Bridge 10-man Chelsea beat Fulham 4-3 on penalties after the sides drew nil-all following extra time.
Extra time was needed at Goodison Park where Everton came from behind to beat West Bromwich Albion 2-1.
In the two other matches, Championship leaders Southampton beat in-form Preston North End of League One 2-1 while Cardiff City beat Leicester City 7-6 on penalties after the all-Championship tie ended 2-all following extra time.
