SportsRooter.com

There were some upsets and lots of goals scored in the eight Carling Cup matches played on Wednesday. The most notable result was Sheffield Wednesday's victory over Newcastle United at the St James Park.

Liverpool 1-1 Carlisle ( Liverpool won 3-2 on penalties)

M K Dons beat Manchester United 4-0 at this stage of the competition last year but there wasn't going to be any such repeat this time as they were swept aside by Southampton. Jay Rodriguez, Sadio Mane and Shane Long all scored braces to guide the Saints to a 6-0 victory. Rodriguez's goals were his first in almost 18 months as the striker returned to action only recently after a lengthy injury lay-off.

Chelsea extended their winning streak to three games in all competitions as they start to find some rhythm to their campaign. The victims this time were Walsall who were thrashed 4-1 by last year's Premier league champions. Ramires, Remy and Pedro scored for Chelsea while new signing Kenedy also opened his account for the club. Loftus-Cheek particularly impressed in the game, getting himself an assist for Kenedy's goal.

Newcastle were knocked out of the competition by Sheffield Wednesday as the Magpies continued their uninspiring form. Steve McClaren's side has only won once this season - against Northampton - and this victory has piled more pressure on him. Newcastle struggled throughout the match and Lewis McGugan's strike from the edge of the box was enough for Sheffield Wednesday to send them out.

Arsenal beat their North London rivals Tottenham 1-2 in the most high profile clash of the evening. Both of Arsenal's goals came from an unexpected source in Matheu Flamini while Tottenham scored via a Chambers own goal. With the scores tied at 1-1, it was Flamini who volloeyed home from outside the box to hand the Gunners a vital win.

Norwich City recorded a comfortable 3-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion. Goals from Jarvis, Lafferty and a Pocognoli own goal saw Norwich earn a completely deserved victory over the Baggies.

Crystal Palace also had a comfortable evening as they put four past Charlton to secure their passage to the fourth round. The highlight of the game was undoubtedly a superb second half hattrick from Dwight Gayle. Fraizer Campbell also scored for palace while Sarr netted the consolation for Charlton.

Liverpool progressed against Carlisle but would have given Rodgers a lot to think about after putting on a woeful performances. They had to count on the luck of penalties to beat the league two side after drawing 1-1 at the end of 120 minutes. Ings scored for Liverpool while Asamoah netted for Carlisle. Summer signing Bogdan was the shootout hero as he saved three spot kicks to send Liverpool through.

Manchester United had a comfortable outing against Ipswich Town, beating them 3-0 as many would have expected. Wayne Rooney opened the scoring before Andres Perreira scored from a freekick to get on the scoresheet on his first start for the club. Martial finished the proceedings by scoring another in injury time to continue his fine form.

Christian Benteke faces a race against time to be fit for Liverpool's Merseyside derby next month. Liverpool travel to Everton on the 4th of October but the availability of the Belgian striker is in doubt following his injury in the match against Norwich .

Christian Benteke

The summer signing from Aston Villa was withdrawn at half time against Norwich after reporting a tight hamstring. His replacement Danny Ings scored for Liverpool but they could only manage a draw at home against the Canaries.

Benteke underwent a scan on Tuesday and missed Liverpool's clash against Carlisle United in the Carling Cup. Reports suggest that the Belgian will be out for up to two weeks and he will surely miss Liverpool's next Premier league game against Aston Villa and their Europa league clash against Sion.

The absence of the striker will be a huge blow for Brendan Rodgers. There have been rumours that Liverpool are looking to replace him with former Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, following Liverpool's poor run this season. Liverpool have no won their last six competitive games and the pressure is mounting on Rodgers.

Danny Ings has performed well in the absence of Benteke and scored two goals in his last two appearances. But in matches against Aston Villa and Everton, Liverpool will miss the physicality and presence offered by Benteke. Liverpool will need to win both those games to get their season back on track. They are currently 13th in the league with just 8 points from six games.

Key first team players Dejan Lovren and Jordan Henderson are also out injured for Liverpool.