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It is certainly difficult to believe that Dele Alli was plying his trade with MK Dons last season given the impressive performances of the young English midfielder for Tottenham this season. Tottenham had signed him in February 2015 and sent him back to MK Dons for the rest of the season.

Dele Alli

Although they felt that Alli would take his time to adjust to the rigors of the Premier league, the young midfielder has certainly shown that he belongs to the top tier of English football with his assured performances. The rise of Alli this season has certainly made him a favorite to be selected for Euro 2016 and his current club has also realized the importance of providing him the necessary incentive.

Alli was signed from MK Dons on a contract worth 10,000 pounds per week. Tottenham are reportedly going to double his pay wherein he would be earning 20,000 pounds per week. The ludicrous fact is that such an increase in pay does not even look high given the astronomical wages that Premier league players are currently on.

Alli, just 19, has already earned four senior caps for his country and Tottenham would certainly hope that the young man would be able to continue his present form for the club.

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.