Manchester City got a goal from Owen Hargreaves to set them on course to beat holders Birmingham City at the Etihad Stadium. Somehow, they managed this without seeing the former England international explode or maimed in any other way, and Mario Balotelli added a second goal int he first half to allow Roberto Mancini's men to cruise to a 2-0 win. Liverpool had a more difficult ask in facing nPower Championship risers Brighton, but they too struck twice, and a late penalty to make it 2-1 didn't end up proving particularly costly as the Reds advanced.
Carling Cup 2011, Round 3: Chelsea, Liverpool And Manchester City All Advance
Chelsea-Fulham went to penalties at Stamford Bridge despite the hosts playing with ten men for the majority of the second half after Brazilian centre back Alex was adjudged to have fouled teenager Kerim Frei in the box - Chris Foy awarding a penalty and a red card. Pajtim Kasami's effort struck the bar, however, and the game played out to a 0-0 draw before Bryan Ruiz's decisive spot kick stuck the bottom of the bar, the goalline, the bar again and finally bobbled out without ever going in. That's Chelsea's first meaningful penalty shootout win in more than a decade.
Cardiff City vs. Leicester also went to penalties, although that was a match with rather more in the way of goals, with each team scoring in both halves to take the match to extra time and eventually spot kicks. The first 12 were all converted before Gelson Fernandes skied his shot over the crossbar. Paul Quinn planted his effort past Chris Weale to lead Cardiff to victory 2-2 (7-6).
A penalty very nearly saw Everton knocked out at home against West Bromwich Albion, but Maruoane Fellaini left foot gave them a lifeline in the last minute and the Toffees managed to get their noses ahead in extra time, closing out the game for a 2-1 win, with Phil Neville the hero. Southampton triumphed over Preston North End by a similar margin, with Josh Hooiveld and Adam Lallana bracketing an Adam Barton strike to give the hosts a win.
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