Five Barclays Premier League clubs took to the field on Wednesday to compete for the last three places in the hat for the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup.

 Nicklas Bendtner sent Arsenal through as Arsene Wenger's kids showed Liverpool the strength they have in reserve with a 2-1 win.

Fran Merida, who is out of contract in the summer, opened the scoring at the Emirates Stadium with a spectacular drive before Emiliano Insua levelled with a dipping lob before the break for Liverpool, who gave Alberto Aquilani his debut off the bench.

Denmark striker Bendtner finished off a sweeping move constructed by Wenger's youngsters just after the interval for the winner in the fourth-round tie.

brushing aside

Chelsea cruised into the fifth round of the Carling Cup with an easy fourth round victory over Bolton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge.

First-half goals from Salomon Kalou and Florent Malouda put the home side in command before Deco and substitute Didier Drogba finished off Gary Megson's side after the break.

Bolton wasted a couple of chances to reduce the arrears but Chelsea were always in control despite losing goalkeeper Hilario through injury in the first-half.

Manchester City cruised into the Carling Cup quarter-finals, brushing aside a brave but out-classed Scunthorpe.

The Championship side had tried their best at Eastlands in this fourth-round tie, and at one stage produced a fine first-half equaliser from Jonathan Forte after Stephen Ireland had given City an early lead.

But City were ahead by the break through Roque Santa Cruz, and second-half goals from Joleon Lescott, Carlos Tevez and Michael Johnson set the seal on a commanding 5-1 win.

They will join Manchester United, Blackburn Rovers, Portsmouth, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur in Saturday's draw.

Carling Cup fourth round results

Wednesday:
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
Chelsea 4-0 Bolton Wanderers
Manchester City 5-1 Scunthorpe United

Tuesday:
Barnsley 0-2 Manchester United
Blackburn Rovers 5-2 Peterborough United
Portsmouth 4-0 Stoke City
Sunderland 0-0 Aston Villa (Villa win 3-1 on penalties)
Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 Everton