Carling Cup quarter-finals - in pictures

At Stamford Bridge, Craig Bellamy was back in action for Liverpool against Chelsea. The Welsh striker missed the Reds' draw with Manchester City on Sunday following the shock news of his international manager Gary Speed's death. Bellamy wiped away a tear during a minute's applause for Speed before kick-off but was soon in the thick of the action when the game began Photograph: Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP

Andy Carroll missed a penalty for the visitors in the first half after Alex had handled the ball in the box Photograph: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

But a tap-in from Maxi Rodríguez following Bellamy's low cross eventually gave Liverpool a deserved 58th minute lead Photograph: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Martin Kelly then headed Bellamy's enticing free-kick into the net five minutes later to give Liverpool and unassailable advantage. Bellamy was hugged by his manager Kenny Dalglish when he was substituted with 11 minutes to go Photograph: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Chelsea had chances including this effort from Florent Malouda which clipped the crossbar before the rebound was smothered for a corner. Liverpool held on to record their second win at Stamford Bridge in the space of nine days.
Final score: 0-2 Photograph: Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images

At the Emirates Stadium, several old pros were looking to prove their worth to their respective managers. Yossi Benayoun of Arsenal and Owen Hargreaves of Manchester City were among them Photograph: Matt Dunham/AP

Sergio Agüero gave City a late lead when he slotted the ball past Lukasz Fabianski during a breakaway move in the 83rd miniute Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images

The Argentinian had come on as a first half substitute in a switch enforced by an injury to the defender Aleksandar Kolarov Photograph: Ian Kington/AFP/Getty Images

Arsenal were so desperate in the closing minutes that their Polish keeper ventured upfield. He was almost caught out when City launched another counter-attack and had to make a flying interception with his head to prevent City doubling their lead. In the end his efforts were futile as City rode out the match.
Final score: 0-1 Photograph: Ian Kington/AFP/Getty Images

Cardiff City hosted struggling Blackburn Rovers on a night charged with emotion following the death of Gary Speed. Following the pre-match tributes, the game started sombrely, but Cardiff took the lead through Kenny Miller's 19th minute shot and then doubled their advantage through Anthony Gerrard's 50th minute header (pictured) Photograph: David Davies/PA

While Blackburn's defence was soft, Cardiff's was rock solid; they withstood a late rally from the visitors to book their place in the semi-finals.
Final score: 2-0 Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty Images