Arsenal defeat Liverpool, Chelsea and City romp through

Arsenal's young stars dazzled in the League Cup once again as the Gunners reached the quarter-finals with a 2-1 win over Liverpool, while Chelsea and Manchester City also romped through on Wednesday.

Arsene Wenger uses the League Cup as his training ground for each crop of youngsters emerging from the academy and the Arsenal manager looks to have found another gem or two judging by their victory at the Emirates Stadium.

Spanish teenager Fran Merida announced his arrival on the big stage in impressive style when he netted his first Arsenal goal in the 19th minute.

The 19-year-old former Barcelona midfielder drilled in a fine strike from the edge of the penalty area.

Emiliano Insua drew Liverpool level in the 26th minute with his first goal for the Reds - a blistering 25-yard volley.

But Nicklas Bendtner, 21, produced a powerful finish after 50 minutes to put Arsenal into the last eight in Wenger's 750th game in charge of Arsenal.

The only bright spot for Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez was a brief cameo appearance from Italy midfielder Alberto Aquilani, who was finally fit to come off the bench in the closing stages for his long-waited debut after his pre-season move from Roma.

Chelsea cruised through with a 4-0 victory over Bolton at Stamford Bridge despite resting the likes of John Terry, Frank Lampard and Petr Cech.

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.

Manchester City destroyed Scunthorpe 5-1 at Eastlands as Roque Santa Cruz scored his first goal for Mark Hughes' team.

Stephen Ireland got City's early opener but Scunthorpe hit back with a Jonathan Forte equaliser in the 26th minute.

Once Santa Cruz restored City's lead with a 38th minute header there was only going to be one winner.

Joleon Lescott increased City's lead in the 56th minute before Carlos Tevez netted after 71 minutes. Michael Johnson, on as a substitute, added City's fifth in the 77th minute.