Liverpool and Manchester City moved safely through to the Carling Cup fourth round on Wednesday, while Chelsea struggled past Fulham.
Manchester City had goals from debutant Owen Hargreaves and striker Mario Balotelli to thank for their 2-0 win over Birmingham at Etihad Stadium.
Hargreaves scored City s opener after 17 minutes with a long-range drive, the 30-year-old s first goal since he struck the winner in Manchester United s 2-1 win over Arsenal in April 2008.
Liverpool defeated Brighton and Hove Albion 2-1 at Amex Stadium, with goals from Craig Bellamy and Dirk Kuyt putting Kenny Dalglish s men 2-0 up before Ashley Barnes slotted home a late penalty for the hosts.
After scores ended at 0-0, Chelsea were forced to go to penalties before overcoming a dogged Fulham at Stamford Bridge.
Things looked good for Martin Jol s side when Mark Schwarzer saved Frank Lampard s first-up effort.
But reserve goalkeeper Ross Turnbull, who replaced the injured Petr Cech at half-time, saved Moussa Dembele s strike, before Bryan Ruiz s effort hit the crossbar as Chelsea progressed with a 4-3 shoot-out win.
Cardiff also needed penalties to get past Leicester in the Welsh capital, with scores locked at 2-2 after extra time.
Leicester s Gelson Fernandes slammed his attempt against the crossbar, leaving Paul Quinn to guide his penalty home to see Cardiff into the fourth round.
Southampton defeated Preston North End 2-1 at St Mary s, with Jos Hooiveld and Adam Lallana getting on the scoresheet for the hosts.
And Everton had an extra-time goal from captain Phil Neville to thank for their 2-1 win over West Brom at Goodison Park.
A penalty from Chris Brunt gave the visitors the lead 12 minutes after the break, but a Marouane Fellaini goal in the 89th minute forced extra time before Neville s heroics sent David Moyes men through.
