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On Tuesday evening in England, ten Carling Cup Round of 16 matches took place. Just like in the previous stage, this stage also had its share of surprises. Premier League clubs West Ham and Sheffield United exited the competition, while Aston Villa struggled. An intriguing battle took place in Chesterfield, where the League One underdogs Chesterfield faced struggling Premier League side West Ham from London. The hosts could have scored in the 3rd minute, but a dangerous shot from Colin Larkin was saved by goalkeeper Robert Green. "If you don't score, they will": just a minute later, Marlon Harewood sent a powerful shot from 20 meters into the goal – 0-1. After scoring an early goal, West Ham players gave the opponents the initiative. Although they often made mistakes in defense, Chesterfield could not capitalize on it due to their lack of skill and often tried their luck from distance. The hosts' efforts were rewarded in the 54th minute when Caleb Folan's shot hit the crossbar and Colin Larkin put it in the net – 1-1. Even after conceding a goal, the Hammers had to focus more on defense as Chesterfield players were constantly looking for ways towards the opponents' goal. However, Bobby Zamora almost punished them twice, first shooting over the crossbar and then having his dangerous shot with legs saved by goalkeeper Barry Roche. Still, luck favored the weaker but fiercely fighting team. In the 87th minute, after a free-kick near West Ham's goal, Caleb Folan scored the winning goal – 2-1. The visitors' frantic attack did not change the score, and Chesterfield held on to their lead, sensationally advancing to the quarterfinals of the Carling Cup. Another Premier League team that exited the tournament was Sheffield United, losing 2-4 at home to Birmingham City, who were relegated from the top division last season. The Blades only managed to earn 5 points in the last 6 Championship matches. After this impressive victory, Birmingham's coach Steve Bruce said: "I think it's a great result. I can't remember when we scored 4 goals away. However, maybe we will lose again soon, and criticism will pour in." Meanwhile, Aston Villa, who started the Premier League season well, had a tough time away against League Two side Leicester, only defeating them after extra time. Villa dominated almost the entire match, but Patrick Kisnorbo equalized from 12 meters in the 85th minute – 2-2. In injury time, the visitors could have stolen the victory, but Gareth Barry missed the penalty awarded for a foul against Chris Sutton, which he successfully converted at the end of the first half. However, Aston Villa clinched the victory in the dying moments of extra time, in the 119th minute, when Gabriel Agbonlahor scored from the penalty spot. Liverpool's Everton had the least trouble, comfortably defeating Luton Town 4-0 in an attacking style match. The winners could have had an even greater lead, but Mikael Arteta missed a penalty. With little effort, Arsenal also advanced to the quarterfinals, winning 2-0 away at West Bromwich Albion. 23-year-old Frenchman Jeremie Aliadiere scored twice, the first from a penalty for a foul against himself, and the second after a pass from the young talent Theo Walcott. Arsenal also had bad news - striker Emmanuel Adebayor suffered an injury in the middle of the first half and was immediately substituted. In a match between two struggling Championship teams, Leeds suffered a 1-3 home defeat to Southend. The new Leeds coach, Dennis Wise, watched the game and will start his duties today. Nonetheless, this did not save Leeds from their fifth consecutive defeat, even though they controlled the ball for two-thirds of the game. Watford, League One Port Vale, and League Two Wycombe and Notts County also advanced to the quarterfinals. On Wednesday, six more Round of 16 matches will take place. Chelsea, Manchester United, and Liverpool will also enter the fray. Results of the Round of 16 matches on Tuesday: Chesterfield 2 - 1 West Ham Leeds United 1 - 3 Southend Leicester City 2 - 3 Aston Villa Notts County 2 - 0 Southampton Port Vale 0 - 0 Norwich City (3-2 in penalty shootout) Sheffield United 2 - 4 Birmingham City Watford 2 - 1 Hull City West Bromwich Albion 0 - 2 Arsenal Wycombe 2 - 2 Doncaster Rovers (3-2 in penalty shootout) Everton 4 - 0 Luton Town
