Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge and Arsenal winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain both scored twice as the experienced players secured passage for their youthful teams into the quarter-finals of the English League Cup.
Sturridge, who has failed to score in seven Premier League matches this season, has only found joy in front of goal in England's second-tier knockout competition when top-flight typically deploy weaker teams.
Sturridge's double eliminated Tottenham with a 2-1 victory at Anfield, his first Liverpool goals since also netting twice in the League Cup in August.
After firing into the roof of the net from Marko Grujic's cross in the ninth minute, the England striker tucked the ball under Tottenham goalkeeper Michel Vorm in the second half.
Vincent Janssen pulled one back from the penalty spot but Tottenham couldn't force extra time against its Premier League title rival.
"He is a finisher, a really good striker. I have never been in doubt about him, even when he didn't score. He was really good, " said Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp.
It was a smoother night for Arsenal against Reading, despite only beating the second-tier League Championship club 2-0.
Oxlade-Chamberlain poked the ball through defender Tyler Blackett's legs into the corner of the net to put Arsenal ahead in the 33rd minute. A deflected shot from the England international doubled Arsenal's lead in the 78th.
"He has acted in front of goal like he didn't deserve to score," said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said.
"Now he has some belief with his finishing and we hope every time he has the ball something can happen."
Premier League side Hull survived a late scare against Bristol City of the League Championship to win 2-1. Harry Maguire and Michael Dawson scored either side of halftime but City forward Lee Tomlin grabbed a goal in the third of seven minutes of stoppage time.
The biggest win of the night saw second-tier leader Newcastle, relegated from the Premier League last season, rout 10-man Preston 6-0.
Leeds-Norwich went to extra time after a 1-1 draw.
The fourth round will be completed Wednesday with three all-Premier League matches, headlined by United hosting City in the season's second Manchester derby clash between Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola. There's also a London derby between West Ham and Chelsea, while Southampton takes on Sunderland.
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