Jordan Henderson demonstrated his growing influence at Liverpool with a fine goal in his side's victory over Manchester City at Anfield.
The 24-year-old was restored to Liverpool's line-up and the captaincy after injury and made an almost immediate impact, curling home after 11 minutes with a strike which former skipper Steven Gerrard would have been proud.
Edin Dzeko equalised for City, but champions' hopes of defending their Premier League title took a major dent when, in the 75th minute, Philippe Coutinho fired home to complete 2-1 win.
Gary Cahill, right, wheels away after John Terry's opening goal for Chelsea
Henderson was joined the Liverpool starting XI by fellow Three Lions Adam Lallana and Raheem Sterling, while Daniel Sturridge came on as a substitute. James Milner and Frank Lampard came on as second-half replacements for City.
Their England team-mate Gary Cahill can look forward to a night of celebration after his Chelsea side prevailed 2-0 over Tottenham Hotspur in the Capital One Cup final at Wembley Stadium.
Cahill guided his side to an unblemished victory and put in some trademark blocks as he won his duel with England hopeful Harry Kane, who spearheaded the Tottenham attack.
Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino gave Under-21s defender Eric Dier a big vote of confidence by starting him at centre-back, while Kyle Walker, Ryan Mason and Danny Rose all started.
Luke Garbutt is beaten to the ball by Hector Bellerin while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain watches on
But Chelsea were worthy victors, taking the lead on the stroke of half-time through former England captain John Terry, before doubling their advantage when Diego Costa's cross-shot deflected in off Walker.
Across London Arsenal prevailed 2-0 over Everton at Emirates Stadium.
Olivier Giroud gave the Gunners the lead and Tomas Rosicky eased jangling nerves with an 89th-minute effort that deflected in off Phil Jagielka.
Kieran Gibbs played 90 minutes for Arsenal, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain a lively 82, while Calum Chambers and Danny Welbeck were late substitutes.
For Everton John Stones started in defence alongside Jagielka, while Under-21s left-back Luke Garbutt continued to deputise for Leighton Baines.
Ross Barkley also started, and played a hand in Everton's best chance, which fell to Romelu Lukaku but was well saved by David Ospina.
