LONDON, Nov 28: Alan Shearer scored his 100th goal for Newcastle as he struck twice in a crushing 4-1 win over Ipswich in the fourth round of the League Cup on Tuesday.
All four goals came inside the first 40 minutes as Newcastle swept aside their manager Bobby Robson’s former club to reach the quarter-finals.
First division Watford produced an upset as they beat premier league Charlton 3-2 in extra time, while Bolton defeated Southampton 6-5 on penalties after the teams were locked at 2-2.
Arsenal also reached the last eight, though their 2-0 home win over Grimsby was overshadowed by news that their goalkeeper David Seaman will be out for six weeks after undergoing surgery on a shoulder injury.
Newcastle’s French winger Laurent Robert started the rout when he smashed the ball under keeper Matteo Sereni in the 18th minute.
Shola Ameobi made it 2-0 from close range eight minutes later before former England captain Shearer struck twice in three minutes towards the end of the half.
Both goals were set up by Peruvian Nolberto Solano, whose right-wing crosses were swept home by Shearer from inside the six-yard box.
Darren Bent grabbed a second-half goal for George Burley’s side, but it was scant consolation for the outplayed visitors.
Arsenal, fielding an almost second-string side, took a fourth-minute lead when Brazilian Edu rose at the far post to head home before Sylvain Wiltord sealed the win in the 74th minute.
But Arsenal’s joy at their victory was tempered after the match when manager Arsene Wenger revealed the extent of the club’s goalkeeping crisis.
Seaman’s layoff leaves the Gunners with a major problem as number two Richard Wright will be out for at least a further 10 days with a knee injury.
Tuesday’s results (Roman numerals denote division of non-championship teams, ML denotes minor league):
Arsenal 2 Grimsby (I) 0
Bolton Wanderers 2 Southampton 2
After extra time. 90 minutes: 1-1. Bolton win 6-5 on penalties.