Man City cruise through after Raheem Sterling strikes

Raheem Sterling was among the scorers as Manchester City put Saturday’s defeat behind them with a comprehensive 4-1 win at Sunderland in the Capital One Cup.

The England forward scored the last of four first-half goals as City, who surrendered their perfect start to the Premier League season at home to West Ham United last weekend, eased into the fourth round.

England U19s forward Patrick Roberts also featured for City at the Stadium of Light after coming off the bench in the second half.

Elsewhere, Ross Barkley netted on his 100th Everton appearance as the Toffees came from behind to beat Championship side Reading 2-1.

Nick Blackman scored for the Royals but Everton – who also had Phil Jagielka, John Stones and Brendan Galloway in action – fought back through Barkley and Gerard Deulofeu.

England U21s keeper Jordan Pickford saved a Dan Gosling penalty as Preston North End took Premier League Bournemouth to a shootout but the Cherries prevailed.

With the scores level at 2-2 after extra time, Pickford kept his side in it by keeping out Bournemouth’s third spot kick but the visitors went on to win the shootout 3-2.

England Under-20s trio Chuba Akpom, Isaac Hayden and Moses Odubajo all featured as Hull City upset Premier League Swansea 1-0, David Meyler with the game’s only goal.

Matt Grimes started the clash for Swansea and was replaced by Jonjo Shelvey in the second half but neither could inspire an equaliser.

Andy Carroll and Carl Jenkinson both started West ham’s trip to in-form Leicester City but they were helpless to deny the Foxes a 2-1 victory, Andy King netting the winner late in extra time.

Jack Stephens appeared off the bench as Middlesbrough completed an impressive 3-0 win against Wolves, who had Dominic Iorfa in defence.

And Birmingham teenager Demarai Gray could not prevent Aston Villa securing a 1-0 derby triumph, while Cauley Woodrow was in action as Fulham lost to Stoke by the same scoreline.

Sunderland 1 Manchester City 4: Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling on target in 'important' win

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini was delighted with his team's response to two defeats as they piled more misery on Sunderland in a 4-1 Capital One Cup rout at the Stadium of Light.

City, who were beaten by Juventus in the Champions League and West Ham in the Barclays Premier League in the space of five days last week, raced into a 4-0 lead inside 36 minutes through a Sergio Aguero penalty, a Kevin De Bruyne strike, a Vito Mannone own goal and a Raheem Sterling effort.

"Really it was important to win the way we did today because we have just come from two important defeats, one in the Champions League and the other in the Premier League, so it was important to start this Capital One Cup in the way that we did in the first half," Pellegrini said.

"It's important to win. Maybe we didn't deserve to lose the two games that we lost, but we did, so it was important not to continue in that sense."

Ola Toivonen's late consolation did little to ease the mood of gloom on Wearside, but Pellegrini's opposite number Dick Advocaat - whose side sit at the foot of the Premier League table - was buoyed by elements of the Black Cats' performance.

The Dutchman said: "Maybe you think I am negative, but I am negative, but I am not. Yes, negative that we lost 4-1, but the way we played in the first 25 minutes, it was very positive."

Steve Bruce's Hull claimed a Premier League scalp as David Meyler's first-half effort sunk 2013 winners Swansea 1-0 at the KC Stadium.

Tigers midfielder Jake Livermore, having not played since it emerged in May that he had tested positive for cocaine, was given a rousing ovation before kick-off and again when he was replaced midway through the second half, and Bruce believes the former Tottenham man is ready to get his career back on track.

"It was a big night for Jake for obvious reasons and I'm sure he appreciated the support he got from our fans," Bruce said of the 25-year-old, who was cleared to return less than two weeks ago after the Football Association took the death of his newborn son as exceptional mitigating circumstances.

"He's had the support of the club from the moment this happened and now he's played his first game he can get back on with his career."

Rudy Gestede headed a 62nd-minute winner as Aston Villa edged home 1-0 in a tight derby clash with Birmingham at Villa Park, while Everton survived a scare as they came from behind to win 2-1 at Reading.

A 33rd-minute effort from Peter Crouch proved enough for Stoke to beat Fulham 1-0 at Craven Cottage, and Middlesbrough cruised to a 3-0 win over Wolves at the Riverside Stadium with two goals from Albert Adomah and one for Diego Fabbrini.

Andy King headed the winner four minutes from the end of extra time as Leicester beat West Ham 2-1 at the King Power Stadium, while Bournemouth held their nerve to edge past Championship Preston on penalties after a 2-2 draw at Deepdale.

The third-round action continues on Wednesday when Spurs host Arsenal, Chelsea visit Walsall, Manchester United take on Ipswich, Liverpool tackle Carlisle, Newcastle face Sheffield Wednesday, Crystal Palace play Charlton, Norwich meet West Brom and Southampton travel to MK Dons.

Raheem Sterling was involved in one of the transfer sagas of the summer

His protracted and often ugly departure from Liverpool caused controversy and debate before he eventually completed his £49m move to Manchester City.

Raheem Sterling of Manchester City celebrates scoring

But six weeks later Sterling is proving his worth and all the question marks, doubts and snide remarks seem a distant memory.

Sterling is proving his worth, he is showing that all the fuss was worthwhile and he has been a central figure in City's remarkable and perfect start to the season.

The 20-year-old has scored his first goal for City, provided an assist and has helped Manuel Pellegrini's side climb to the top of the Premier League.

It is important to remember that the central part of Sterling's argument was not about money but because he wanted to move to win trophies and also to improve as a player to strengthen his chances for England.

Sterling is key to Roy Hodgson's plans for Euro 2016 and if he is playing with confidence and belief at City then it will only benefit England who have a double header with San Marino and Switzerland up next.

England boss Hodgson started with Sterling in the No10 role in the first game of last year’s World Cup against Italy. That's how important Hodgson views Sterling.

With his pace, movement and creativity, Sterling can grow at City and become England's best player in the future.

It surely justifies his decision to leave and move for the good of his career and development.

Even though it's only the end of August, Sterling is playing in the most exciting and dynamic team in the country, they are top of the table and playing some super stuff.

He has shown mental strength to handle the move, cope with the pressure of the spotlight and also show the price tag is not a burden.

Many players, more experienced and with more miles on the clock, have really struggled under that sort of pressure and expectation.

There is also a nice connection with the City fans, making a habit of giving away his shirt at the end of games.

The supporters are enjoying his performances and have taken to him.

Raheem Sterling Poses with Fabian Delph for 'Snakes on a Plane' Instagram Post

Fair play to Raheem Sterling.

The Manchester City winger might not be the most popular man in football after his move from Liverpool to the Etihad Stadium, but at least he’s retained a sense of humour.

Sterling posed for a photo with Fabian Delph—who also joined the Citizens in the summer transfer window—and posted it on Instagram with a message that includes two snakes. The pair are on a plane flying to San Marino for England’s Euro 2016 qualifier.

Sterling turned down a £100,000-a-week contract at Anfield in a very public way last season, per BBC Sport, whilst Delph pledged his allegiance to Aston Villa before making his move to the Premier League title challengers less than a week later.

Where’s Samuel L. Jackson when you need him?