Grant warms to cup glory

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The Champions League and Barclays Premier League are where success is measured, although Grant sees the Carling Cup as an opportunity to get a taste for silverware early in the season as well a chance to get off the mark himself since taking over from Jose Mourinho - and Chelsea set up a semi-final against Everton following the 2-0 win over Liverpool.

"I cannot lie and tell you this is my first priority, but if we are in this competition we want to win, this is the first trophy," Grant said. "I am optimistic by nature and feel we can win any competition, if you are a sportsman you need to believe."

Frank Lampard scored the opener against Liverpool in the 59th minute when his shot looped in off Jamie Carragher.

Peter Crouch was then dismissed for an horrific tackle on Mikel John Obi. He then aimed verbal abuse at Mikel after his red card and also exchanged angry words with fans.

Rafael Benitez believes his striker was provoked by Mikel.

"If you watch the replay where Mikel was trying to kick Crouch, then you blow your whistle and avoid the sending off," said the Spaniard. "Sometimes the referee must be a little bit quicker.

"Mikel kicked him twice and that was the reason Crouch lost his head. I have seen more dangerous tackles in the last month and sometimes it is a yellow card and sometimes it is nothing. Unbelievable."

Andriy Shevchenko wrapped up victory at the death when he squeezed in a shot at the near post after Michael Ballack had flicked on Wayne Bridge's cross.