The clubs' league encounters were supplemented by exciting Cup battles, the most entertaining coming at Stamford Bridge, on January 4th 1998, in the 3rd round. Chelsea, the Cup holders, found themsleves 5-0 down after a brace each from David Beckham and Andy Cole, and one from Teddy Sheringham.
Graeme Le Saux pulled one back and Gianlucca Vialli scored twice in five minutes to make it 3-5. The visitors hung on but were eventually sent packing by unfashionable Barnsley in the quarter finals.