Chelsea faced a tougher challenge than expected in their Carabao Cup clash against AFC Wimbledon at Stamford Bridge. The Premier League side had to rally from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over League Two’s AFC Wimbledon to advance to the next round of the Carabao Cup.
The match took an unexpected turn when Chelsea’s goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez, conceded a penalty following a collision with Harry Pell. Television replays revealed that the Chelsea goalkeeper had made contact with the ball before the collision with Pell. James Tilley confidently converted the penalty to give Wimbledon the lead.
This early goal provided Wimbledon with a foothold in the match, and they defended resolutely, making it challenging for the Premier League outfit. However, Chelsea found their lifeline when Noni Madueke, making his first start of the season, showcased a moment of brilliance to win a penalty.
The young England under-21 star calmly slotted the penalty past Wimbledon’s goalkeeper, Alex Bass, leveling the score before halftime. Mauricio Pochettino made significant substitutions, introducing Nicolas Jackson and, a few minutes later, both Malo Gusto and World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez, in an attempt to secure the win.
Fernandez tested the Wimbledon goalkeeper with a long-range shot before capitalizing on a defensive lapse by the visitors to give Chelsea their first lead of the match. Despite moments of danger posed by the team 62 places below them on the break, Chelsea managed to maintain their lead.
In the end, Chelsea advanced to the next round of the competition. Mauricio Pochettino would have preferred a more straightforward victory, but he accepted the result as part of the ongoing development of the Chelsea project. Here are the player ratings for every Chelsea player in today’s match.
1. Robert Sanchez-5.5
Conceded a penalty but to be fair that was soft. Not much wrong after that. Came for crosses confidently.
2. Ian Maatsen – 5.5
Tested Bass from distance having recovered from a sloppy first half. Last 90 minutes.
3. Bashir Humphreys- 6
Started the game at right back, not much he could do
4. Diego Moreira-5
Not the game he would have envisaged. A few misplaced passes and then got subbed at half time.
5. Levi Colwill -7
Used the ball nice and early every time he got it.
6. Conor Gallagher
Conor was captain of the day and looked aggressive and on the front foot every time he got the ball.
7. Mason Burstow-6
Looked sharp and hurried the backline. I suspected he would have wanted a goal tonight.
8. Marc Cucurella-6
A few miss-placed passes in the first half but grew into it.
9. Noni Madueke-8
Brilliant bit of skill to win a penalty and step up to score it. Bringing Chelsea back to the game. Everything good Chelsea did came through him.
10. Axel Disasi-7
Strong and always looked to be on top of the game. Made brilliant block in the second half.
11. Lesley Ugochukwu -6
A difficult game for the French midfielder.
12. Nicolas Jackson-5.5
Unlucky not to have scored
13. Enzo Fernandez -8
Changed the game. Such a class performance. Should have scored a second late on.
14. Malo Gusto – 5
Decent and brought more urgency to the game.