Chelsea’s Carabao Cup journey is over. A 2-1 defeat at the Emirates last night means Chelsea end their stay in the competition at the semi-final stage. After a goalless first leg, it all depended on the second. Eden Hazard fired the Blues into an early lead, before an own goal from Antonio Rudiger meant the two sides went in level at half-time. Granit Xhaka then scored to put the home side in the lead, and Antonio Conte’s side were unable to find a way back into the game. Here’s how the Chelsea players rated:
Willy Caballero – 7
Made a great save to deny Alex Iwobi, and was blameless for either goal. Another good performance from the Argentine in Courtois’ absence.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 6
Provided a brilliant cross for Pedro, who headed past Ospina, but unfortunately, it was ruled out for offside.
Andreas Christensen – 6
Composed as ever, and dealt with Lacazette well. His passing was strong as usual.
Antonio Rudiger – 5
Not a night he’ll look back on favourably. A very unfortunate deflection saw the ball bounce off the German’s head past Caballero. Then he deflected Lacazette’s pass into the path of Xhaka, who scored the winner.
Victor Moses – 5
Seemed slightly predictable going forward, with both Iwobi and Monreal easily dispossessing the Nigerian on a number of occasions.
N’Golo Kante – 6
Started the move for Hazard’s goal, but wasn’t his usual self as the Arsenal midfield was given a lot of space to roam.
Tiemoue Bakayoko – 7
The Frenchman’s recent performances have come under a lot of scrutiny, but he was solid on this occasion. Strong on and off the ball.
Marcos Alonso – 5
Was nowhere to be seen for Arsenal’s second, and didn’t really impact the game going forward.
Willian – 6
Forced off after half an hour through injury. Chelsea could’ve done with his energy in the second half.
Eden Hazard – 7
Opened the scoring early on with a nice finish, but was quiet in the second half.
Pedro – 6
Had an early goal ruled out, before playing a key role in Hazard’s goal.
Substitutes
Ross Barkley – 6
Replaced the injured Willian for his Chelsea debut, the Englishman looked slightly unfit, but had a few moments of promise.
Michy Batsuayi – 5
Came on as Chelsea went in search of a goal, but failed to do so. The Belgian only made six touches.
Davide Zappacosta – 6
The last attempt from Conte to get back into the game, but the wing-back couldn’t help find an equaliser.