Chelsea booked their spot in the Carabao Cup semi-finals with a 2-1 win over AFC Bournemouth last night. Willian opened the scoring for the Blues, before Dan Gosling netted the Cherries’ equaliser in the 90th minute. Antonio Conte was relieved to avoid extra-time, however, as Alvaro Morata struck immediately afterwards to send Chelsea into the next round of the competition. Here is how the Blues rated:
Willy Caballero – 6
Didn’t have much to do during the game. Must feel slightly annoyed to have conceded late on, but the Argentine couldn’t do anything about Gosling’s strike.
Gary Cahill – 6
Wasn’t really tested much during the game, but was solid defensively when needed.
Ethan Ampadu – 8
A superb performance from the 17-year-old. Looked assured and composed in the back three. Was excellent defensively and wasn’t overawed by the game.
Antonio Rudiger – 7
Solid defensively and was okay going forward. Always a decent option in the back three when called upon.
Davide Zappacosta – 6
Didn’t really impact the game in the way he wanted, but got well forward at times.
Cesc Fabregas – 7
Provided the assist for the opening goal, but was otherwise disappointing in a game that he could’ve dominated.
Danny Drinkwater – 6
A lack of first-team action has seen Drinkwater’s rhythm slow down and his performance showed a lack of fitness.
Kenedy – 7
Provided an exquisite backheel to Fabregas which led to Willian’s opener, and always looked a threat on the left-hand side.
Pedro – 6
Didn’t really do much during the game. Perhaps he’s played too much in recent weeks and deserved a rest.
Willian – 6
Like Pedro, the Brazilian didn’t really attack Bournemouth much, but did look somewhat threatening in a rare foray forward.
Michy Batshuayi – 6
A few nice turns here and there, but the Belgian didn’t really capture the chance given to him.
Substitutes
Eden Hazard – 7
Looked promising when substituted on, and provided the assist for Chelsea’s winner with a great backheel to Morata.
Tiemoue Bakayoko – 6
Subbed on to sure up the midfield, and did exactly that.
Alvaro Morata – 7
Scored the winner in the last few minutes. His link-up play with Hazard continued as they combined for Chelsea’s second.