Even though they were miles from their best, Chelsea’s Premier League quality eventually got them over the line in the EFL Cup tie against Lincoln City to avoid a major upset. This included a piece of individual brilliance from Blues attacker Tyrique George.
On Tuesday night, Chelsea put in the type of team performance away to League One side Lincoln City that they will want to forget in a hurry.
After an extremely poor opening 45 minutes, the Blues found themselves 1-0 down because of Rob Street’s goal for the hosts. Thankfully, Enzo Maresca’s side came out quickly and much sharper for the second period to clinch a 2-1 comeback win.
Tyrique George, who started as the central striker, levelled in the 48th minute with a thunderbolt on the half volley. Then, just two minutes later, Facundo Buonanotte finished inside the box after weaving his way through the opposition.
Lincoln’s pre-match warning to Chelsea is that they planned to use long throw-ins to their advantage. The reality is that the Blues struggled for large spells with the physicality in defending set pieces, but they did enough to progress to the fourth round.
Chris Sutton stunned by Tyrique George goal
Chris Sutton delivered glowing praise on Chelsea forward George after his crazy finish from outside the box to draw his side level against Lincoln.
While doing co-commentary for Lincoln against Chelsea on BBC Radio 5 Live (8:52pm, 23 September), Sutton said: “I tell you what, this is some finish, some strike. Out of nothing, Chelsea are level. Tyrique George, he must be 24 yards out, on the left-hand side of the box; the ball just sits, and he lashes the ball on the half volley right-footed. It hammers off the far post. [Zach] Jeacock is absolutely nowhere near it. No goalkeeper in the world is stopping that. That is an absolutely stunning strike.”
Chelsea supporters praised George for his contribution against Lincoln, claiming he was much better than attacking teammates Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho.
Tyrique George statistics vs Lincoln
George, who’s a winger by trade, didn’t find too much joy when leading the line against Lincoln. However, he did make some match-winning contributions with his impact in the second half, so he can be pleased with his night’s work.
Here is a look at the 19-year-old attacker’s individual statistics from the cup victory:
| Minutes played | Goals | Assists | Total shots | Chances created | Accurate passes | Offsides | Match rating |
| 70 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 15/17 (88%) | 1 | 8.2 |
George was gutted his move to Fulham collapsed late in the summer transfer window, so it’s a credit to the youngster for the way he’s knuckled down and got on with things since. In fairness, Maresca is keeping him involved and he’s done his chances of playing more no harm with a goal and assist.
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