Chelsea secured a much-needed win against Brighton last night to help lift the mood around Stamford Bridge, with a number of different players standing out for the right reason.
Nicolas Jackson’s second-half goal was enough to give the Blues a 1-0 home win in the third round of the Carabao Cup. Next, they’ll host Blackburn Rovers in the fourth round.
It was an interesting team selection from Mauricio Pochettino for yesterday’s cup game, but his thinking was justified by winning just their third game of the season. Incidentally, two of them have come in the domestic cup competition.
Marc Cucurella, making just his second appearance of the season, had a fascinating evening for the Blues.
The 25-year-old’s a conventional left-back and can cover at centre-back if needed. However, we saw him start at right-back against his former club Brighton.
He was troubled at times by Brighton’ skilful wide man Kaoru Mitoma, one of the best 1v1 dribblers playing in the Premier League. However, the Spanish defender got stuck in for 90 minutes and grew a lot more comfortable as the contest went on.
Cucurella uploaded a celebratory post on Instagram following the cup win over Brighton.
“What an animal,” Blues midfielder Enzo Fernandez responded.
Cucurella is certainly at his best when he defends with aggression and on the front foot.
It’s a credit to the individual for remaining professional and working hard despite playing zero minutes in the Premier League so far this season.
With Malo Gusto and Reece James unavailable next Monday against Fulham, perhaps Cucurella has put his name in contention to play right-back.
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