Chelsea’s miserable start to the New Year continued as they were dumped out of the Carabao Cup by London rivals Arsenal at the Emirates, after the two-legged tie finished 2-1 in favour of the Gunners on aggregate. Chelsea made a frantic start to the game as Pedro had a goal disallowed for offside in the 5th minute. However, the Spaniard slipped Hazard in 2 minutes later and the Belgian slotted calmly past Ospina to ensure the tie wouldn’t go to a penalty shootout.
Arsenal responded positively but needed a generous helping of luck to equalize as Monreal’s header from a corner bounced off Alonso and then Rudiger to flummox Caballero and restore parity, albeit Chelsea were ahead on away goals. The match was decided with yet another goal borne out of a deflection. Lacazette’s cross from the right fell kindly for Xhaka for the Swiss man to prod home what eventually proved to be the winner.
The loss means Conte’s struggles against Wenger continue, and Chelsea’s most realistic chance at a trophy evaporate, with the FA Cup now the only trophy Chelsea can compete for.
Willy Caballero- 6.5/10
Had to rush out bravely in the first half to deny Wilshere but had a relatively untroubled game otherwise. Could do nothing about the goals.
Victor Moses- 6/10
Got forward well, but the final pass was always disappointing. Got booked just after an hour for a bad foul.
Antonio Rudiger- 6/10
Comfortable night for the German as he didn’t let Lacazette trouble him too much and stuck to his man well. Own goal was barely his fault. Also could not do much regarding the deflection that led to the Arsenal winner.
Andreas Christensen- 6.5/10
Another composed display from the Dane. Passed around well and carried the ball forward when needed. Could’ve done better during the second goal though.
Cesar Azpilicueta- 6/10
Not at his dominant best, and 2 decent crosses aside, wasn’t at his sharpest on the ball.
Marcos Alonso- 5.5/10
Started slow but grew into the game. Had a lot of crossing chances but failed to get past the first man on multiple occasions. A horrible freekick late on summed up his night.
Tiemoue Bakayoko- 7.5/10
One of his best games in a while. Looked good on the ball and carried out his defensive duties well.
N’Golo Kante- 6.5/10
Not his best game as he looked overburdened and sloppy on the ball at times.
Willian- 5/10
Started well, as did Chelsea, but his game was sadly cut short due to injury.
Eden Hazard- 8/10
A menace throughout as he always looked to unsettle the Arsenal defence and gave his side the lead with a neat finish. Wasn’t given the necessary support up front which must concern Conte.
Pedro- 6/10
Got the assist for the first goal and looked bright in the opening half hour. Completely anonymous in the second and subbed off.
SUBSTITUTES
Ross Barkley (Willian 30’) – 6.5/10
A promising debut and showed a great work ethic. Got Wilshere booked as he got onto the ball first. Was visibly lacking match fitness, however.
Michy Batshuayi (Pedro 65’) – 5/10
Had no influence.
Davide Zappacosta (Moses 72’) – 5/10
Didn’t do much on the right apart from a very neat piece of ball control that led to a corner right at the end of the game.
