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Although not the most prestigious or highly regarded, the Carabao Cup match between Chelsea and Newcastle demonstrated the traditional qualities of cup football through their determined battle to stay in the competition.
Newcastle took the lead with a goal from Callum Wilson, which seemed to secure their spot in the semi-finals for the second year in a row. However, in cup matches, things are never that simple. Chelsea managed to score an equalizer in extra time thanks to Mykhailo Mudryk’s goal after yet another mistake from Kieran Trippier. This led to the game being decided by penalties.
Regrettably for the English player, he also failed to score in the penalty shootout along with Matt Ritchie. However, Chelsea did not miss a single shot, securing their spot in the semi-finals.
Wilson was fortunate for his opening goal, making the most of a catalogue of defensive errors, including a horror from Benoit Badiashile, who allowed Wilson to rob the ball from him in the box and curl into the back of the net. For the equaliser, Trippier attempted to head clear, but mistimed it, sending the ball into the path of Mudryk, who slotted home.
The absence of VAR only heightened the event. Due to not all teams in the tournament having access to the technology, it is not utilized until the semi-finals. However, the lack of replays and purple screens signaling match delays only contributed to the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge.
Anger over decisions was permitted to continue, but there was never a chance for a reconsideration. There were no extended breaks to examine things from multiple perspectives, resulting in a more seamless flow of the game.
The image is courtesy of Chelsea FC, obtained via Getty Images.
On that front, Chelsea were arguably the more fortunate. Moises Caicedo wasted no time getting stuck in with a nasty challenge on Anthony Gordon early in the match, but referee Jarred Gillett pulled out a yellow card and the game continued. Although the Blues had a penalty shout of their own in the 90th
The moment Conor Gallagher fell in the penalty area.
Chelsea had a potential penalty claim ignored and another challenge that could have been reviewed if it happened in the Premier League. Just before halftime, Levi Colwill made a dangerous tackle and caught Emil Krafth on the shin. Both players were substituted during the break.
The team from Newcastle still has something to prove in this tournament. They made an impressive run to the final, but were ultimately defeated by Manchester United in a 2-0 match. Despite their efforts, the more experienced team took home the trophy. This was Newcastle’s first time in the final since 1999, but unfortunately they were unable to replicate their success from the previous year and were eliminated in a penalty shootout.
Eddie Howe’s men had a tough route to the quarter-finals, starting at home to Manchester City, followed by a trip to Manchester United and then yet another difficult journey to face Chelsea. Their form in recent matches has not been that of the side that thrashed Paris Saint-Germain 4-1 at St James’ Park, but their injury-hit squad has been run ragged.
nd minute
Despite the persistent injury troubles, Howe selected a formidable team, considering the busy schedule ahead during the holiday season. Although there is a possibility of it not working out, Gordon had to be substituted in the 52nd minute due to an injury.nd
After descending from the ball, it could have been the result of playing too many games for the winger, but the exhausted Magpies persevered until the end.
For Chelsea, the League Cup offers arguably their best chance of securing European football this season. It seemed improbable at the start of the year for the club whose owners spent around £1bn on transfers, but languishing in 10th
The 2021 European champions currently occupy a position where they have lost seven out of 17 matches.
Some argue about the relevance of the Carabao Cup with the addition of the Champions League and Club World Cup, but neither team at Stamford Bridge showed any indication that they viewed it as a lesser tournament.
Source: independent.co.uk
