Chelsea nearly came off the League Cup track with a comeback win against third-division Lincoln City 2-1. The third-round match of the Carabao Cup (or League Cup) kept the Blues on their toes before their comeback.
Chelsea vs. Lincoln: First Half
Lincoln City, a League One (third division) side, shocked everyone by being ahead at half-time. Rob Street had scored one minute before half-time following a Chelsea defensive blunder, to put the underdogs rightfully 1-0 up at half-time.
Chelsea keeper Filip Jorgensen had been unable to get his act together in that first half to add to the misery of the team.
Chelsea vs. Lincoln: Second Half
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca gave the players a fiery team talk at half-time and introduced tactical changes. The substitutions had an immediate effect. Within minutes of the resumption, teenager Tyrique George curled home a fine volley from around 25 yards to draw Chelsea level in the 48th minute. Then within two minutes, Facundo Buonanotte finished coolly to put Chelsea in front.
Lincoln would not give up after losing the lead. They pushed on and created chances—one good one came from a virtually open net following another Jorgensen mistake. But they could not seal it.
Substitute Francis Okoronkwo volleys an open goal in injury time, but it flies over.
Chelsea went through to the next round with a 2-1 win.
Chelsea’s Drawback
Even after the win, Chelsea can’t relax. Their first half exposed frailties—especially at the back and in the goalkeeper.
Maresca conceded that such games are tough, especially against sides from lower divisions who are physical, combative, and hungry.
The rescue, though, showed character. Young George and Buonanotte delivered when it mattered.
Lincoln leave with their heads held high having taken a big club to the wire.
Author’s Insight
Chelsea avoided the humiliating departure, but only just after a shaky beginning. Their second-half miss came to save them. And for Lincoln, this would be a game that will be admired.
As featured on Chelseanews.com
