Chelsea expectedly halted Derby County’s dream run in Carabao Cup, delivering an uneasy 3:2 home win on Wednesday night as Rams’ manager Frank Lampard received a standing ovation at his return to Stamford Bridge.
All the 5 goals of the crazy fixture was scored in the first half while the first one occured just 4 minutes after the starting whistle under bizarre circumstances. It was centre-back Fikayo Tomori, a Chelsea player loaned by Derby, who's made an absolutely horrendous attempt to clear the ball, sending the implement into the own net past the confused goalkeeper.
Just 5 minutes after Derby found the opposition’s net by overplaying the ball at the midfield and seeing Jack Marriott’s glorious run. But on 21st minute Chelsea took the lead again thanks to bad clearance by Derby defender Richard Keogh, who scored third goal of the game in embarrassing fashion.
The pendulum of the game continued it's forward motion, helping Derby to equalize again when Martyn Waghorn picked the other Chelsea loanee Mason Mount’s great low cross and smashed the ball home from the close range.
Chelsea players finally disrupted Derby’s goalscoring hegemony a few minutes before the break with fine strike by Cesc Fabregas, who picked up a loose ball in the opponent box.
After the interval the game lost it’s edge, although Derby was extremely close to their third equalizer when sub David Nugent hit the post. Chelsea was a bit lucky to hold on narrow win while Frank Lampard once again impressed as the manager.
- On their way to the last 8 Derby County sensationally knocked out Manchester United
- Chelsea will face Bournemouth in Carabao Cup quarterfinals
This was closer than expected
It's killer not just excellent!
The Rams were sheerly unlucky. Conceding two own goals. In fact, the third one almost looks like an own goal as it took a deflection of their defender. They also hit the post in the dying minutes.
All eyes on Lamps, he's doing splendid job. 25 points in 15 Championship games – quite good result for fresh-baked manager
Of course and I think he's the best so far among his peers who have ventured into coaching.