Chelsea Sails into Carabao Cup Quarters with Sterling and Badiashile Leading the Charge

Benoit Badiashile struck first as Chelsea clinched a win over Blackburn Rovers, setting the stage for a Newcastle face-off in the quarters.

Chelsea’s manager, Mauricio Pochettino, is optimistic about his team’s prospects in the Carabao Cup following their triumph over Blackburn Rovers, which has now lined them up for a showdown with Newcastle at their own stomping grounds.

The dynamic duo of Benoit Badiashile and Raheem Sterling propelled Chelsea past the second-tier team, claiming their first Stamford Bridge win since they bested Brighton in the third round late in September.

“It’s a vital tournament for us,” Pochettino stated, underlining the importance of the competition, especially since the team is not contending in European tournaments this year. “It’s an open door to success, similar to the Premier League, and let’s not forget the FA Cup kicking off in January. We’ve got our eyes on the prize,” he added.

French defender Badiashile, donning the Chelsea jersey from the starting whistle for the first time since spring, nabbed the opener 30 minutes in. He capitalized on a fumble by Blackburn’s goalie, Leopold Wahlstedt, who failed to secure Conor Gallagher’s cross, allowing Badiashile to pounce and score from the ensuing chaos.

Sterling took the scoreline to 2-0 as the clock approached the hour mark, following Cole Palmer’s savvy pick-off with a masterful curling shot that found its home in the net’s far side.

Blackburn Rovers rallied late, nearly altering the scoreboard when Arnor Sigurdsson broke through, only to be thwarted by Chelsea’s keeper Robert Sanchez’s impressive save.

Despite a rocky ride in the Premier League, where they’re currently perched at 11th with a trio of victories from ten outings, Chelsea’s Carabao Cup voyage has been a glimmer of hope. Advancing closer to clinching some silverware has given Pochettino’s crew a much-needed morale uplift.

Pochettino Eager for Return to Full Strength

The familiar rush of Reece James along Chelsea’s right flank has been sorely missed this season by the Stamford Bridge faithful.

Taking the helm for the first time since the league’s curtain-raiser, the Chelsea skipper posed a significant threat to Blackburn’s defenses and was a whisper away from scoring, courtesy of Enzo Fernandez’s pinpoint setup.

His substitution after 60 minutes wasn’t just a tactical move; it was a stepping stone to building up his match fitness, ideally prepping him for the Spurs clash come Monday.

“He’s a titan on the field, easily one of the best full-backs around,” Pochettino remarked. “We’re tempted to push him for the full 90, but patience is key. He’s on the mend and will be tackling the full game demands soon.”

For £35m newcomer Badiashile, snatched up from Monaco during the January window, his comeback performance was a standout moment. Before Pochettino’s tenure, he was a regular in the treatment room, but he’s now made a case for his inclusion, especially alongside his ex-Monaco comrade, Axel Disasi.

Badiashile’s goal and defensive prowess are a welcome sight as he moves past his injury-riddled chapter. Yet, the real test awaits as he vies for a regular spot against fellow left-center back Levi Colwill.

Game by the Numbers

The match stats paint a clear picture of Chelsea’s dominance and Blackburn’s struggles to keep pace.

Chelsea vs. Blackburn – Match Statistics:

Possession: Chelsea enjoyed the lion’s share with 64% against Blackburn’s 36%.
Shots: Chelsea unleashed a barrage of 22 shots, seven on target, dwarfing Blackburn’s 7 with only one troubling the Chelsea keeper.
Corners: Chelsea also dominated set-pieces, winning 11 corners to Blackburn’s 4.
Fouls: The game saw Chelsea commit 9 fouls, while Blackburn’s efforts to disrupt play resulted in 13 fouls.

The live text and line-ups provide a play-by-play breakdown of the action as Chelsea set their sights on the quarter-finals, eyeing the Carabao Cup with renewed vigor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Carabao Cup Quarterfinals

Q: Who scored for Chelsea in their Carabao Cup match against Blackburn Rovers?

A: Benoit Badiashile and Raheem Sterling scored for Chelsea in their Carabao Cup match against Blackburn Rovers.

Q: What was the final score of the Chelsea vs. Blackburn Rovers match?

A: The final score was Chelsea 2-0 Blackburn Rovers, with Chelsea emerging victorious.

Q: Who will Chelsea face in the next round of the Carabao Cup?

A: Chelsea is set to face Newcastle in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.

Q: How has Chelsea performed in the Premier League this season?

A: Chelsea has struggled in the Premier League this season, currently sitting 11th in the table with only three wins from 10 games.

Q: What was the significance of Reece James’ return to the Chelsea lineup?

A: Reece James made his first start for Chelsea since the opening day of the Premier League season, providing a much-needed boost to the team’s attack and match fitness.

Q: Who is Benoit Badiashile, and how did he perform in the match?

A: Benoit Badiashile is a French defender who made his first start for Chelsea since May. He scored a crucial goal in the match and put in a solid defensive display, showcasing his potential to contribute to the team.

Q: What were the key match statistics for Chelsea vs. Blackburn Rovers?

A: Chelsea dominated the match with 64% possession, 22 shots (7 on target), and 11 corners, while Blackburn managed only 36% possession, 7 shots (1 on target), and 4 corners. Chelsea committed 9 fouls, and Blackburn had 13 fouls in the game.

More about Carabao Cup Quarterfinals

3 comments

FilmBuff86 November 2, 2023 - 4:03 am

Nothin’ like a good ol’ football match! Reece James, a beast on the field. #CFC #CarabaoCup

TechNerd99 November 2, 2023 - 9:37 am

Badiashile’s return, lookin’ like a game-changer for Chelsea. Let’s go blues! #ChelseaFC

GadgetGuru007 November 2, 2023 - 10:17 pm

Football stats lookin’ boss for Chelsea, dominatin’ possession and shots! ⚽ #ChelseaStats