Chelsea made it through to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup after a 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday.
It was the Blues who got off to the brighter start, gaining a few glimpses of goal early on with Cesc Fabregas pulling the strings. One particularly sumptuous pass played Alvaro Morata through, but the striker was thwarted at close range by Simon Mignolet. Morata saw another shot saved from a tight angle before Liverpool started to assert themselves. Willy Caballero had to be at full stretch on two occasions to keep out Naby Keita, while a few wayward passed from the visitors helped to change the momentum.
The hosts increased their intensity and should have scored seconds into the second half when Daniel Sturridge shot wide of an open goal. Morata then headed off target from close range and Chelsea were made to pay when Sturridge broke the deadlock following some poor defending. Emerson Palmieri levelled against the run of play when poking home from a parried Ross Barkley header, paving the way for the game being settled by a moment of unparalleled genius from Eden Hazard. The Belgian came off the bench and slalomed past four Liverpool players before thumping the ball into the top corner and sending Chelsea into the next round.
Positives
Rapid out of the blocks, Chelsea quickly asserted themselves and penned Liverpool back during the opening 25 minutes. Sharp passing in midfield was key to their dominance with Barkley, Fabregas and Mateo Kovacic controlling things. The team also exhibited much more width, which was encouraging especially after being so stodgy at West Ham.
Negatives
The failure to capitalise when in the ascendancy almost cost Chelsea with the final ball often lacking and the chances not converted when the service did hit its mark. The inability to cope with the more concerted high press in the second half threatened to overwhelm the team and was directly responsible for the opening goal.
Manager rating out of 10
8 -- That the team played with such familiarity and confidence in the opening stages despite many of the combinations having barely played together prior to the game signalled that everyone in the squad is buying into Maurizio Sarri's philosophy. The decision to take the invaluable Hazard on a long midweek away trip also paid spectacular dividends.
Player ratings (1-10, 10=best; players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Willy Caballero, 9 -- Always an excellent shot stopper, he had to be at his best to repel Keita's two first-half chances. Made two key touches after the break, notably the one that put Sturridge off balance with the goal gaping.
DF Cesar Azpilicueta, 7 -- Kept his forward forays to a minimum and was generally pretty solid. Played his part in Liverpool's opener when he saw his pass intercepted close to his own goal.
DF Andreas Christensen, 5 -- A difficult night for the young Dane, whose distribution and general awareness let him down. Neither of his biggest mistakes proved costly, though they certainly helped to sow seeds of doubt among the defence.
DF Gary Cahill, 7 -- Solid and dependable on his first start of the season. Kept things simple and was all the better for it.
DF Emerson Palmieri, 7 -- Scored his first goal for the club with a close-range toe poke, having offered an attacking threat in the first half. Was positionally exposed going the other way, though, with Liverpool targeting his flank.
MF Cesc Fabregas 7 -- A game of two halves from the Spaniard, who was virtually untouchable in the opening 45 minutes before being smothered after the break. Should have cleared the ball long in the buildup to the opening goal.
MF Ross Barkley, 7 -- Another to experience contrasting fortunes. Imposed himself early on before fading, though it was his firm header that led to the equaliser.
MF Mateo Kovacic, 7 -- Provided the energy and industry to allow Fabregas to flourish. Wilted and was understandably withdrawn.
FW Victor Moses, 7 -- Had the measure of Alberto Moreno without ever delivering any telling end product. Still, a bright return to the side.
FW Willian, 7 -- Sent in a delicious cross from which Morata should have scored and was lively in the opening exchanges.
FW Alvaro Morata, 5 -- Missed two great chances and failed to hold the ball up effectively. His good movement was once again wasted by his own lack of confidence.
Substitutes
FW Eden Hazard, 10 -- Did very little before exploding into life with the type of goal they will be showing for decades. An absolute joy to watch.
MF N'Golo Kante, 7 -- Helped wrestle some of the initiative back from Liverpool.
DF David Luiz, NR -- An impressive cameo exuding leadership as he organised his teammates and took personal responsibility to clear away any aerial balls.