Chelsea player ratings: Blues advance to Carabao Cup semis

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Chelsea’s English defender Trevoh Chalobah (L) vies with Brentford’s French-born DR Congo striker Yoane Wissa (R) during the English League Cup quarter-final football match between Brentford and Chelsea at Brentford Community Stadium in London on December 22, 2021. – – RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images) /

A young and inexperienced Chelsea team overcame a resilient Brentford side to reach the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup with two late goals courtesy of an own goal from Pontus Jannsen and a penalty from Jorginho. During the first half, Brentford had by far the better chances and could have even been two goals up if it was not for Chelsea’s Spanish goalkeeper Kepa. He kept the visitors in the game by saving two headers from close range.

After Thomas Tuchel made changes during the halftime, that is what seemed to have changed the complexion of the game as Chelsea started to create more chances and felt more in control. But the breakthrough came late as Reece James’s cross was turned in his own net by Pontus Jannsen and shortly after Christian Pulisic won a penalty which was converted by Jorginho to secure the clubs’ place in the semi-final round of the Carabao Cup.

Here is how each Chelsea player fared against a resilient Brentford side:

Kepa Arrizabalaga (Goalkeeper): 8/10

Just like in the previous two fixtures of the Carabao Cup, Kepa was the Man of the Match as his two saves from very close range kept Chelsea in the game. The Spaniard looked fantastic in the first half and the second half was very composed and comfortable till the end.

Cesar Azpilicueta (Centerback): 7.5/10

With people talking about the lack of pace in Cesar Azpilicueta’s armory, it was clear as air today that Spaniard’s ability to read the game puts him one step ahead of the attackers. With him being one of many Chelsea defenders whose contracts are running out in the summer, some regular game time will be enough to show how badly the Blues need to keep him.

Trevoh Chalobah (Centerback): 7.5/10

Trevoh Chalobah playing like the middle of the three defenders showed maturity beyond his age and excellent defensive awareness with the likes of Mbuemo and Wissa running towards him. Seeing the performances of Chalobah match after the match it is clear that he will be a part of the team for many years to come.

Malang Sarr (Centerback): 6/10

Malang Sarr playing in place of Antonio Rudiger had a good game but it feels that the young French defender lacks confidence and feels like a blunder to happen any minute. The centerback was the weakest link in the defense throughout the game. Even though time is on his side it seems that he might never make it at Chelsea as a regular first-team player.

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