Two late goals completed a superb comeback victory over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup, as both teams made changes in preparation for their upcoming fixture against each other in the Premier League.
The first half began with Chelsea dominating the midfield, Cesc Fabregas – who was starting his first game of the season, pulled the strings from deep and created some fantastic openings on the turn, whilst Morata was again found guilty of lacking conviction in the final third. Liverpool, however, grew into the game and drew a couple of excellent saves from deputising goalkeeper Willy Caballero, honours though remained even at the break despite both sides attempting eight shots on goal.
Liverpool quickly adapted their play style, restricting the space in which Chelsea and in particular Fabregas were allowed to play in, pressing high up and forcing Chelsea into conceding possession. Daniel Sturridge eventually reaped the rewards of Liverpool’s change intact, having previously missed an open goal, he fired in an overhead kick from Willy Caballero’s initial save, jumping above his marker and finishing into an open net to give Liverpool the lead on the hour. For long periods Chelsea struggled to get back into the game, and only through the debatable award of a free-kick were they able to draw level, with Brazilian left-back Emerson stabbing home from close range. Sturridge almost instantaneously restored Liverpool’s lead, but his long-range effort clipped the top of the bar, and within six minutes Chelsea had turned the game on its head as Hazard sprung into life twisting and turning before finding the far corner with a venomous shot across Simon Mignolet.
