Chelsea FC came into the EFL fixture after dismantling Daniel Farke’s Norwhich City by 7-0 in the English Premier in their early kickoff of Saturday 23rd October 2021.
It was an easy to call win the current European Champions as they hosted Southampton at the Stamford Bridge in the EFL Cup tie.
The Blues who went into their premier league fixture against Norwich with no striker had to count on their squad that won them three points during the weekend with Thomas Tuchel adding a little touch to his selection.
Kepa replaced Mendy in post for the EFL match with Malang Sarr, Saul Niguez, Ross Barkley and Hakim Ziyech all starting for Chelsea.
it was tense in the opening minutes for both teams until Chelsea started knocking on the goal front of Southampton but their early pressure in the game did not award the Blues a goal to cup their numerous efforts. With a minute before end of proceedings for the first half, Kai Havertz found the back of the net for Chelsea connecting to an assist from Hakim Ziyech.
The Blues ended the first half with a goal in front and a sure win following their previous form. The second started with same pace but not in the pace Chelsea would have wanted. Two(2) minutes into the second half, Kepa Arrizabalaga’s failed attempt to stop a cross from Nathan Tella saw the Chelsea shot-stopper fumbling at his near post, the ball was parried into the path of Che Adams who said thank you to Kepa with a very relaxed tap-in for the equalizer.
At the end of the ninety(90) minutes, the game ended with both teams netting once. Only one team could qualify to the next stage and it was up to the spot kicks to decide.
Kepa who was the hero for Chelsea during the UEFA Super Cup final had another difficult task against Southampton.
Adam Armstrong and Marcos Alonso scored their opening spot kicks respectively. It was Theo Walcott against Kepa for the second kick for Southampton, Kepa saved Walcott’s penalty kick to give Chelsea the advantage as the penalty proceeded.
Mason Mount who bagged a hat-trick during the weekend got his penalty saved by Fraser Foster to keep his side in the game. William Smallball who was having a fantastic game lofted his effort over the post to give Chelsea the advantage once again after the forth kick.
Reece James, whose kick would be a decider for Chelsea placed the ball expertly past Fraser Foster to see Chelsea qualify the next round of the EFL Cup.
On the night, Kepa Arrizabalaga who seemed to be stumbled by the goal he conceded in open play made another stunning record becoming the first goalkeeper for Chelsea FC to save nine(9) penalty kick.
It was all joy after the end of proceedings.
I am a young and vibrant sports journalist from Ghana, a member of the Sports Writers’ Association of Ghana(SWAG), and working with Sports Preview Ghana and sports reporting outfit poised to bring all the latest and trending sports news around the globe.
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