In a thrilling midweek action in the Carabao Cup, Chelsea and Everton narrowly avoided humiliating exits against lower-tier opponents.
Touchaheart Nigeria reports that at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea found themselves trailing against minnows AFC Wimbledon before mounting a resilient comeback to secure a 2-1 victory.
Enzo Fernandez, making his mark with his first goal for the club, played a pivotal role in Chelsea’s triumph.
The encounter at Stamford Bridge took an unexpected turn when Wimbledon struck in the 19th minute.
Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez’s collision with Harry Pell led to a penalty for Wimbledon, which James Tilley calmly converted. However, Chelsea displayed their determination to fight back.
Noni Madueke equalized on the stroke of half-time, netting from the spot after being fouled by Alex Pearce.
The turning point arrived in the 72nd minute, as Enzo Fernandez, the Argentine World Cup winner, capitalized on a defensive mix-up and slotted home the winning goal.
This victory not only showcased Chelsea’s resilience but also highlighted Fernandez’s growing influence on the team.
Everton’s Dramatic Turnaround
Struggling Everton, reeling from a difficult start to their league season, faced a stern test against Doncaster.
Despite Doncaster’s lowly position in the fourth tier, Everton found themselves pushed to the brink. Doncaster’s Joe Ironside exploited sloppy defending to put his side ahead in the 44th minute, leaving Everton in a precarious position.
Everton’s boss Sean Dyche, determined to avert disaster, introduced Portuguese striker Beto at the start of the second half. Beto, who arrived from Udinese for £30 million, demonstrated his goal-scoring prowess by swiftly finding the back of the net.
His clinical finish in the 73rd minute breathed new life into Everton’s campaign, showcasing his ability to seize opportunities.
Arnaut Danjuma further salvaged Everton’s pride with a composed strike from the edge of the area in the 88th minute.
This late surge not only secured Everton’s place in the Carabao Cup third round but also offered a glimmer of hope for the team’s league fortunes.
Sheffield United’s Unfortunate Exit
Meanwhile, Sheffield United’s woes continued as they faced a penalty shootout loss to third-tier Lincoln.
A goalless 90 minutes ended in frustration for both teams, but Lincoln emerged victorious in the shootout.
Lukas Jensen, Lincoln’s goalkeeper, played a pivotal role by saving spot-kicks from Louis Marsh and Benie Traore.
This defeat marked Sheffield United’s fourth successive loss and added to their ongoing struggles this season.
Other Exciting Encounters
In another captivating fixture, Burnley secured a 1-0 victory against Nottingham Forest, thanks to Zeki Amdouni’s close-range volley in second-half stoppage time.
Additionally, Blackburn delivered a commanding performance against Harrogate, thrashing them 8-0 in a display of their dominance.
What You Should Know
The Carabao Cup third round provided fans with a rollercoaster of emotions as top-tier teams navigated their way through challenging encounters.
Chelsea’s comeback against AFC Wimbledon and Everton’s late surge against Doncaster highlighted the unpredictable nature of football.
While Sheffield United faced a setback, Burnley and Blackburn showcased their prowess in securing convincing victories.
As the Carabao Cup journey continues, football enthusiasts eagerly await the next chapter of thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments.
