Chelsea booked their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals after goals from Willian and Alvaro Morata secured a 2-1 win over Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge. A tremendously worked team goal finished off by Willian got things off on the right foot for the Blues before Dan Gosling equalised in the 90th minute.
But substitute Morata scored the winner moments later to send Chelsea into the last four at the expense of a strong-willed Bournemouth team.
Striker Michy Batshuayi and Kenedy were both involved in Willian’s goal, but both recalled players missed chances.
Batshuayi was denied by a couple of last-ditch Steve Cook interceptions in the first half, with left wing-back Kenedy screwing a shot well wide. But the second period brought a renewed sense of purpose in Eddie Howe’s side as they launched attack after attack to put the hosts in some trouble.
Seeing the pressure pile up on his much-changed side, Antonio Conte brought on Tiemoue Bakayako, Eden Hazard and Morata in a bid to turn the tide.
And the visitors’ pressure finally paid off when Gosling curled in his effort past goalkeeper Willy Caballero to equalise 1-1.
Moments after Bournemouth’s equaliser, Morata let a ball forward to Hazard and moved towards the penalty spot, where he received the Belgian’s backheel before firing past Artur Boruc.
Delighted with the victory, Chelsea fans reacted positively on Twitter. Read on.
Kennedy is something else! Pure class
— ken Tarus (@kkipkorir) December 20, 2017
What a way to qualify
— Charlyge™ (@charlyge2) December 20, 2017
You broke ma heart and within a twinkle of an eye made me fall in love ❤️ #Chelsea 👍🏽👏🏼
— Mr Ali (@S_ture) December 20, 2017
@hazardeden10 @cesc4official @AlvaroMorata @willianborges88 @_Pedro17_ Congratulations! It was exciting in the end! Semifinals here we come! #CHEBOU #CarabaoCup #CFC #AntonioConte 🔵⚽👏👍💪🔥😀🌞 pic.twitter.com/H60YuxWm9Z
— Vladimir Petrovic (@Vlada1959) December 20, 2017
I love you guys , you sure know how to put a huge smile on my face 😁💙💙💙💙💙
— Paula (@Paula_Chelsea) December 20, 2017
Well done guys 👏👏👏 ! Now unto the next challenge. Come on CHELSEA 💙💪
— Oscar (@MensahOscar) December 20, 2017
@ethanamp4 superb display…absolute class🎉💙
— Michael Ruhdorfer (@_Our_ChelseaFc_) December 20, 2017
Extra time was around the corner. Fortunately, we have @AlvaroMorata. Our qualification is right. #CHEBOU
— Alessandro Etzi (@Etzi2891) December 21, 2017
What a game! Job done,… Well done blues👏👏👏🙌
— Gracey (@grace1670) December 20, 2017
— EdMarkwick.Media (@EdMdotMedia) December 20, 2017