Chelsea has advanced to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals after defeating Southampton 4-3 on penalties. The Blues scored the opening goal and then surrendered shortly after, just like they did against Aston Villa in the previous round, leaving both teams desperate for a second goal that never arrived. Another penalty shootout awaited, with Chelsea emerging victorious when Reece James converted the team's fifth penalty.
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However, we should've expected nothing less from Southampton, who came close to beating us in the league only a few weeks ago, and that was before the injury plague hit the Blues. Tuchel was forced to field a more rotating team than he would have wanted (along with some unusual positional decisions like Ben Chilwell at right wing-back), after César Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek were all ruled out the match day before in addition to Romelu Lukaku, Timo Werner, and Christian Pulisic, who are already injured.
“We knew it would be challenging against a squad that puts so much pressure on you, and we had some last-minute alterations, so it was the first time we played together in this selection. It was an extremely challenging match, and we're glad we won the penalty shoot-out in the end”, Chelsea coach Tuchel said.
He further added, “When you face Southampton, you know what to expect: great energy, intense pressing, and a brave and quick squad. It's a part of their personality. You must realise that things will get rough at times, and that obstacles will always be present. That is why I am pleased with the performance and outcome.”
Our schedule may appear to be fair at the moment, but There Are No Easy Games In The Premier League, and the battle for first place is highly contentious, with Liverpool and Manchester City both piling up successes.He said.