Chelsea player ratings vs Newcastle: This defence is becoming a problem! Blues sent packing from Carabao Cup as Magpies prey on calamitous Benoit Badiashile & Axel Disasi errors
Enzo Maresca’s backline looked shaky once again as his side were dumped out of the Carabao Cup at the hands of Newcastle United
Chelsea’s Carabao Cup run came to a sorry end with a dismal 2-0 defeat at Newcastle United on Wednesday night. The damage was done in the first half, as Blues defenders Benoit Badiashile, Renato Veiga and Axel Disasi all made costly errors.
After Joelinton hit the post early on from close range, Alexander Isak gave the hosts the lead in the 23rd minute after their high press forced the Blues into a mistake, with both Badiashile and Veiga at fault.
Three minutes later the Magpies doubled their advantage as Disasi bundled the ball into his own net after the visitors – who left Cole Palmer on the bench – were caught napping from a free-kick.
Enzo Maresca made 11 changes from the side that beat Newcastle 2-1 at the weekend in the Premier League and it showed as they deservedly lost to Eddie Howe’s men. The Italian, who lost the tactical battle as his players couldn’t handle the Toon’s pressing style, won’t be too impressed with his ‘B team’ as they exited the competition at the last-16 stage.
Had a couple of shaky moments at the back but there wasn’t a huge amount he could do for Newcastle’s goals. With Robert Sanchez’s place potentially up for grabs, this may have been something of a missed opportunity for the goalkeeper
Showed his physical strength on occasion but his passing could have been better and his positional play needs work. Scored an own goal for his troubles, too
Was a bit more solid at the back than his defensive partner Badiashile but his passing out from the back wasn’t particularly precise, either.
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