Goals from Benoit Badiashile and Raheem Sterling helped Chelsea secure a 2-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers in the English League Cup round of 16 on November 1.
Over the past 15 years, Chelsea has only lost to lower division teams once. This record was maintained as Mauricio Pochettino’s team faced Championship side Blackburn. The goals from Badiashile and Sterling were evenly distributed in each half, allowing Chelsea to easily progress to the League Cup quarter-finals.
Chelsea has only won one game at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League this season. However, in the League Cup, it has been a favorable ground for the hosts. Their victory against Brighton in the previous round of this competition initiated a series of successful matches for Chelsea. This time, they were hoping to bounce back after a disappointing 0-2 loss to Brentford.
The return of captain Reece James and key midfielder Enzo Fernandez allowed Chelsea to dominate their lower-tier opponents. After missing several chances, the home team finally converted their pressure into a goal in the 30th minute. Center-back Badiashile was in the right place in the penalty area and scored a rebound goal following the goalkeeper’s save from a Blackburn player’s header.
Facing a side currently 12th in the Championship, Chelsea enjoyed 64% possession, had 19 shot attempts with nine on target. The home side doubled their lead in the 59th minute when Sterling accurately curled a shot into the net from a pass by Cole Palmer.
In the remaining part of the match, Chelsea controlled the game, and Blackburn only managed to create one notable opportunity. Robert Sanchez made a close-range save from Arnor Sigurdsson’s attempt, keeping a clean sheet for Pochettino’s team.
Preserving the 2-0 victory, Chelsea defeated Blackburn for the fifth consecutive time since 2010. After this comfortable match, the London-based team will face a tough stretch in the Premier League, with upcoming fixtures against Tottenham, Man City, Newcastle, Brighton, and Man Utd.
Starting Lineups:
Chelsea (4-3-3): Sanchez; James (Gusto 60), Disasi, Badiashile (Colwill 60), Cucurella7; Gallagher, Ugochukwu, Fernandez (Matos 87); Palmer (Madueke 87), Jackson (Caicedo 76), Sterling
Blackburn Rovers (4-3-3) Wahlstedt; Brittain, Carter (S Wharton 62), Hill, Pickering; Garrett, Travis; Markanday (Dolan 61), A Wharton, Moran (Sigurdsson 74); Leonard (Ennis 74).
