Chelsea missed the opportunity to build momentum yet again, after struggling to beat Qarabag in the UEFA Champions League. Enzo Maresca put out a lineup that didn't receive much complaints, with the likes of Estevao, Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens all being named in the starting eleven.
However the first half was one with very little inspiration - even despite Estevao's goal which came from a moment of quality with his pinpoint pass to start the attack. The visitors went on to struggle, with signs of complacency creeping in yet again.
Qarabag continued to fight, and eventually reaped their rewards. Andrade tapped in a rebound following a mistake from Jorrel Hato. Summer signing Hato then conceded a penalty through a handball, allowing Jankovic to dispatch from the spot-kick with unerring confidence.
Alejandro Garnacho came off the bench at half-time and fired in a beautiful goal to level up. Both sides had their fair share of chances to win the game, with Enzo Fernandez, Garnacho and Buonanotte all coming close on occasions.
But the spoils were shared, leaving Chelsea fans frustrated again after the weekend win over Spurs. The Blues will now turn their attention to Wolves in the Premier League this weekend.
Tosin Adarabioyo's struggle of a season continues
Arguably one of Chelsea's best players in 2024/25 season becoming a key piece of the defence, Tosin has since struggled to prove the doubters wrong. Many pointed to the Englishman's absence as the reason why Chelsea were struggling defensively earlier in the season - however he certainly hasn't looked the piece in a jittery backline.
The 28-year-old looked lethargic on and off the ball - a pattern which is only continuing to become associated with himself as the season goes on. Despite completing the most tackles (3) in the match, Tosin was one of Chelsea's weakest links on the night, even coming close to gifting a goal to the hosts from a moment of sloppiness on the ball.
While majority of the fanbase seemed to accept the lineup initially, it was one that always posed its risks - especially with Jorrel Hato starting at left centre-back.
Hato's rawness seen at times this season - coupled with Tosin's sloppiness - was always going to give Qarabag reason to be strongly positive going into the game. It was a huge decision for Maresca to make, especially considering the promise Josh Acheampong has shown already this season.
Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana also remained on the bench too, but perhaps blame shouldn't lie on Maresca's door considering Wolves in the Premier League comes just a few days later.
The challenge of rotation will always be a task easier said than done. Many will question why the likes of Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Liam Delap didn't start the game, but careful management of the squad is needed, especially in such a busy part of the season.
Estevao continues to light up the show
While the quality on display from both sides wasn't exactly great, one player who certainly stood out was Brazilian wonderkid, Estevao. The teenage sensation has looked the part this season, and certainly gave Qarabag's left-back Jafarquliyev moments of real panic.
His trickery, vision on the ball and ability to create separation away from his marker was a huge part of Chelsea's attack on a night where the Blues struggled to show real attacking fluidity.
Estevao's goal started from a sharp Joao Pedro pass, but the 18-year-old still had it all to do, before cutting in on his left and firing home at the near post.
Estevao created the most chances (3) in the game and the most dribbles (3) - a performance of true quality, which will only please Maresca going into Wolves at the weekend.
One step forward, two steps back?
The draw to Qarabag has certainly frustrated many, moreso to do with the bigger picture rather than tonight's result. Fans have long been accustomed to being sucked into a false sense of hope, with wins against top opposition only to struggle against lesser sides.
It has become a pattern extremely visible this season already. Chelsea beating Liverpool, only to lose to Sunderland weeks later. Maresca's side dominated Spurs just days ago, yet looked devoid of real spirit against Qarabag.
Chelsea were rather complacent against Qarabag, certainly in the first half where Maresca's first-half XI seemed to play as if the game was already won.
While many may put it down to the perks of having a 'young and inexperienced' squad, it is a pattern that needs to come to an end. Certainly if Chelsea want to spend the season competing for major honours.