While it ended in defeat, Chelsea fans will take plenty of pride in their side’s performance on Wednesday night as Arsenal were pushed right to the limit, eventually winning 3-2.
A Chelsea side that was missing its best players. Moises Caicedo, Reece James, Cole Palmer, and right-back Malo Gusto were all ruled out, while duo Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens have picked up illness.
It left Liam Rosenior down to the bare bones. The new Chelsea manager was in the dugout for only the second time as Chelsea’s gaffer, having secured a big 5-1 win in his first outing against Charlton.
Estevao Willian was unreal against Arsenal 🔥
Chelsea fans, where can he still improve?
Estevao Willian's stats vs Arsenal
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
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Had it not been for two dismal errors from goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, Chelsea might have earned a result. But Alejandro Garnacho’s brace was not enough in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
Estevao posts on Instagram as Chelsea suffer Arsenal defeat
The Gunners might not have a whole foot in the final, but they certainly have a toe. Ben White scored from a corner after Sanchez was embarrassingly pushed aside, before Viktor Gyokeres made it 2-0.
Estevao of Chelsea reacts during the Carabao Cup Semi Final
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Sanchez failed to hold a cross. But Garnacho came off the bench, making it 2-1 and when midfielder Martin Zubimendi made it 3-1, Garnacho reduced the deficit once again. Estevao was a bright spark.
The young Brazilian was a threat off the right, stinging the palms of Kepa on a couple of occasions. But fans will love what he has posted on Instagram following the defeat, especially given he is only 18.
The former Palmeiras star had a message for Chelsea fans, urging them to keep the faith: “Processes, processes… they are what make us stronger. Always together, Blues!”
Does Estevao start against Brentford after his display v Arsenal? 💫
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The positives and the negatives from Chelsea defeat v Arsenal
Estevao was certainly a positive, as was Garnacho. Rosenior proved that he can make things happen from the bench, and again, that was a big positive, proving to be proactive and changing rather than waiting.
The negatives are obviously the concerns around Palmer, James, and Gusto as well as the ill Delap and Gittens. Something needs to be done about goalkeeper Sanchez, with Filip Jorgensen a good backup.
Then at left-back, Marc Cucurella has been excellent for Chelsea but on Wednesday night, Cucurella was bullied by Bukayo Saka. Jorrel Hato was Chelsea’s best in Rosenior’s first game and will be pushing.
Next up for Chelsea, is Rosenior’s first Premier League game as a manager. Third London opposition in a row, as the Blues welcome West London rivals Brentford to Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.
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