By Daily Sports on December 23, 2021
Chelsea reached their third major semi-final in 11 months under Thomas Tuchel after scoring two late goals to overcome west London neighbours Brentford in the Carabao Cup quarter-final.
An own goal by Sweden defender Pontus Jansson put the Blues ahead before Jorginho's penalty ensured his side reached their first semi-final in the competition for three years - and a meeting with Tottenham.
With his selection plans disrupted by Covid-19 and injuries, Chelsea boss Tuchel gave debuts to three teenagers including 18-year-old Harvey Vale, who headed his side's best chance of the first half straight at the keeper.
But it was Brentford who carved out the better openings before half-time and Kepa Arrizabalaga marked his rare start in goal with three fine saves to deny Yoane Wissa, Mathias Jensen and Rico Henry.
Henry almost scored an own goal at the other end before Jansson inadvertently sliced Reece James' cross past Alvaro Fernandez in the 80th minute.
Substitute Jorginho doubled the lead five minutes later after Fernandez brought down Christian Pulisic.
Tuchel went onto the pitch at the final whistle to congratulate his players and acknowledge the travelling support after a hard-earned success.
After one victory in their five previous matches, this was a night where the result was more important than the performance.
As well as Vale, Chelsea gave debuts to 17-year-old forward Jude Soonsup-Bell and 18-year-old midfielder Xavier Simons, a former Brentford academy player.
Soonsup-Bell was aged just eight when Cesar Azpilicueta, one of three players who also started the 0-0 draw with Wolves last Sunday, made his Chelsea debut in 2012.
The Blues ended up with Jorginho, James, Pulisic, Mason Mount and N'Golo Kante coming off the bench, though, to make an impact as the tie was locked at 0-0 before Jansson's own goal.
The move started with a James throw-in deep inside his own half and ended with the England defender supplying the cross which led to the Brentford centre-back's misfortune.
Jorginho's penalty sealed victory but Brentford, who reached the semi-finals last season, gave a good account of themselves and will now look to consolidate their position in the Premier League following a solid start to the season. (BBC)
•PHOTO: Acttion from Brentford vs Chelsea match
Source Daily Sports
Posted December 23, 2021
You may also like...
Crystal Palace eye Eagles star Joel Obi
Klopp Wins Premier League Manager Of The Season...
Messi, Suarez Daze Liverpool in Champions League Semi-Final...
Victor Moses dubs 2017 a great year
Battle of Stamford Bridge: How Mourinho should be...
Iwobi: I thought Arsenal would loan me out...

Super Falcons unveil 10-star jersey ahead of WAFCON 2026
From Sporting Lisbon to Al Nassr: Ronaldo’s records so far
WAFCON favourites Nigeria eye World Cup slot, record prize money
Wikki Tourists administrator tasks players, coaches on NPFL return
Golf: Port Harcourt to host Nigerian National Finals
I’ve had enough, sprinter Onyah threatens to dump Nigeria
Onyeka warns teammates ahead EPL opener
The real money behind football’s biggest prizes
Nigeria to host CAF General Assembly November
Lessons from the 2026 FIFA World Cup Finals
NSSF boss Joseph elected ISF Africa president
Nigeria seek final spots at ITTF Africa Youth Champs
Rangers International going, going . . . (63,972 views)
Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (55,323 views)
Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (53,225 views)
Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (52,829 views)
Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (52,710 views)
Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (52,581 views)
Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (52,474 views)
NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (51,987 views)
Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (51,203 views)
Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (49,673 views)
Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (48,155 views)
John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (47,535 views)