Full Time: Chelsea 5-1 Nottingham Forest
Chelsea began their Carabao Cup campaign in tremendous fashion, thrashing Championship side Nottingham Forest 5-1 at the Stamford Bridge, on Wednesday night.
It did not take long for Chelsea to get underway, as Kenedy opened the scoring for the Blues thirteen minutes into the game with a fantastic strike. Seven minutes later, they were two ahead, as Michy Batshuayi slotted home after Eden Hazard found him. Charly Musonda then made it three in the 40th minute, with a powerfully struck shot, after being found by Cesc Fabregas.
Nine minutes after the break, Batshuayi doubled his tally for the night, before completing his hat-trick late in the game to make it 5-0. Tendayi Darikwa scored a consolation goal for the visitors in the added time as the game ended 5-1 for the Premier League champions.
Here’s how the Chelsea players fared on the night;
Chelsea Player Ratings
Willy Caballero – 6/10
A quiet outing for the veteran keeper. Watched the ball rattle the post late and will not be pleased with the late goal though.
Antonio Rudiger – 8/10
Found Kenedy for the opener with a brilliant cross. And found the Brazilian with another great pass leading to the fifth. Great with the ball at his feet, strong and robust at the back. Growing in confidence.
Andreas Christensen – 7.5/10
Another assured performance in the heart of the defence from the youngster. Calm, composed and rarely given a hard time.
Gary Cahill – 7/10
A solid performance from the captain, apart from one or two nervy moments. Strong and steady at the back.
Davide Zappacosta – 6/10
Wasn’t the most effervescent going forward, but had a fairly decent game before being taken off.
Tiemoue Bakayoko – 7.5/10
Played his part in Chelsea dominating the midfield for most parts of the game. There were a few driving runs, but preferred to sit back in the second period.
Cesc Fabregas – 8/10
Array of passing skills was on full display as he sprayed the ball around with great accuracy. Involved in everything positive for the Blues. Assisted Musonda for the third. Withdrawn early in the second-half.
Kenedy – 8/10
Scored the opening goal, striking a sweet volley. Hit the post, leading to the fifth. It was a big game for him, after his pre-season fiasco, but showed great grit and energy and left a mark.
Charly Musonda Jr. – 9/10
A scintillating display from the youngster on his full debut. Made it three for his team with a nice strike, came close to doubling his tally soon after, but his effort drifted wide. Threat going forward, good work-rate off the ball.
Michy Batshuayi – 9/10
Finished calmly for the second goal. Then added a second early in the second-half, with a simple tap in and completed his hat-trick converting Kenedy’s strike that bounced back off the post.
Eden Hazard – 9/10
Got the assist for both of Batshuayi’s goals, the second one a thing of beauty. Struck the woodwork early in the second period. He is well and truly back for the Blues!
Substitutes
Ethan Ampadu – 7/10
Replaced Fabregas in the 55th minute. The teenager wasn’t overawed by the occasion and gave a very good account of himself.
Jake Clarke-Salter – 6/10
Replaced Christensen with 20 minutes left to be played. Slotted in well in the backline.
Dujon Sterling – 6/10
Another youngster making his debut, on for Zappacosta for the final 15 minutes. Composed.