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As it happenedended

Chelsea edge out Bournemouth to reach Carabao Cup semis

Jack Sear
Wednesday 19 December 2018 12:48 EST
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Chelsea: A look back at 2018

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An 84th-minute Eden Hazard goal, that spun into the net after a heavy deflection, earned Chelsea a place in the League Cup semi-finals after a 1-0 win over Bournemouth in an entertaining tie on Wednesday.

Chelsea had buzzed round the Bournemouth goal for much of the game but it was not until substitute Hazard came on with half an hour to go that they looked creative and decisive enough to break through.

Chelsea had piled on the pressure from the start and there were good chances for Olivier Giroud, Ross Barkley, who forced a diving save from Artur Boruc and Willian, who surged forward from the halfway line after 30 minutes only for Boruc to block his rising shot.

Bournemouth looked dangerous on the break and Callum Wilson ran through on goal in the 17th minute but pulled his shot wide.

A scampering run from Jordon Ibe opened up the Chelsea defence 20 minutes later and Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga had to fly to his left to keep out Lys Mousset's curling shot.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek, playing in a forward role, looked certain to break the deadlock early in the second half after rounding two players but his shot flew inches past Boruc's post.

Chelsea brought on first Pedro then Hazard and it was a combination of the Spaniard and Belgium's Hazard that made the goal.

It was the first home game since alleged racist taunts against Manchester City's Raheem Sterling prompted an outcry and Chelsea banned four fans.

Chelsea Chairman Bruce Buck took a page in the programme to condemn racism and the atmosphere in the ground was lively but appeared good humoured with no added security in evidence.

Retuers

What time does it start?

Chelsea vs Bournemouth kicks off at 7:45pm (GMT)

Where can I watch it?

The match will be shown live on TV or online in the UK but Independent Sport will keep you up to date with all the goals as they fly in via our live blog.

Giroud scored twice last week against Vidi in the Europa League (Getty)
Giroud scored twice last week against Vidi in the Europa League (Getty) (Getty Images)

Player to watch…

Olivier Giroud: The French World Cup-winner went on a run of four goals in three Europa League games, but has rarely seen minutes in the Premier League this season. However, with injuries to Alvaro Morata and Eden Hazard, it's likely that the Frenchman will be called up for the match of Maurizio Sarri is intent on taking the competition seriously.

Form guide…

Chelsea: WLWDW

Bournemouth: LLWLL

Odds…

Chelsea to win: 1/3

Bournemouth to win: 8/1

Draw: 4/1

90+2 minutes: Chelsea 1-0 Bournemouth

Chelsea counter and it's another top save from Boruc to deny Chelsea's second. Hazard breaks and pulls the ball back to Giroud, who looks certain to score, only for Boruc to flick his effort over. Great goalkeeping.

Jack Sear19 December 2018 21:35

90+2 minutes: Arsenal 0-2 Spurs

The away fans are in great voice at the Emirates and it's no surprise that they're chanting the name of Mauricio Pochettino.

Jack Sear19 December 2018 21:36

Chelsea 1-0 Bournemouth

The Blues are through to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup after a late winner from Eden Hazard.

Jack Sear19 December 2018 21:36

90+4 minutes: Arsenal 0-2 Spurs

This time it's Christian Eriksen who's booked for time-wasting at the Emirates.

Jack Sear19 December 2018 21:37

Arsenal 0-2 Spurs

Spurs secure their place in the last four after registering only their second ever victory at the Emirates Stadium.

Jack Sear19 December 2018 21:38

Stay with us...

We'll have coverage of the semi-final draw coming up at around 10pm.

Jack Sear19 December 2018 21:42

Spurs and Chelsea progress

It wasn't easy, especially for Chelsea, but it's them and Spurs that are through to the semi-finals.

A first half strike from Son had Mauricio Pochettino's side 1-0 up at half-time and Dele Alli, who was man of the match, doubled their lead brilliantly with around 30 minutes to play.

Arsenal were lacklustre all night and Spurs deserved to progress. This was only Spurs' second ever victory at the Emirates.

An 84th minute Eden Hazard goal was enough to see Chelsea through to the next round.

The Blues started the match very well but seemed to drop off in intensity as the game went on. David Brooks impressed for Bournemouth, who had a number of chances to take the lead.

Hazard came on early in the second half and scored the only goal of the game after combining well with Pedro inside the Bournemouth box.

Jack Sear19 December 2018 21:57

The semi-finalists are confirmed

So then, we now have our four semi-finalists after tonight's results.

Manchester City and Burton Albion confirmed their spots in the last four after victories on Tuesday and Spurs and Chelsea are to join them.

The draw is imminent.

Jack Sear19 December 2018 21:59

Semi-final draw numbers

Burton - 1

Manchester City - 2

Tottenham - 3

Chelsea - 4

Here we go...

Jack Sear19 December 2018 22:03

Semi-final draw

Spurs vs Chelsea

Manchester City vs Burton Albion

Jack Sear19 December 2018 22:05

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