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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

23 minutes: Chelsea 0-0 Bournemouth

That's a good effort from David Brooks. The Welshman turns away from Cesc Fabregas brilliantly but his shot is straight at Kepa.

Jack Sear19 December 2018 20:09

25 minutes: Arsenal 0-1 Spurs

Mauricio Pochettino will definitely be the happier of the two managers at this point. The home fans are becoming increasingly frustrated.

It was a brilliant ball from Alli to play in Son and a typically impressive finish from the South Korean.

Jack Sear19 December 2018 20:11

26 minutes: Arsenal 0-1 Spurs

It's been a quiet night for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang so far, but he's gone fairly close to getting Arsenal level here. The forward makes some space in the box for a shot but his left-footed effort flashes wide.

Jack Sear19 December 2018 20:12

27 minutes: Chelsea 0-0 Bournemouth

The Blues continue to dominate proceedings at Stamford Bridge. Matteo Kovacic and Olivier Giroud are looking particularly lively.

Jack Sear19 December 2018 20:13

28 minutes: Chelsea 0-0 Bournemouth

David Brooks has been impressive for Bournemouth tonight.

The Welshman drives his side forward from inside their own half. He plays a one-two with Wilson before unleashing a shot that strikes his own man and sails wide. That was a chance.

Jack Sear19 December 2018 20:15

30 minutes: Arsenal 0-1 Spurs

A big chance for Spurs to make it two. The away side break from an Arsenal corner as the referee waves away appeals for a penalty.

Sissoko and Eriksen combine, before the Frenchman blazes over a golden opportunity. Composure needed.

Jack Sear19 December 2018 20:17

31 minutes: Chelsea 0-0 Bournemouth

That's the best chance of the game so far. Loftus-Cheek splits open the Bournemouth defence with an excellent pass through to Willian, who's in on goal.

A heavy touch does him no favours, before Boruc reads his chipped effort and makes another good save.

Jack Sear19 December 2018 20:18

33 minutes: Chelsea 0-0 Bournemouth

More flashes of brilliance from David Brooks. Ake slides a good ball through to him inside the box, before the Welshman goes down after a challenge from Christensen.

Nothing is given and there are no real appeals from the Bournemouth players.

Jack Sear19 December 2018 20:21

36 minutes: Arsenal 0-1 Spurs

Arsenal aren't really threatening the Spurs goal too much here. Don't be surprised if there are changes from Unai Emery at half-time if things stay this way.

Jack Sear19 December 2018 20:21

36 minutes: Chelsea 0-0 Bournemouth

More good play from Bournemouth, who are really getting into this now. Ibe drives his side forward with an excellent run, before Mousset's shot is turned round the post by Kepa.

Maurizio Sarri won't be a happy man if Chelsea go behind here.

Jack Sear19 December 2018 20:23

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