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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

39 minutes: Arsenal 0-1 Spurs

Spurs look as if they could get in behind Arsenal's defence at any moment. Sokratis just about cuts out a good-looking through ball from Son with Lucas Moura lurking.

Jack Sear19 December 2018 20:25

40 minutes: Chelsea 0-0 Bournemouth

Willian lines up a long range effort, but Steve Cook gets in the way of it. The ball loops up into the air and Giroud can only flick it straight to Boruc from close range.

Jack Sear19 December 2018 20:27

42 minutes: Arsenal 0-1 Spurs

Aubameyang blocks an attempted clearance from Gazzaniga, Davies fails to clear the high ball, but Ramsey can't pick out a team-mate inside the box. The Arsenal fans aren't happy, that was a chance.

Jack Sear19 December 2018 20:29

43 minutes: Arsenal 0-1 Spurs

Big chance for Arsenal. Iwobi crosses from the left and Ramsey's first-time effort smashes the post. He was unmarked.

Jack Sear19 December 2018 20:30

45 minutes: Arsenal 0-1 Spurs

Arsenal are pressing for an equaliser. A corner is swung in towards Sokratis, who heads wide at the back post.

Jack Sear19 December 2018 20:31

Chelsea 0-0 Bournemouth

It's half-time at Stamford Bridge.

Jack Sear19 December 2018 20:31

45+1 minutes: Arsenal 0-1 Spurs

We're into two minutes of added time at the Emirates and Arsenal are finishing strongly. Gazzaniga collects a cross from Maitland-Niles.

Jack Sear19 December 2018 20:32

45+2 minutes: Arsenal 0-1 Spurs

Ramsey gets on the end of a cross from Aubameyang but his shot is well blocked.

Jack Sear19 December 2018 20:33

45+2 minutes: Arsenal 0-1 Spurs

Matteo Guendouzi is booked after a nasty looking tackle on Lucas Moura.

Jack Sear19 December 2018 20:33

Arsenal 0-1 Spurs

The half-time whistle blows at the Emirates.

Jack Sear19 December 2018 20:34

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