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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

78 minutes: Arsenal 0-2 Spurs

Soun Heung-min, the scorer of Spurs' first goal, makes way for Erik Lamela.

Jack Sear19 December 2018 21:22

82 minutes: Chelsea 0-0 Bournemouth

Andreas Christensen looks to have picked up an injury. He's replaced by David Luiz.

Jack Sear19 December 2018 21:22

EDEN HAZARD GIVES CHELSEA THE LEAD AT STAMFORD BRIDGE!

Jack Sear19 December 2018 21:24

85 minutes: Chelsea 1-0 Bournemouth

Chelsea finally have their goal and it's their talisman Eden Hazard who gets it. 

He finds Pedro in the box, before the Spaniard's backheel finds it's way back to the Hazard. His shot is deflected in. Relief for the Blues.

Jack Sear19 December 2018 21:27

87 minutes: Chelsea 1-0 Bournemouth

That really is a hammer blow for Eddie Howe's side, who have been excellent in this second half.

Jack Sear19 December 2018 21:28

83 minutes: Arsenal 0-2 Spurs

Christian Eriksen's shot is pushed over the bar by Petr Cech. Spurs look to be easing to victory here.

Jack Sear19 December 2018 21:29

87 minutes: Chelsea 1-0 Bournemouth

A final throw of the dice for Bournemouth. Jermain Defoe is on for David Brooks, who seems to be suffering with cramp.

Jack Sear19 December 2018 21:30

88 minutes: Arsenal 0-2 Spurs

Dele Alli, who still seems a bit riled up by that incident with the Arsenal fan, is caught offside but chips the ball over Petr Cech and blocks Granit Xhaka's attempts to collect the ball. Yellow card.

Jack Sear19 December 2018 21:32

89 minutes: Arsenal 0-2 Spurs

The Gunners are edging towards a second successive defeat here and they've been nowhere near good enough in this second half.

Jack Sear19 December 2018 21:33

90+2 minutes: Chelsea 1-0 Bournemouth

Bournemouth are pressing for an equaliser in stoppage time at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea left-back Emerson heads away a cross from Fraser.

Jack Sear19 December 2018 21:34

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