Derby County 1-3 Chelsea – Match Report and Stats

Chelsea eased into the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup with a 1-3 victory over a 10-man Derby side at the iPro.

Cesar Azpilicueta made his 100th appearance for the Blues and Didier Drogba started upfront as Diego Costa rested. Kurt Zouma had earnt a place in the heart of the Chelsea defence.

Goals from Eden Hazard and Andre Schurrle, either side of a Filipe Luis stunner and a goal for Derby, ensured Chelsea’s place in the semi-finals in January.

Both sides played some neat stuff during the opening twenty minutes but there was a lack of chances for either side as the visitors were still to warm to the challenge posed by the Championship high-flyers.

However, the difference between the Premier League and the Championship became clear when Eden Hazard pounced upon a mistake by Keogh to give Chelsea the lead. Cesc Fabregas earnt himself yet another assist for the club.

Chelsea had the better of the remainder of the first half but the game was somewhat overshadowed by a seemingly serious injury to Kurt Zouma after a clash with Petr Cech. Chelsea were forced to bring Ivanovic on in the Frenchman’s place.

After a hefty delay, and positive news regarding Zouma’s health, the game got back underway but both sets of players seemed happy to see out the remainder of the half as Chelsea went in one goal to the good.

The hosts perhaps had the better opening 10 minutes to the second half but there momentum was halted as Filipe Luis curled in a stunning freekick to claim his first Blues goal and give his side a cushion in the game.

The goal settled Mourinho’s side down, perhaps too much as Derby pressed and found a way back into the game 15 minutes later with Bryson finishing brilliantly as he latched onto Johnny Russel’s cutback.

It was short lived hope for the visitors though as Jake Buxton was shown the red card for apparently denying Loic Remy a goalscoring opportunity.

The dismissal, combined with an easy finish for Andre Schurrle, killed the game off and settled Chelsea’s place in the semi-finals of a competition Mourinho holds close to his heart.

It was a thoroughly professional job by the League leaders against a side who no doubt provided a challenge. Certainly a win to please Mourinho.

The competition was the first trophy that Mourinho won in West London and tonight’s win sees his side continue fighting on all fronts.

Derby County 1-3 Chelsea – Match Facts and Stats

  • Cesc Fabregas has now provided 15 assists in all competitions this season, 10 more than any other Chelsea player
  • Eden Hazard has scored three goals in his last four games for Chelsea
  • Derby County have now lost eight and won none of their last nine clashes with Chelsea in all competitions
  • There has been a red card in all of Chelsea’s last three domestic appearances (all reds for opponents)

Source: Opta

 

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