Chelsea overcame a tough test at New Meadow to book their place in the fifth round of the Capital One Cup.
Chelsea gave chances to Andreas Christensen, Kurt Zouma, Nathan Aké and Mo Salah as they rested key players ahead of the clash against QPR at the weekend.
After a quick start from Chelsea, the League 2 side put the visitors under pressure in the opening ten minutes or so and would have been ahead from a corner if it were not for a clever save by Petr Cech.
Andre Schurrle and Mo Salah both tried to force the issue for Chelsea with some long range efforts but nothing was too threatening; highlighted when Salah’s shot went out for a Shrewsbury throw-in.
Schurrle did, however, have the best chance of the half for the favourites after a swift break from Chelsea following a Shrews corner, but the German opted for a cutback instead of an effort on goal and the hosts survived.
Despite this, there was a lack of clear cut chances and the teams went in level at half time.
Shrewsbury, with the loud and proud home crowd behind them, could consider themselves unlucky to not be ahead after an impressive first half in which they were very organised and occasionally dangerous.
Mourinho’s team talk did the business as usual though as Chelsea came out a different team for the opening exchanges of the second period, and got their reward as Drogba finished to put them ahead after good work from Salah and Schurrle.
The goal was the Ivorian’s third goal in a week as he continues to show the worth of bringing him back to the club in the summer.
The Blues were poor after going ahead however and Shrewsbury got their deserved equaliser through Mangan who, just 90 seconds after coming on as a sub, reacted quickest in the box to finish a corner that was bouncing around.
New Meadow erupted as their record crowd witnessed the moment they were longing for; scoring against a team from whom they sit 72 places below in the English Football League.
Chelsea looked to up the anti with a double substitution, which saw Willian replace Salah and Nemanja Matic come in for John Obi Mikel, and it certainly had the desired effect.
Their joy would be short-lived however as Didier Drogba put pressure on Jermaine Grandison from a Willian cross and the defender was unfortunate to turn the ball into his own net and give the visitors their lead back.
Chelsea finished the game with just a one goal margin and goalscorer-come-stand in captain Didier Drogba appreciated the quality which the hosts showed, applauding their fans and players as he left the field.
Shrewsbury certainly did themselves proud and look good to achieve their goals of promotion this season, but Chelsea’s professional job was enough as they progress to the next round.
Notes and Match Facts
- Didier Drogba has scored in four of his last five appearances in the League Cup
- Didier Drogba has scored in 3 successive games for Chelsea for the first time since May 2010
- This was the first time Chelsea have competitively met the Shrews since Jan 2003, a game which they won 4-0
- Chelsea are currently 72 places above Shrewsbury in the English Football League standings
- Drogba has three goals in his last three games, all coming within seven days
