Sincil Bank may not possess the grandeur of the Allianz Arena or Old Trafford, but for much of the match, it seemed as though this spirited stadium might be the next to claim Chelsea, following their exhausting week.
After defeats at Bayern Munich and Manchester United, a visit to Lincoln City was anticipated to be a straightforward conclusion to their challenging period; an opportunity for the Premier League giants to hone their skills, with ‘world champions’ proudly emblazoned on their chests.
Contrary to expectations, Chelsea found themselves outplayed during the first half. Lincoln City fiercely contested every ball, repeatedly launching it into the box, and were unlucky to score just once via Rob Street.
Lincoln’s most expensive signing is Ivan Varfolomeyev, a promising 21-year-old Ukrainian procured for £350,000. In contrast, Chelsea fielded a squad valued at £367.3 million, excluding substantial add-ons, and had a bench worth £247.6 million.
‘Absolutely,’ Maresca said when asked if he showed his anger at half-time. ‘We expected long balls, duels, throw-ins and free-kicks into the box.
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea survived a scare against Lincoln to reach the fourth round of the Carabao Cup
Tyrique George scored at the start of the second half to level things up for the away side
Facundo Buonanotte then scored his first goal for Chelsea to ensure they reached the next round after a tough first half
‘I asked them how many had faced a League One side before, as it demands a unique approach. It’s a different match, driven by their heightened determination. We struggled during the initial half.’
The early pressure Lincoln applied deserves recognition as they initially unsettled the visitors. Chelsea’s defense this season has shown vulnerabilities, notably at set-pieces in their recent Premier League challenges.
In their 2-2 draw at Brentford, they conceded the equaliser to a long throw. In the 2-1 defeat at Manchester United, Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen appeared allergic to coming to try to punch clear the danger.
Lincoln, managed by a former PE teacher in Michael Skubala, took note of those weaknesses and tested their opponents under the lights of Sincil Bank. Whenever they won a throw-in within range of the Chelsea box, they had Tom Hamer wind up his arms. One such scenario after the opening minute saw the ball worked to Lewis Montsma, whose powerful strike came back off the inside of the post.
Alejandro Garnacho, who cost £40m, was fouled three times within the opening 15 minutes with the Argentinian handed his first start here. However, he and Jamie Gittens struggled to impose themselves so much that Maresca eventually had them swap wings.
In the 32nd minute, Jorgensen flapped at an attempted punch, prompting an almighty scramble. Lincoln’s opener did arrive in the 42nd after a mistake by Enzo Fernandez, however.
It was Fernandez’s risky ball across his own box which saw Trevoh Chalobah beaten to it with Street scoring for a half-time lead which was entirely deserved. Chelsea had not even managed a single shot on target.
Chelsea finally had their first proper attempt in the 48th minute and it saw George, the academy winger being used as a striker, score a 20-yard cracker which swerved beyond Zach Jeacock.
Cole Palmer is being given time to get over his groin injury and Buonanotte is his understudy
There was plenty of talent on the pitch for the Blues, including midfielder Enzo Fernandez
In the 50th, Buonanotte exchanged a one-two with George before showing some twinkletoes in order to make it 2-1. Signed as a deputy to Cole Palmer, who is being given time to overcome his groin injury issues, the Brighton loanee practically walked it in.
Suddenly, Chelsea’s supporters had a reason to sing ‘champions of the world’. They had been too embarrassed to do so prior to taking the lead.
