Kepa Arrizabalaga was Chelsea’s penalty shoot-out hero once again as the European champions survived a Carabao Cup scare against Aston Villa.
Having saved two penalties in the Uefa Super Cup shootout in August, goalkeeper Kepa saved from Marvellous Nakamba in Wednesday night’s shootout to help Chelsea book a fourth-round Carabao Cup home date against Southampton.
Goals from Timo Werner and Villa teenager Cameron Archer plus a combination of Kepa’s saves and poor finishing from both sides prevented a winner in 90 minutes.
Ashley Young hit the bar for Villa in the shoot-out, while Reece James scored the winning Chelsea penalty after Ben Chilwell had also struck the crossbar.
Mason Mount, Romelu Lukaku, Ross Barkley also scored for Chelsea.
Emie Buendia, Ezri Konsa and Anwar El Ghazi scored for the Villains.
Tuchel made a half-time change with Mason Mount replacing Kante in midfield and taking the captain’s armband off the France international.
Romelu Lukaku was introduced in the 76th minute and had an opportunity to secure three points before stoppage time but Kortney Hause made a superb tackle in his own area.
Source – Pindula News
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