Tyrique George saved Chelsea's blushes with a goal and an assist but goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen had a shocker in the absence of Robert Sanchez. The Blues came from a goal down to knock Lincoln City out of the Carabao Cup with a 2-1 third round win but the Club World Cup champions were given a real scare. There will be plenty to ponder for Enzo Maresca, especially after a wretched first half.
Chelsea appeared to have a hangover from their 2-1 loss to Manchester United at the weekend as Lincoln began in ferocious fashion. After Lewis Montsma's shot hit the post and the Blues survived a goalmouth scramble, the hosts deservedly took the lead in the 42nd minute when Rob Street pounced upon some shocking defending at the back.
The west London outfit looked down and out at the break, but George's piledriver from the edge of the box levelled the scores in the 48th minute, and then Facundo Buonanotte made it 2-1 after waltzing by some would-be defenders two minutes later.
Maresca's team never looked secure with their lead, particularly as Jorgensen was having a shocker in the Chelsea goal. But in the end, they just about squeaked past the League One team on Tuesday night to progress to the next round.
GOAL rates Chelsea's players from LNER Stadium…
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Filip Jorgensen (3/10):
After Sanchez's clumsy red card at the weekend, this was a time for Chelsea's number two to stand up and be counted. But he looked very unconvincing in his own box and flapped at multiple crosses. Just not good enough and nearly took out his own team-mates.
Malo Gusto (4/10):
Seems to have gone backwards from last season. Doesn't seem secure in defence or attack.
Wesley Fofana (7/10):
The injury-prone defender looked like he had suffered a new blow early on but gamely carried on and did a decent job.
Trevoh Chalobah (5/10):
Wasn't helped by Fernandez's cross-field pass for Lincoln's opener but he didn't react quick enough to the danger. Has gone off the boil of late.
Jorrel Hato (6/10):
The summer signing from Ajax didn't look comfortable in the first half but improved as the game wore on.
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Enzo Fernandez (4/10):
His oh-so-casual pass across the box led to Lincoln taking the lead. Seemed to get outmuscled in midfield and lost a few 50/50s. The captain didn't exactly lead by example.
Andrey Santos (5/10):
The Brazilian is a big step down from the combative Moises Caicedo in Chelsea's central midfield. Unlikely to become a starter anytime soon.
Facundo Buonanotte (6/10):
The game seemed to pass him by early on but the Brighton loanee somehow managed to grab a goal as he capitalised on some very soft defending.
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Jamie Gittens (5/10):
After dropping down the pecking order at the club, the ex-Borussia Dortmund winger needed to impress tonight. While he showed flashes of quality, he has to bring more in attack.
Tyrique George (7/10):
Took his goal in spectacular fashion to kickstart Chelsea's fightback and assisted Buonanotte soon after. The teenager nearly joined Fulham earlier this month but he is taking his chance now.
Alejandro Garnacho (5/10):
Was loudly booed every time he touched the ball, and it seemed his detractors got to him as he had little impact. The ex-United man was hooked before the hour mark.
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Estevao Willian (5/10):
His tricks and flicks didn't have as much effect here as they have in the Premier League.
Shim Mheuka (5/10):
The 17-year-old didn't really get a chance to get on the ball and looked unsettled.
Marc Cucurella (7/10):
Instantly provided more quality and control when he came on.
Pedro Neto (7/10):
Troubled Lincoln's backline with his pace and directness. Chelsea's best winger on the night.
Reggie Walsh (N/A)
Came on with seconds to spare.
Enzo Maresca (6/10):
His team seemed shell-shocked early on as they barely weathered a Lincoln storm. He must have done a heck of a halftime team talk as his players looked unrecognisable after the break. Didn't match Lincoln's hunger for long periods and was fortunate to sneak through this one.