Carabao Cup 2017/18: Chelsea 2-1 AFC Bournemouth: 5 Talking Points
Antonio Conte's Chelsea left it pretty late to book their place in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup during their 2-1 win at home against AFC Bournemouth. The result meant that the Blues have qualified for this stage of the competition for the first time since winning it back in the 2014/15 season under Jose Mourinho.
Chelsea was rewarded for their swift attacking movements as early as in the 13th minute when Willian slotted home following a brilliant move orchestrated by Kenedy and Cesc Fabregas. The Blues continued to dominate possession and went into half-time looking far more comfortable than their counterparts.
However, Bournemouth came out in the second half with all guns blazing and continued to put Chelsea on the back foot until they scored the equalizer in the 90th minute through Dan Gosling.
The celebrations lasted about 14 seconds for the Cherries and their hopes of reaching the semi-finals for the first time were crushed when substitute Alvaro Morata restored Chelsea's lead with some help from Eden Hazard.
Here are the five key talking points from the thriller at Stamford Bridge:
#5 Chelsea should keep Willian
Willian was at the right place and at the right time to bag the opening goal for Chelsea on the night and yet again proved that he can be a vital cog in this Chelsea squad. The Brazilian has been linked with a move away from Chelsea in recent weeks due to his disrupted playing time and it is believed that there will be suitors for him within the Premier League itself.
Despite all the rumours surrounding his future, Willian has stayed put and performed well for his side in recent weeks. If the performances at Qarabag, Liverpool and the one against Bournemouth tonight is anything to go by, then it is as clear as daylight that Willian can still offer a lot.