Enzo Maresca's backline looked shaky once again as his side were dumped out of the Carabao Cup at the hands of Newcastle United
Chelsea's Carabao Cup run came to a sorry end with a dismal 2-0 defeat at Newcastle United on Wednesday night. The damage was done in the first half, as Blues defenders Benoit Badiashile, Renato Veiga and Axel Disasi all made costly errors.
After Joelinton hit the post early on from close range, Alexander Isak gave the hosts the lead in the 23rd minute after their high press forced the Blues into a mistake, with both Badiashile and Veiga at fault.
Three minutes later the Magpies doubled their advantage as Disasi bundled the ball into his own net after the visitors – who left Cole Palmer on the bench – were caught napping from a free-kick.
Enzo Maresca made 11 changes from the side that beat Newcastle 2-1 at the weekend in the Premier League and it showed as they deservedly lost to Eddie Howe's men. The Italian, who lost the tactical battle as his players couldn't handle the Toon's pressing style, won't be too impressed with his 'B team' as they exited the competition at the last-16 stage.
GOAL rates Chelsea's players from St James' Park…
Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence
Filip Jorgensen (5/10):
Had a couple of shaky moments at the back but there wasn't a huge amount he could do for Newcastle's goals. With Robert Sanchez's place potentially up for grabs, this may have been something of a missed opportunity for the goalkeeper.
Axel Disasi (5/10):
Showed his physical strength on occasion but his passing could have been better and his positional play needs work. Scored an own goal for his troubles, too.
Tosin Adarabioyo (5/10):
Was a bit more solid at the back than his defensive partner Badiashile but his passing out from the back wasn't particularly precise, either.
Benoit Badiashile (3/10):
Played team-mate Veiga into trouble with a hospital pass that led to Newcastle's opener. His passing was wayward throughout and he was guilty of losing the ball too often. A horrid performance from the big centre-back.
Marc Cucurella (7/10):
Worked tirelessly in a losing effort but he created some good chances. The Spaniard did some good covering work as well.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (4/10):
Was ineffective, lost his footing on a number of occasions and is unlikely to become a starter in Chelsea's first team any time soon. Was taken off early in the second half.
Renato Veiga (5/10):
Newcastle's press forced him into errors and he didn't look particularly comfortable on the ball on a difficult night for the Portuguese.
Enzo Fernandez (5/10):
Did a lot of sideways passing and the Argentine World Cup winner, arguably, needs to offer more in Chelsea's midfield.
Getty Images SportAttack
Joao Felix (7/10):
One of the few positives for Chelsea as his driving runs caused Newcastle problems and he had a few decent efforts on goal. However, he missed a glorious chance with 15 minutes remaining.
Christopher Nkunku (6/10):
His pace and directness stretched Newcastle's defence on occasion but didn't get too many chances to strut his stuff. Worked hard but things didn't quite go right for him in front of goal.
Mykhailo Mudryk (6/10):
Looked lively in flashes but the Ukrainian wasn't used enough as Chelsea's passing approach out from the back was punished.
Getty Images SportSubs & Manager
Noni Madueke (7/10):
Made an impact of the bench and was unfortunate not to earn his side a penalty.
Enzo Maresca (5/10):
The Italian was criticised for not altering his approach at Leicester City last season when their good form dried up and even though Chelsea made mistakes passing out from the back against Newcastle, they stuck to their guns. The visitors could not handle the home team's press and that was enough to secure them the win. Perhaps should have made more changes to try and change the tide of the game.