Chelsea’s journey in the League Cup came to a disappointing halt on Wednesday night as they were knocked out by Newcastle United with a 2-0 defeat at St. James’ Park. This outcome was especially frustrating given Chelsea’s recent 2-1 victory over Newcastle in the Premier League just days earlier. However, the Blues were unable to carry forward their winning momentum into the midweek clash, allowing Newcastle to dominate and secure a spot in the next round.
The game’s turning point came through a combination of defensive lapses and Newcastle’s sharp finishing. Alexander Isak broke the deadlock for Newcastle, capitalizing on a critical midfield error that gifted his team possession in a dangerous area. His finish was calm and clinical, underscoring the difference in composure between the two sides. Chelsea’s troubles deepened when an unfortunate own goal from Axel Disasi doubled the Magpies’ lead, leaving the visitors struggling to find any footing in the match.
Manager Enzo Maresca made a notable tactical decision by fielding Disasi as a right-back, hoping to strengthen the defensive line alongside Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile. Unfortunately, this move didn’t pay off as anticipated. Disasi had a difficult outing, struggling to contain Newcastle’s attacks down his side. His own goal epitomized Chelsea’s troubles; attempting to clear a threatening ball, he misjudged it, inadvertently steering it into Chelsea’s net. This blunder not only extended Newcastle’s lead but also left Chelsea chasing the game from an even greater deficit.
Analyzing Disasi’s performance in detail reveals further insights into his struggles. Statistics showed that he lost four of his six duels and was dribbled past once, failing to hold his ground against Newcastle’s powerful forward play, particularly Joelinton, who found success on the left side. Though Disasi did manage to create two chances for his teammates, his defensive weaknesses outweighed his brief moments of contribution in attack. This mirrored the broader struggles of the Chelsea squad on a difficult evening.
Captain Enzo Fernandez, a key figure in the team’s midfield, also faced criticism for his underwhelming performance. The Evening Standard awarded him a low 3/10 rating, citing his lack of creativity and ball control. With a total of 138 touches, Fernandez lost possession 23 times, and his creative output was minimal—he created just one opportunity for his teammates, without generating any ‘big chances.’ His leadership, which Chelsea relies on, felt muted, as he struggled to influence the flow of the game.
One of the standout moments reflecting Fernandez’s struggles was an attempted long switch early in the match. Aiming to open up space, he overhit the ball, sending it straight out of play for a throw-in—symbolic of his difficulties in dictating play. Like Disasi, Fernandez fell short of expectations, contributing to Chelsea’s disappointing exit from the competition.
For Maresca, these performances underline the need for substantial improvements from his players in the upcoming fixtures. With both Disasi and Fernandez facing scrutiny, the Chelsea manager will be looking for them to bounce back, as the team seeks to realign its strategy and rediscover the form that saw them emerge victorious against Newcastle just days earlier in the league. This setback serves as a harsh reminder of the challenges Chelsea faces as they work to achieve consistency in their season.