Chelsea had to come from behind to book their place in the next round of the Carabao Cup with a 2-1 win over League Two side AFC Wimbledon at Stamford Bridge.
Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez gave away a penalty after colliding with Harry Pell, television replays showed the Chelsea goalkeeper had made contact with the ball first before clashing with Pell. James Tilley stepped up and put Wimbledon ahead.
The goal gave the visitors something to hold on to and they coiled in and made things difficult for the Premier League side before a moment of brilliance from Noni Madueke, starting his first game of the season won Chelsea a penalty kick.
The England under-21 star stepped up and confidently sent Alex Bass in post for Wimbledon the wrong way to ensure Chelsea went into the break level.
Mauricio Pochettino made his first big name change, bringing on striker Nicolas Jackson and a few minutes later introducing both Malo Gusto and World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez in a bid to win the game.
Fernandez would test the Wimbledon goalkeeper with a shot from a distance before benefiting from some truly woeful defensive work from the visitors to put Chelsea ahead for the first time in the game.
Chelsea just about deserved their lead even though there were moments when the team 62 places below them looked very dangerous on the break.
In the end, Chelsea progressed to the next round. Mauricio Pochettino would have preferred a much more straightforward win than the one his players produced but he’ll take as the Chelsea project is still a work in progress.
Here is how we rated every Chelsea player out there today.
1. Robert Sanchez-5.5
Conceded a penalty but to be fair that was soft. Not much wrong after that. Came for crosses confidently.
2. Ian Maatsen - 5.5
Tested Bass from distance having recovered from a sloppy first half. Last 90 minutes.
3. Bashir Humphreys-
Started the game at right back, not much he could do
4. Diego Moreira-5
Not the game he would have envisaged. A few misplaced passes and then got subbed at half time.