Hazard
SUBSTITUTE Eden Hazard scored a sensational solo goal as Chelsea roared back to beat Liverpool 2-1 in the Carabao Cup third round.
Both sides made eight changes in preparation for Saturday’s Premier League rerun, and it was Chelsea’s fringe players who settled quickest. Alvaro Morata was hoping to add to his single league goal this season but was twice denied by Simon Mignolet.
Willy Caballero was equally effective at the opposite end, the back-up Chelsea goalkeeper at full-stretch to save Sadio Mane’s bullet header, as Liverpool began to get into their groove just before the half-time break.
The hosts were handed a gift-wrapped opportunity immediately after the break when Daniel Sturridge seized upon Andreas Christensen’s woeful back-pass before rounding the goalkeeper and inexplicably shooting wide.
But the former Chelsea striker redeemed himself shortly after when he broke the deadlock with a beautiful bicycle kick after Caballero had saved Naby Keita’s initial shot.
Liverpool’s lead was short-lived however. Chelsea won a free-kick on the left which was swung in by substitute Hazard and met by Ross Barkley. Simon Mignolet could only parry it into the path of Emerson who bundled home the equaliser.
And moments later Hazard scored a goal of the season contender which proved to be the winner. Picking the ball up in midfield, the Belgian tricked his way on to the left flank via a quick one-two before dancing into the box and unleashing an unstoppable shot into the far corner to bring Liverpool’s perfect run to a halt.
Chelsea now eagerly await Saturday’s fourth round draw. – Eurosport
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