Chelsea player ratings: Thiago Silva puts in another assured display but defensive partner Badiashile has horror show
BENOIT BADIASHILE will want to forget Chelsea’s Carabao Cup clash with Newcastle in a hurry.
The French defender’s error gifted Callum Wilson the chance to give Newcastle the lead.
Meanwhile, his defensive partner Thiago Silva put in another assured display as Chelsea battled away before levelling the score late on.
Mykhailo Mudryk’s stoppage time equaliser spared Badiashile’s blushes to send the match to penalties.
The hosts then kept their nerves from 12 yards to advance 4-2 on spot-kicks.
Here’s how SunSport rated the Blues tonight.
Djordje Petrovic – 6
Completely untested until the final minute and could do little with the goal after Badiashile’s error. Flying save to his left denied Matt Ritchie and booked Chelsea’s place in the last four.
Axel Disasi – 6
Handled dual threat of Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento as Newcastle’s left-back regularly joined the attack from defence. The Frenchman also produced a crucial block to deny Gordon’s powerful volley during the opening exchanges.
Thiago Silva – 7
The experienced defender once again proved to be the most assured member of the Chelsea backline. Showed his tackling expertise to prevent several potential counter-attacks from the visitors.
Benoit Badiashile – 4
A difficult night for Badiashile as he faced a physical battle up against Wilson. Lost the ball under his feet to gift the striker the opening goal and appeared increasingly shaky in possession for the remainder of the game.
Levi Colwill – 6
Misplaced his pass in the build-up to Wilson’s goal, which appeared to throw off the young defender. Regained his composure towards the end of the first half, with Miguel Almiron given few opportunities down the Newcastle right, but was withdrawn for Malo Gusto at the break.
Conor Gallagher – 7
Showed his captaincy credentials as the Blues’ liveliest player on a lacklustre night, striking the bar after just six minutes. His mazy run created Chelsea’s best opening as he teed up Raheem Sterling, only for the forward’s effort to be blocked. Found the top corner with his spot-kick.
Moises Caicedo – 5
A yellow card after just 90 seconds for a reckless challenge on Gordon reduced Moises Caicedo’s impact. He remained largely anonymous in midfield as he avoided the risk of a second booking and an early shower.
Cole Palmer – 6
Remained Chelsea’s most dangerous attacking threat despite being given few opportunities to show his ability. Injury to Enzo Fernandez saw the England international move inside, where he remained positive but to no avail. Buried his penalty in front of the Newcastle fans.
Enzo Fernandez – 5
Failed to make most of the space in front of Newcastle defence in attacking midfield role. Appeared to pick up an injury before being replaced by Armando Broja after just 32 minutes.
Raheem Sterling – 6
On another night Sterling could have had a hat-trick. His best chance saw him drop two defenders inside the area before Guimaraes blocked his strike. Continued to threaten after moving to the right as Chelsea chased an equaliser.
Nicolas Jackson – 5
Nicolas Jackson struggled for service before being moved to the wing after Broja’s introduction. Returned to the centre in the second half and dragged a snapshot wide after being found by Broja.
Subs
Armando Broja (For Fernandez 32’) – 6
Showed glimpses of his talent after coming off the bench for Fernandez. Broja looked even brighter after the interval as he rotated between the left and middle of Chelsea’s attack with Jackson.
Malo Gusto (For Colwill 45’) – 6
Proved to be more of an attacking threat than Colwill as he made the most of space afforded down the left-hand side. Saw more of the ball after moving to right-back for the final 10 minutes.
Christopher Nkunku (For Jackson 69’) – 6
Combined well with Sterling on long-awaited competitive debut. Given a strong reception by the home crowd. Put Chelsea in control of shootout by smashing his effort into the top corner.
Mykhailo Mudryk (For Sterling 78’) – 6
Barely had a touch before capitalising on Kieran Trippier’s error to equalise for Chelsea. Kept his cool from 12 yards to put his side on the brink of victory.
Ian Maatsen (For Disasi 78’) – 6
Mopped up well as Newcastle threatened on the counter late on.