August 30 (THEWILL) – Chelsea survived an early scare before eventually overcoming a spirited AFC Wimbledon side 2-1 to advance to the third round of the Carabao Cup.
The League Two outfit stunned Stamford Bridge by taking a shock lead courtesy of a James Tilley penalty after Harry Pell was fouled in the area. However, the Premier League giants responded through a Noni Madueke spot-kick on the stroke of half-time to restore parity.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino rang the changes, handing debuts to several youngsters, but it was not until the introduction of Enzo Fernandez in the second half that the Blues found the breakthrough. The big-money January signing notched his first Chelsea goal to finally break Wimbledon’s stubborn resistance.
Despite a valiant display, the Dons could not force extra-time, as Chelsea’s superior quality eventually told. But Johnnie Jackson’s side emerged with great credit and pushed their more illustrious opponents all the way.
Pochettino will be relieved to progress but aware of the need for improvement. They return to the EPL to host Nottingham Forest on Saturday. Meanwhile, Wimbledon can take great heart from a courageous cup performance as they visit Newport on the same day in League Two.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
