Newcastle United’s Kieran Trippier endured a Stamford Bridge nightmare as Chelsea secured a spot in the Carabao Cup semi-finals through a penalty shootout.
Callum Wilson’s 16th-minute goal appeared to secure Newcastle’s place in the semi-finals until Mykhailo Mudryk, a substitute, capitalized on a veteran defender’s mistake in stoppage time, forcing the game into a penalty shootout.
Despite the 33-year-old’s recent dip in form, Newcastle’s hopes were dashed further when he missed a penalty and Chelsea’s goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic saved Matt Ritchie’s spot-kick. Chelsea, once facing the prospect of defeat, experienced a turnaround of emotions, securing a place in the last four.
Trippier, a key player under manager Eddie Howe, suffered from a critical indecision on a header, providing Chelsea with the lifeline that Mudryk seized. In the shootout, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, Conor Gallagher, Christopher Nkunku, and Mudryk all scored, while only Callum Wilson and Bruno Guimaraes found the net for Newcastle, who faced disappointment following their recent Champions League exit.
The draw for the semi-finals is scheduled after the Liverpool vs. West Ham match on Wednesday, with the first leg of those ties set to be played in the week commencing 8 January.
After Mudryk’s equalizer, a male Chelsea supporter scaled the advertising hoardings, jubilantly confronting and accidentally colliding with Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
The fan was subsequently escorted back into the stands, with referee Jarred Gillet coordinating with stadium security before the penalty shootout commenced.
Chelsea grab late lifeline
Chelsea might reflect on the late turn of events at Stamford Bridge as the pivotal moment to propel the Mauricio Pochettino era into action.
Facing a potential setback, Pochettino’s team was on the brink of a damaging defeat until Trippier, possibly affected by recent errors, inadvertently directed a weak header into Mudryk’s path, setting the stage for the penalty shootout drama.
Chelsea fought to level the score after Wilson’s early goal, resulting from a series of defensive blunders that saw Benoit Badiashile stumble over the ball, allowing the striker to break through.
Despite missed opportunities, such as Bruno Guimaraes making a miraculous goal-line block from Raheem Sterling, and stellar saves from Newcastle keeper Dubravka, a breakthrough proved elusive until Nkunku’s debut appearance.
The jubilant scenes on the Chelsea bench, led by Pochettino, following the equalizer and Petrovic’s save of Ritchie’s penalty, underscored the significance of this victory. It may well serve as a crucial moment for the Argentine manager as he strives to establish a foundation at this inherently volatile club.
Jaded Trippier’s costly error
Trippier, arguably the linchpin for Newcastle both on and off the pitch during the resurgence under Howe, is undeniably enduring a dismal run of form.
Having played a role in all three goals conceded in the Everton defeat and experiencing a nightmare in the thrashing at Tottenham, Trippier’s struggles persisted in this match, where Newcastle witnessed a heroic victory slip away in the final moments.
Brought on at halftime for the injured Emil Krafth, Trippier paid a hefty price for hesitating in a crucial header in the penalty area during stoppage time, allowing Mudryk to capitalize and beat Dubravka.
Despite Newcastle’s hard-fought efforts and their proximity to a spot in the semi-finals, the players slumped in agony as Trippier, lacking confidence, predictably missed his penalty, shooting wide in front of the visiting fans at the Shed End.
It was a bitter ending for Howe’s team, compounded by Anthony Gordon joining their extensive injury list after limping off in the second half.
The visitors also had a valid grievance, contending that Chelsea should have been reduced to 10 men early in the game when Moises Caicedo received only a yellow card for a particularly poor challenge on Gordon.
It has been a chastening week for Newcastle and Howe, with their challenges ended in both the Champions League and the EFL Cup.
Howe must now pick up his shattered players for the festive period and focus his side on making another bid to reach the Premier League’s top four.