Derby scores 4 goals but Chelsea edge Lampard’s men
Chelsea overcame a Halloween fright on Frank Lampard’s return as two own goals cost Derby County in a 3-2 loss in the EFL Cup on Wednesday.
Impressive in beating Manchester United in the third round, Lampard’s young side were the architects of their own downfall in London as Chelsea loanee Fikayo Tomori and Richard Keogh both put through their own net inside 21 minutes.
The hosts were not immune to horror moments at the back, with Jack Marriott and Martyn Waghorn on target in a thrilling five-goal first half that concluded with Cesc Fabregas restoring his team’s lead.
And it proved to be the winner as the upright denied David Nugent late on and left Blues legend Lampard to contemplate the unusual feeling of a Stamford Bridge defeat.
Tomori and Mason Mount were granted special dispensation to feature against their parent club, yet the Rams might have wished that was not the case when Davide Zappacosta’s cross struck the former’s standing leg and diverted in for the fifth-minute opener.
1464 – Fikayo Tomori’s own goal is the first that Chelsea have benefited from in the League Cup since Jermaine Grandison put through his own net for Shrewsbury in October 2014, 1464 days ago. Misfortune.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) October 31, 2018
The inexplicable error was quickly forgotten as Marriott, a scorer against United, capitalised on Gary Cahill’s slip to drive an unerring low finish across Willy Caballero.
A stumbling Waghorn passed up a one-on-one chance to complete a quickfire turnaround and Derby punished themselves through more calamitous defending.
In eerily similar circumstances to the first, the experienced Keogh sliced another right-sided Zappacosta cross past a bewildered Scott Carson.
Still, the visitors were just as dangerous going forward as they were in their own box and snatched a second equaliser after 27 minutes, Mount squaring for a Waghorn tap-in.
But they failed to plug the leaks and it was no surprise that Fabregas forced home the third for Maurizio Sarri’s side from close range in the 41st minute.
A quieter second half eventually livened up, with substitute Nugent turning the last of three Derby openings into the base of the far post, forcing Lampard to settle for the consolation of receiving the adulation of the supporters, who consistently sung his name.
Frank Lampard has received an incredible reception at Stamford Bridge tonight… #CFCvDCFC pic.twitter.com/1t4226KpiB
— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) October 31, 2018
What does it mean? Sarri certain to stick with status quo
Cahill and Andreas Christensen, paired in the heart of defence, have both expressed interest in leaving Chelsea if more regular opportunities are not forthcoming. On this evidence, Antonio Rudiger and David Luiz will not be dislodged any time soon.
Zappacosta adds zest going forward
He may never be much more than an understudy to Cesar Azpilicueta, but right-back Zappacosta at least left an imprint of his attacking ability in Sarri’s mind, the Italian having been involved in all three Chelsea goals.
Cahill cut to pieces
Ex-England defender Cahill was particularly exposed on Wednesday with his slip in the lead-up to Derby’s initial equaliser the first disappointing moment of a match in which his waning pace was problematic.
Key Opta Facts
– Chelsea have now won 11 of their last 12 home games against Derby County in all competitions, netting 37 goals in those matches (3.1 per game).
– This was Derby boss Frank Lampard’s first defeat at Stamford Bridge as either a player or manager since September 2013 when Chelsea lost 2-1 to Basel in the Champions League.
– Chelsea have won 11 of their last 12 home League Cup games against sides from outside of the Premier League, drawing the other 1-1 with Burnley in November 2008 before being eliminated on penalties.
– Derby are the first team to score two own goals against Chelsea since Stoke City did so in the Premier League in January 2013.
What’s next?
Stamford Bridge is again the setting for Chelsea’s clash with Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday, while promotion-chasing Derby host Birmingham City in the Championship on Saturday.
