Chelsea survive League Cup scare

Chelsea narrowly avoided humiliating League Cup exit against fourth-tier opposition as they scraped into the third round on Wednesday.

At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea trailed against minnows AFC Wimbledon before recovering to win 2-1 thanks to Enzo Fernandez’s first goal for the club.

Mauricio Pochettino made seven changes to the side that beat Luton 3-0 for his first win as Chelsea boss on Friday.

Ian Maatsen, Lesley Ugochukwu and Mason Burstow made their first starts, while Diego Moreira was handed his debut.

Still looking for his first trophy in English football after spells with Southampton and Tottenham, Pochettino might have feared his first attempt with Chelsea was going to end in abject failure when Wimbledon struck in the 19th minute.

Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez collided with Harry Pell as he came off his line in a failed attempt to collect a cross, conceding a penalty that James Tilley calmly stroked home.

Chelsea equalised on the stroke of half-time when Noni Madueke netted from the spot after the winger was fouled by Alex Pearce.

Fernandez added more composure to Chelsea’s midfield after coming off the bench and the Argentine World Cup winner put his side ahead in the 72nd minute.

Taking advantage of a mix-up in the Wimbledon defence, Fernandez slotted home to finally get on the scoresheet after arriving from Benfica for £106 million in January.

Third round draw

Ipswich Town v Wolves

Exeter City v Luton Town

Aston Villa v Everton

Manchester United v Crystal Palace

Port Vale v Sutton United

Bradford City v Middlesbrough

Bournemouth v Stoke City

Lincoln City v West Ham

Brentford v Arsenal

Chelsea v Brighton

Salford City v Burnley

Fulham v Norwich City

Blackburn Rovers v Cardiff City

Liverpool v Leicester City

Newcastle United v Manchester City

Mansfield Town v Peterborough United