Chelsea stretched their winning run in the current season as they beat Aston Villa 4-3 on penalties to extend to the next stage of the Carabao Cup. Reece James scored the winning penalty in a shootout as the Uefa Champions League defending champions reached the last 16 of the Carabao Cup.
The full-back fired home the Blues’ final penalty to win the shootout 4-3. Both teams played out a first-half goalless draw but Chelsea forward Timo Werner opened the scoring with a header before Archer levelled the scores for Villa. It was Chelsea’s first goal from open play they have conceded this season.
The game was forced into a penalty shoot-out after a full time 1-1 all draw. Former Manchester United star player Ashley Young struck the crossbar with Villa’s second penalty before Kepa Arrizabalaga saved their third from Marvelous Nakamba as they won 4-3.
Ben Chilwell also had his penalty struck the bar to take it to the final set of penalties, but Reece James made no mistake to seal the Blues’ progress. Commenting on the victory Chelsea head coach said It was a good game full of energy, good chances on both sides between two teams who tried everything to win.
Aston Villa assistant boss Craig Shakespeare on the other hand said: “We’re disappointed to go out. We came here with a game plan and we picked a team that needed minutes. “Chelsea’s superiority in terms of possession meant we had to hang in there at times in the second half.”
“The overall performance and chances we created, the lads can be very, very pleased with.” “However, they’re disappointed in the changing room to go out.”