Chelsea crash out of the League Cup at the same stage as last season thanks to a 2-1 defeat to West Ham United. A goal from Kouyate in the first half and one early in the second from youngster Fernandes was enough for the Hammers to record their third consecutive win and clean sheet in all competitions.
Chelsea had made seven changes to the starting lineup from the trouncing of Manchester United, and the lack of cohesion was at times palpable. A couple square pegs in round holes, too, probably not to be seen again in league play.
Chelsea huffed and puffed and even threw on Diego Costa and Eden Hazard and Pedro, but there was to be no comeback on this day. The Blues had plenty of chances, but in the end, it was just "one of those days". Cahill grabbed a late-late consolation with the final kick of the evening.
- Conte made all three of his changes before the 65th minute. He definitely wanted to win.
- Personally, I'm a bit less bothered, and with just a bit more luck, Chelsea could've had a few goals (and West Ham could've had a few more as well, to be fair).
- Oscar and Kante ended up playing in midfield towards the end, with Pedro as left wing-back and a front trio of Hazard, Costa, Willian.
- Concerning lack of depth behind Moses and Alonso for the wingback positions in the 3-4-3, though Pedro put in a credible shift.
- Regroup for Sunday, as Chelsea take on Southampton, away. Will be even tougher.
- KTBFFH. Carefree.
P.S.: Burn this outfit, Antonio.
LIVE: Conte appears to have raided the Chelsea club shop prior to this evening's game https://t.co/VnDWEeWOza pic.twitter.com/jFDq6kSMn6
— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) October 26, 2016