Chelsea supervisor Enzo Maresca says a change involving new defender Jorrel Hato helped his facet keep away from an EFL Cup shock at third-tier Lincoln Metropolis — however the Italian has hinted that he had stern phrases for his gamers at half-time.
In-form Lincoln had been on track for an upset when Rob Road slotted in after 42 minutes, just for the Premier League membership to re-emerge early for the second half and equalise three minutes in by means of Tyrique George’s very good long-range end.
On-loan Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Facundo Buonanotte accomplished a skilful run by hitting the winner two minutes later because the guests reached the fourth spherical and ended a two-match run of defeats.
Chelsea have turned it round!
Facundo Buonanotte scores his first purpose for the membership! 🔵 pic.twitter.com/DNkrghirTb
— Sky Sports activities Soccer (@SkyFootball) September 23, 2025
“We struggled within the first half however, within the second, we had been a lot, significantly better,” Maresca advised Chelsea’s website, including that it was “higher” if he didn’t elaborate on his speak on the interval.
“It’s simply concerning the gamers. We modified one thing at half-time by way of Jorell Hato’s place. Ty’s purpose was implausible and Facundo’s was excellent.”
Chelsea’s Tyrique George thundered house an ideal volley to equalise for Chelsea towards Lincoln ☄️ pic.twitter.com/FjzllKe1Re
— Sky Sports activities Soccer (@SkyFootball) September 23, 2025
Lincoln vs Chelsea: Blues by means of in EFL Cup
The Imps had been unbeaten at house in 2025/26. “I used to be very, very nervous about this sport — greater than some Premier League video games, as a result of these are difficult video games the place you’ll be able to simply slip up,” acknowledged Maresca.
“Lincoln had been very harmful from each free-kick, throw-in, cross contained in the field, so you want to defend in the proper means.”
Each groups are subsequent in motion on Saturday (15:00 BST / 10:00 ET / 07:00 PT), when Lincoln go to the second-bottom facet in League One, Peterborough United, and Chelsea host Brighton & Hove Albion, who’re 14th within the prime flight.
Lincoln Metropolis have capitalised on a defensive mix-up from Chelsea to take the lead 😳 pic.twitter.com/gc0wC2wA8b
— Sky Sports activities Soccer (@SkyFootball) September 23, 2025
Lincoln Metropolis crew vs Chelsea
Lincoln beginning XI: Zach Jeacock, Lewis Montsma, Ryley Towler, Sonny Bradley, Conor McGrandles, Ben Home, Ivan Varfolomeev, Rob Road, Tendayi Darikwa, Freddie Draper, Tom Hamer
Lincoln Metropolis substitutes: George Wickens, Adam Attain, Reeco Hackett, Tom Bayliss, James Collins, Oscar Thorn, Erik Ring, Francis Okoronkwo, Justin Obikwu
Chelsea crew vs Lincoln Metropolis
Chelsea beginning XI: Filip Jorgensen, Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Jorrel Hato, Enzo Fernandez, Andrey Santos, Alejandro Garnacho, Facundo Buonanotte, Jamie Gittens, Tyrique George
Chelsea substitutes: Gabriel Slonina, Marc Cucurella, Reece James, Moises Caicedo, Ollie Harrison, Reggie Walsh, Estevao, Pedro Neto, Shim Mheuka
When is the EFL Cup fourth spherical draw?
The draw will happen after third-tier facet Port Vale host Arsenal on Wednesday, September 24.
Presenter Simon Thomas will host the ceremony alongside former Liverpool and England midfielder Jamie Redknapp and ex-Sheffield United midfielder Michael Brown.
What time is the EFL Cup fourth spherical draw?
Arsenal vs Port Vale begins at 20:00 BST (15:00 ET / 12:00 PT), which implies the draw ought to happen shortly earlier than 22:00 BST (17:00 ET / 14:00 PT), relying on the quantity of added time within the sport and whether or not it requires penalties, which is able to happen whether it is degree after 90 minutes.
Ball numbers shall be confirmed by the EFL on the morning of the draw.
Find out how to watch the EFL Cup fourth spherical draw: TV channel, stay stream
The draw shall be proven stay on Sky Sports activities Important Occasion and Sky Sports activities Extremely and might be streamed on Sky GO.
By way of Now TV, Sky Sports activities prices £14.99 for a day membership, £28 a month for a 12-month membership or £34.99 a month with no contract.
Sky Sports activities memberships embrace entry to all 12 stay Sky Sports activities channels and Sky Sports activities+, which affords stay streams and a devoted channel.
