Buonanotte Shines as Chelsea Edge Past Lincoln, But Jorgensen Draws Heavy Criticism
Chelsea secured passage to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Lincoln City, but while some players impressed, others, particularly in goal, came under sharp scrutiny.
Facing a League One side, the Blues fell behind at halftime after a sloppy defensive showing allowed Rob Street to score. However, two quickfire strikes turned the game around: Tyrique George volleyed Chelsea level before Facundo Buonanotte slotted home a winner, both goals arriving within minutes of each other.
Below is how Chelsea’s players fared under the spotlight:
Player Ratings & Notes
Filip Jorgensen — 3/10
A night to forget for the goalkeeper. He struggled to command crosses, misjudged airborne balls, and was lucky not to concede more goals.
Malo Gusto — 5/10
Solid enough in possession, though often went backwards rather than pressing forward.
Wesley Fofana — 5/10
Won some duels, but cautious with the ball. He’s still yet to convince as a £70 million signing.
Trevoh Chalobah — 4/10
Poor positional sense and was repeatedly exposed. He lost out in a race and was dispossessed at vital moments.
Jorrel Hato — 6/10
One of the more promising performers. He drifted into space, carried the ball well from left back, and showed glimpses of threat.
Andrey Santos — 6/10
Efficient in possession, made smart passes, though picked up a yellow for a tactical foul that stopped a Lincoln counter.
Enzo Fernández — 5/10
A shaky start saw him lose possession that led to Lincoln’s opener. He improved in the second period but was booked for dissent.
Alejandro Garnacho — 6/10
Despite jeers from the crowd, he managed to make impact in the final third. This was his first full 59-minute outing.
Facundo Buonanotte — 7/10
A standout performance. The Argentine weaved through opposition defenses, showcased close control, and delivered a composed finish to claim his first goal for Chelsea.
Jamie Gittens — 6/10
Busy in attack, though failing to convert chances. Still, a lively effort from the forward.
The Standard
Tyrique George — 6/10
Largely quiet until his moment of brilliance: a thunderous volley to equalize the tie.
Substitutes & Others
Estevao (on for Garnacho, 59’) — 5/10
Showed glimpses of initiative but held onto the ball too long at critical moments.
Shim Mheuka (on for George, 70’) — 5/10
Took up good positions but saw little of the ball.
Pedro Neto (on for Gittens, 70’) — 5/10
Utilised chances on counters, adding energy late.
Marc Cucurella (on for Fernández, 70’) — 5/10
Defensively ensured solidity, with some forward runs of note.
Unused: Slonina, James, Caicedo, Harrison
Takeaway
Chelsea’s progress came by the skin of their teeth against lower-league opposition. While Buonanotte stole the spotlight with a composed performance and match-winning goal, the defensive frailties and Jorgensen’s alarming night will raise serious concerns for manager Enzo Maresca going forward.