Chelsea 2-1 AFC Wimbledon: Blues edge past League Two outfit

Chelsea 2-1 AFC Wimbledon: Mauricio Pochettino’s side survive scare to edge past League Two outfit as Noni Madueke and Enzo Fernandez goals ensure they come from behind to win

• Pochettino made seven changes from the Blues’ victory over Luton on Friday
• Fernandez scored the winner from distance after coming on as a substitute
• Would Mohamed Salah ‘do the dirty’ on Liverpool by leaving? And what about Man United ‘diving’?: Listen to It’s All Kicking Off, Mail Sport’s new podcast 

There are some things money cannot buy. Such as, in Chelsea’s case on Wednesday night, a straightforward passage into the Carabao Cup third round.

They got there in the end. But only after Mauricio Pochettino had to make full use of his embarrassment of riches and throw more stars from his expensively-assembled squad at AFC Wimbledon, including the two biggest Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, before they were eventually able to edge out the unlucky League Two side.

Johnnie Jackson’s previously unbeaten men were deservedly holding their own after the two sides swapped first-half penalties.

But one slip from Wimbledon goalkeeper Alex Bass was clinically punished by Fernandez and Chelsea able to think about progressing.

Pochettino made seven changes to his side but still fielded one containing six signings made in the last year, including Manchester United target Marc Cucurella, who cost the best part of £180m combined.

Enzo Fernandez (left) came off the bench to score Chelsea’s winner against AFC Wimbledon

Noni Madueke equalised from the penalty spot after he was brought down during an impressive performance

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In-form Wimbledon, though, were far from overawed, and stunned Stamford Bridge when they took the lead.

Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was adjudged to have mistimed his punch and fouled Harry Pell when he came to meet a hanging free-kick and referee Tony Harrington pointed to the spot.

James Tilley fired it down the middle before racing up the other end to celebrate in front of a delirious away end.

Pell, meanwhile, got an earful from Pochettino as he prepared to return to the pitch after treatment, the Chelsea head coach not impressed with the Wimbledon midfielder’s part in the penalty incident.

James Tilley gave Wimbledon the lead after 19 minutes from the penalty spot at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was adjudged to have mistimed his punch and fouled Harry Pell

Pochettino would not have been happy with his own players either. They did not give Wimbledon a scare until Ian Maatsen’s shot was deflected narrowly past the angle off Joe Lewis.

For all their possession Chelsea struggled to open up the visitors until Noni Madueke’s driving run into the box was ended by Alex Pearce’s foul and the winger stepped up to convert the penalty he won.

Not that equalising appeared to improve Pochettino’s mood all that much.

He was off down the tunnel well before the half-time whistle was blown, missing his side ending the opening period on the front foot.

Pochettino was forced to turn to his bench to secure the victory at home on Wednesday

Unsurprisingly he was plotting changes. Surprisingly it was just one, Nicolas Jackson on for ineffective winger debutant Diego Moreira.

Jackson threatened immediately as did captain for the night Conor Gallagher soon after but Wimbledon posed a threat too through Ali Al-Hamadi and Tilley.

Two more of Chelsea’s big additions Fernandez and Malo Gusto were chucked on and the former extended Alex Bass from long range.

Bass had been impressive to that point so it was cruel minutes later when his mis-kicked clearance eventually fell to Fernandez who curled his first Chelsea goal into the unguarded net.

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