Chelsea desperate to set the record straight against Tottenham in Carabao Cup semi-final, says Gianfranco Zola

On Wednesday night Eden Hazard scored from the bench to beat Bournemouth and set up a tie against Mauricio Pochettino’s side following Spurs’ 2-0 victory against Arsenal

Chelsea assistant manager Gianfranco Zola says the Chelsea players will be itching to set the record straight against Tottenham when the London sides meet in the Carabao Cup semi-final.

Maurizio Sarri’s unbeaten start at Chelsea was ended in emphatic fashion at Wembley when Tottenham outplayed their London rivals and won 3-1.

On Wednesday night Eden Hazard scored from the bench to beat Bournemouth and set up a tie against Mauricio Pochettino’s side following Spurs’ 2-0 victory against Arsenal.

“It could have been better,” said Zola after Chelsea drew Tottenham instead of League One Burton. “We are in the semi-final, we knew one of the two games was going to be difficult, it looks like it’s going to be both difficult, both games.

“They gave us a football lesson and we are looking forward to the challenge, everybody is very excited to play them again.

“There are a lot of proud players in our team and they will want to play this game and show that, I thought too many players underplayed and some of them were hurt, so I guess they will be looking forward and pleased to play against them. I can’t wait.”

The tie will also be a chance for Chelsea to show they have made some progress with fan behaviour following two-high profile incidents. Uefa recently launched an investigation into allegations of antisemitic chanting during Chelsea’s Europa League match against Vidi in Hungary and the club have issued a series of strong statements condemning a minority of fans.

Zola has urged supporters to prove that they have taken on board what the club have said and represent their side in a positive way when they travel to Wembley for the first leg in early January.

“I have no doubt that they will respond to it in a proper way,” he said. “We have fantastic supporters and I’m sure they will be supporting respectfully.”

Gianfranco Zola called on Chelsea fans to behave when they visit Wembley (Reuters)

Chelsea were worked hard by Bournemouth in the quarter-final and relied on Hazard and Pedro coming off the bench to change the game.

“The difference was the changes, Pedro and Eden gave us an extra gear,” said Zola. “Of course, we knew that we have a lot of games and obviously players like Eden we need to keep them fit. Eden is the type of player to make a big difference, also Pedro was excellent. That’s the good thing about having players like that.

“It was a very tough game, Bournemouth are a very good team, the coaches have done an excellent job and they gave us a tough time. They didn’t concede much and they got stronger and stronger."

Ruben Loftus-Cheek had another very good 90 minutes and was deployed as a wide player before taking up a No10 position late in the game.

“I was impressed with him,” said the assistant manager. “He’s done well as a striker and wide player, also he showed a lot of sacrifice when he played as a midfield, towards the end he was getting tired but still he was disciplined to be honest he’s come far since the beginning of the season and I’m pleased because he’s a good boy and works really hard.”