Chelsea edge out Bournemouth to reach Carabao Cup semis

Chelsea: A look back at 2018

An 84th-minute Eden Hazard goal, that spun into the net after a heavy deflection, earned Chelsea a place in the League Cup semi-finals after a 1-0 win over Bournemouth in an entertaining tie on Wednesday.

Chelsea had buzzed round the Bournemouth goal for much of the game but it was not until substitute Hazard came on with half an hour to go that they looked creative and decisive enough to break through.

Chelsea had piled on the pressure from the start and there were good chances for Olivier Giroud, Ross Barkley, who forced a diving save from Artur Boruc and Willian, who surged forward from the halfway line after 30 minutes only for Boruc to block his rising shot.

Bournemouth looked dangerous on the break and Callum Wilson ran through on goal in the 17th minute but pulled his shot wide.

A scampering run from Jordon Ibe opened up the Chelsea defence 20 minutes later and Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga had to fly to his left to keep out Lys Mousset's curling shot.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek, playing in a forward role, looked certain to break the deadlock early in the second half after rounding two players but his shot flew inches past Boruc's post.

Chelsea brought on first Pedro then Hazard and it was a combination of the Spaniard and Belgium's Hazard that made the goal.

It was the first home game since alleged racist taunts against Manchester City's Raheem Sterling prompted an outcry and Chelsea banned four fans.

Chelsea Chairman Bruce Buck took a page in the programme to condemn racism and the atmosphere in the ground was lively but appeared good humoured with no added security in evidence.

Retuers

What time does it start?

Chelsea vs Bournemouth kicks off at 7:45pm (GMT)

Where can I watch it?

The match will be shown live on TV or online in the UK but Independent Sport will keep you up to date with all the goals as they fly in via our live blog.

Giroud scored twice last week against Vidi in the Europa League (Getty) (Getty Images)

Player to watch…

Olivier Giroud: The French World Cup-winner went on a run of four goals in three Europa League games, but has rarely seen minutes in the Premier League this season. However, with injuries to Alvaro Morata and Eden Hazard, it's likely that the Frenchman will be called up for the match of Maurizio Sarri is intent on taking the competition seriously.

Form guide…

Chelsea: WLWDW

Bournemouth: LLWLL

Odds…

Chelsea to win: 1/3

Bournemouth to win: 8/1

Draw: 4/1

[19 December 2018 19:41 · Jack Sear]

A new role for Nathan Ake

It looks as if Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake may be lining up in midfield for the Cherries tonight.

Chelsea are, of course, the team he left for Bournemouth last year, so it promises to be an interesting night for the Dutchman.

[19 December 2018 19:43 · Jack Sear]

It's nearly kick-off time

The teams are out on the pitch and kick-off is fast approaching at the Emirates and at Stamford Bridge.

[19 December 2018 19:45 · Jack Sear]

We're underway at the Emirates for Arsenal vs Spurs and at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea vs Bournemouth.

[19 December 2018 19:48 · Jack Sear]

2 minutes: Arsenal 0-0 Spurs

A big early chance for Arsenal. Mkhitaryan wins a corner and then flicks on the ball in at the near post. Monreal stretches but can't quite get on the end of it.

[19 December 2018 19:49 · Jack Sear]

2 minutes: Chelsea 0-0 Bournemouth

Chelsea are in control in the early stages after capitalising on a mistake from Jordon Ibe. More of that and it could be a long night for the Cherries.

[19 December 2018 19:50 · Jack Sear]

4 minutes: Arsenal 0-0 Spurs

Arsenal are definitely set up in a back four this evening, with Granit Xhaka partnering Sokratis at the heart of the defence.

[19 December 2018 19:51 · Jack Sear]

5 minutes: Chelsea 0-0 Bournemouth

At Stamford Bridge, Ruben Loftus-Cheek is on the right-side of Chelsea's front three tonight, with Willian out on the left.

Most of the early stages are being played in Bournemouth's half.

[19 December 2018 19:53 · Jack Sear]

7 minutes: Arsenal 0-0 Spurs

Spurs right-back Kieran Trippier looks to have recovered from an early knock and has just pulled off a brilliant nutmeg on Alex Iwobi right in front of the away supporters. They enjoyed that.

[19 December 2018 19:54 · Jack Sear]

8 minutes: Chelsea 0-0 Bournemouth

Chance for Chelsea, who are dominant here. Loftus-Cheek plays in Barkley after some excellent work down the right. Barkley hits it from 20 yards out and Bournemouth keeper Boruc pulls off a great stop to deny him.

[19 December 2018 19:55 · Jack Sear]

8 minutes: Arsenal 0-0 Spurs

Just wide from Ramsey. The Welshman combines well with Alex Iwobi before smashing just wide of the far post.