Chelsea,
the Premier League leader, needed a late own goal to squeeze past
fourth-tier Shrewsbury, 2-1, and reach the quarterfinals of the League
Cup. The substitute Willian produced a brilliant inswinging cross and
defender Jermaine Grandison stooped to head the ball into his own net.
Liverpool had to rally to beat visiting Swansea City, 2-1. Visiting West Bromwich Albion lost to second-tier Bournemouth, 2-1.
A late own goal earned Chelsea a narrow 2-1 win
over a determined Sky Bet League Two side Shrewsbury Town in the
Capital One Cup fourth round.
The hosts were first to everything in the first half, and the
gulf between the pair looked non-existent as the Shrews more than held
their own.
Didier Drogba: Was not allowed time
However, immediately after the interval, the Premier League leaders showed their class, with an incisive move leading to the opener for Didier Drogba.
The hosts toiled in awful conditions, but for all their endeavour, the Shropshire side could not find a way through a resolute Chelsea rearguard.
However, just 90 seconds after coming off the bench Andy Mangan equalised from close range to send the home fans into raptures.
That delirium was short lived however, as one of Jose Mourinho’s own substitutes Willian crossed into the danger area, only for Shrews defender Jermaine Grandison to nod past his own 'keeper to give the Blues the lead again just four minutes later.
Chelsea hung on to secure a place in the quarter-finals, while the Shrews head out with their heads held high after a fantastic effort.
With the rain pouring down the Shropshire side set their stall out early on, and didn’t allow the visitors to settle on the ball.
The Shrews actually had the chance of the half as early as sixth minute, with Petr Cech forced into a smart save after Nathaniel Knight-Percival got up highest to head a corner through a crowded penalty area towards goal.
Chelsea, who made seven changes from the weekend draw at Manchester United were very flat going forward in the first half, with Mohammed Salah the only really threatening Blues player.
The Egyptian was allowed to cut inside on several occasions, but he failed to hit the target with Shrews’ ‘keeper Jayson Leutwiler untroubled.
Ryan Woods: All action display
There had been little to concern Shrewsbury in the first half but within three minutes of the re-start they were behind.
Schurrle and Salah combined well to tee up Drogba who clinically steered past Leutwiler from 12 yards.
It was the first goal Shrewsbury had conceded in the competition but they almost levelled eight minutes later.
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