Two late goals have edged a mix-and-match Chelsea side past Brentford in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.
With the Blues still ravaged by Covid-19, boss Thomas Tuchel handed debuts to academy prospects Harvey Vale, Jude Soonsup-Bell and Xavier Simons for their last-eight meeting with their west London neighbours.
But it was substitutes N’Golo Kante, Reece James, Mason Mount and Jorginho who turned the tie in Chelsea’s favour.
They left it late but Pontus Jansson’s own goal finally broke the deadlock and Jorginho wrapped up victory from the spot.
The Bees created the first clear chance when Rico Henry tore down the left wing and, after his initial cross was blocked, pulled the ball back to Bryan Mbeumo, whose cross found the head of Yoane Wissa only for Kepa Arrizabalaga to pull off a fine reaction save.
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England Under-19 forward Soonsup-Bell was finding some early space in between the Brentford backline and his cross from the left found Ross Barkley, but the midfielder’s volley was well off target.
But it was the arrival of Kante, who Tuchel had maintained would not be involved, who provided the spark behind Chelsea’s opener.
The midfielder’s quick feet on the edge of the area evaded a couple of Brentford challenges before he slid in James, whose cross was bundled into his own net by Jansson.
Three minutes later Chelsea had their second after Mount was clumsily tripped by Fernandez and Jorginho fired the Blues through.
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