By Henry Vinter | 15 December 2055
There are dominant performances, and then there are matches where the opposition might as well have stayed on the bus. Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup Quarter Final fell firmly into the latter category.
On a freezing, wet evening at the Drogba Arena, Chelsea didn’t just beat Leeds United; they erased them. The 2-0 scoreline was merciful, but the statistics were damning. Leeds United, a professional football team, failed to register a single shot on target and ended the match with an Expected Goals (xG) of 0.00.
For Calin Dimario, it was the perfect night: a comfortable win, key players rested, and a place in the semi-finals secured without a drop of sweat.
The Crichton Clinic
While the usual superstars rested, Scott Crichton reminded everyone why he is labeled a “legendary attacking midfielder” at just 28. The Irishman was the heartbeat of the side, producing a Player of the Match display that earned him an 8.6 rating.
He covered 13.4km, completed 4 key passes, and provided the assist that killed the game. Crichton has often been the unsung hero in this era of Galacticos, but tonight he was the conductor, pulling Leeds apart with a level of intelligence they simply couldn’t live with.
Jairzinho Breaks the Resistance
It took 38 minutes to break the deadlock, but it was coming from the first whistle. Jairzinho, another star looking to make a statement, fired a “low drive” past the keeper to settle the nerves.
For a player who has found himself rotating with the likes of Joseph Haigh and Pelé, this goal was vital currency. He looked sharp, hungry, and determined to prove he belongs in the starting XI for the bigger games ahead.
Sahar Seals It
The result was put beyond doubt in the 68th minute by the ever-reliable Netanel Sahar. The striker, who had terrorized Leicester just weeks ago, popped up with a “powerful close range effort” to make it 2-0.
Sahar is fast becoming the best “backup” striker in world football. He doesn’t need 90 minutes to score; he just needs a half-chance.
The Easiest Clean Sheet in History?
We must talk about the defence, and specifically the night enjoyed by Abiola Hill. The goalkeeper, given a rare opportunity to start in the cup, could effectively have brought a deck chair to the goalmouth.
With Leeds registering zero shots on target and 0.00 xG, Hill didn’t have a single save to make. He finished with a respectable 7.4 rating, presumably for his distribution and concentration, because his gloves certainly didn’t get dirty.
It was a night where the back four of Orlandi, Kardec, Mackic, and Banton simply walled off the area, leaving Hill to watch the Scott Crichton show from the best seat in the house.
Semi-Finals Bound
Chelsea march on. The machine has now won 17 consecutive games across all competitions (League + Cup). They are in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, top of the League, and cruising in Europe. The question is no longer “who can beat them?” but rather “can anyone even get a shot on target against them?”
What to do next: The trophy hunt continues.
- Next Fixture: Tottenham Hotspur (Away) – Sat 18/12. A North London Derby to finish the week.
- Narrative Check: Scott Crichton is in peak form. Does he keep his place for Spurs?
- The Streak: 17 Wins in a row. Can Spurs stop the 18th?