Despite drawing level, first-team coach Arnos Michel will have been far from impressed with the lacklustre showing the Champions of Europe had mustered up in the first period. One can only imagine the thoughts of Tuchel watching on at home.
The Blues threatened to turn the screw in the second half, but profligacy was the order of the day as the attacking unit endeavoured to outdo each other in who could miss the easiest gilt-edged chance between them. Romelu Lukaku was the pick of the bunch, somehow failing to connect with a dangerous Hakim Ziyech cross from all of a couple of yards. Michael Cooper was also in inspired form in between the sticks for the plucky visitors.
As such, the Stamford Bridge faithful unfortunately had to endure another thirty minutes of painful viewing in the form of extra time. It took some cute combination play between Kai Havertz and Marcos Alonso to dispel the gloom, with the latter firing home in the 105th minute. But there was one last twist in the tale - Malang Sarr bringing Ryan Hardie down for a penalty that Kepa was equal to.
In the final analysis,
the hosts eventually got it over the line, but their opposition kept
them honest and must be commended for their role in a fascinating game.
Up next for the Pensioners is a long flight to the United Arab Emirates
where Al Jazira or Al Hilal lie in wait in the Club World Cup
semi-final. In the meantime, here are Absolute Chelsea's player ratings
for Chelsea's win over Plymouth Argyle today...
Caught in no man's land by a superb delivery from ex-Chelsea boy Jordan Houghton - who Absolute Chelsea caught up with before the game - and an argument can be made that he could have been more commanding in dealing with the threat. Of course, he couldn't account for the torrid defending in front of him. A couple of decent saves in the second half were bookended by some shakiness, but he was the man of the hour in extra time as the penalty king pulled it out of the bag once more.
In the face of adversity, it was the skipper who stood up to be counted. His desire to drive forward and drag his underperforming teammates back into proceedings was admirable, with clever and intricate runs in abundance. In spite of his advancing years, the Spaniard is ever dependable with a work ethic and attitude that cannot be discredited. A servant of the club and an example for all to follow.
Andreas Christensen - 5/10 [45]
Not a great showing from the Dane all things considered, coming back into the side for Thiago Silva. His passing was metronomic, but it was a tough day at the races in the physical battle. Withdrawn at half-time, and it's not yet certain if that was through injury or a tactical change by Michels. It wouldn't be a surprise if it was the latter.
An oddly quiet and non-descript performance from the German, who usually gets himself into the wars to make his mark. He was instead subdued, to the point where we didn't even see his trademark long-range drive. If he wishes to be one of the highest-paid earners at the club, he has to be more visible in games like this.
Not the most assured of starts for the Frenchman, who had difficulty dealing with Plymouth's pace on the wing. But the switch to a more natural centre-back position bore fruit after the interval, settling him down to strengthen as the day wore on - until his inexperience shone through with a clumsy challenge which almost cost Chelsea the win.
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