According to The Guardian, Chelsea booked their place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, though the night was tainted by a late red card to forward Liam Delap, which cast a shadow over an otherwise impressive performance.
The Blues appeared to be cruising after a dominant first half, racing into a 3-0 lead through goals from Andrey Santos, Tyrique George, and Estevão Willian. Their fluid attacking display suggested an easy route to the last eight.
However, Wolves roared back after the break. Tolu Arokodare pulled one back before David Møller Wolfe struck twice to level the contest, setting up a tense finale.
The game’s key talking point came in the 79th minute when Delap, making his return after two months out with a hamstring injury, was booked for a clash with Yerson Mosquera. Just seven minutes later, he received a second yellow card for a foul on Emmanuel Agbadou, leaving Chelsea to finish with ten men.
Manager Enzo Maresca branded the dismissal “very stupid” and “embarrassing,” admitting that Delap had ignored his instructions to stay composed.
Despite the setback, Chelsea held their nerve. Substitute Jamie Gittens restored their lead with a fine strike before Wolves grabbed a consolation in stoppage time.
The result showcased Chelsea’s attacking depth and resilience, but the disciplinary issues remain a concern — the red card was their fifth in nine matches.
Maresca praised his team’s spirit but warned that such lapses must stop:
“We can avoid these red cards. When you’re 3-0 up, you have to control the game better.”
Chelsea will face Cardiff City in the quarter-finals as they look to continue their Carabao Cup run, while also preparing for key Premier League fixtures. The win brings momentum — but also a reminder that discipline, not just talent, wins trophies.
