Stoke City have continued their trend as Chelsea’s bogey side in the League Cup, with their fifth successive victory over the Londoners in the competition 5-4 on penalties.
The loss heaps more pressure on beleaguered Blues boss Jose Mourinho, who fielded a strong first XI.
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After a goalless first half, one in which Chelsea had numerous chances to take the lead, Mourinho’s misery would not be helped by an injury to Diego Costa.
Jonathan Walters opened the scoring seven minutes after half time when he smashed in a fierce drive from 20 yards.
Stoke clung onto their lead manfully throughout the second half, until substitute Loic Remy gave Chelsea a lifeline in the 91st minute with a well struck shot from eight yards into the roof of the net.
When Stoke defender Phil Bardsley was sent off after a second yellow card offence just two minutes into extra time, one would have expected Chelsea to find a winner but Stoke were resolute and they got it to penalties.
After an exhibition in how to take spot kicks following nine converted penalties, Eden Hazard’s rasping drive was saved superbly by Jack Butland who helped seal a passage into the quarter-finals of the League Cup.
Yet another loss in an underwhelming campaign thus far for the Blues has put another huge question mark over Mourinho’s chances of retaining his job.
There are reports speculating that the clash against Liverpool on Saturday could be the Portuguese manager’s last, if they fail to secure victory.
Here is some of the best reaction on Twitter following defeat at Stoke:
Hazard: Just like Terry taught me, right gaffer? #CFC pic.twitter.com/3sIx7aoycW
— Iain Felipe (@iainfelipe) October 27, 2015
Absolute embarrassment this season, with apparent “top class” players we play like a League 2 team, shocking. #CFC — Jay (@JayNorth8) October 27, 2015
Diego Costa going to hospital too, night gets worse and worse for Chelsea.
— Georgie (@FutbolSloth) October 27, 2015
State of affairs that I and a fellow Chelsea fan have celebrated a goal in the league cup like we just did… #CFC — Kristian Sturt (@FootieWriter) October 27, 2015
#STO 1-1 #CFC (Stoke win 5-4 on pens) – Eight defeats in all competitions for Mourinho’s side this season. pic.twitter.com/HVG6siVuZg
— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) October 27, 2015
If Chelsea don’t win against Liverpool, I’m afraid Mourinho will change from Special One to Expired one. #CFCLive #CFC #bbcfootball — FERDINAND OMONDI (@FerdyOmondi) October 27, 2015
Sherwood to be next #CFC manager, call everyone slags, lose 4-0 to Liverpool and then get sacked by February
— Proudiola (@ProudieYT) October 27, 2015
Mourinho has been lucky manager, clubs with big purses. He can’t build a squad and sustain it. #foundout #CFC #overrated — Jason (@JasonLFC7) October 27, 2015
15th in the PremierLeague. 3rd in our Champions League Group. Out of the Capital One Cup. It goes on… #CFC
— Mr blue (@AfeesAdeniyi) October 27, 2015
Could be worse #Chelsea fans pic.twitter.com/m1RQmri5de — Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk) October 27, 2015
Chelsea’s penalty shootout record under Jose Mourinho: L L L L L ??? #CFC [via @OptaJoe] pic.twitter.com/zueUNtIJ4S
— Yakatak Football (@YakatakFootball) October 27, 2015
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