Chelsea draws disgust from the stands
(01-10 11:02)
Rafael Benitez insisted Chelsea had been unlucky after a 2-0 defeat in their League Cup semi-final first leg tie by Premier League rivals Swansea at Stamford Bridge.
Both Swansea goals in a backs-to-the-wall effort came as a result of two errors by Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic. In-form Spanish striker Michu, from La Liga side Rayo Vallecano, scored his 16th goal of the season in the 39th minute with a curling shot from the edge of the box after Ivanovic mishandled the ball, AFP reports.
And in stoppage time, shortly after Chelsea substitute Demba Ba had had a penalty appeal turned down on his home debut, Swansea's Danny Graham scored for the fourth match in a row after another Ivanovic mistake.
Interim Blues manager Benitez, brought in to replace sacked fan favorite Roberto di Matteo, endured more jeers from Chelsea supporters.
But the Spaniard insisted any hostility directed at him was beside the point.
Yesterday's result was the second surprise English League Cup semi-final first leg scoreline in as many days, if not as great an upset as fourth-tier Bradford City's 3-1 defeat of Premier League Aston Villa on Tuesday.
Now Welsh side Swansea will look to seal their tie against European champions Chelsea in the second leg at the Liberty Stadium on January 23, with the prospect of an improbable final against Bradford in their sights.
|
|
|
|
