Carabao Cup 2017/18: Chelsea 2-1 AFC Bournemouth: 5 Talking Points

Antonio Conte's Chelsea left it pretty late to book their place in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup during their 2-1 win at home against AFC Bournemouth. The result meant that the Blues have qualified for this stage of the competition for the first time since winning it back in the 2014/15 season under Jose Mourinho.

Chelsea was rewarded for their swift attacking movements as early as in the 13th minute when Willian slotted home following a brilliant move orchestrated by Kenedy and Cesc Fabregas. The Blues continued to dominate possession and went into half-time looking far more comfortable than their counterparts.

However, Bournemouth came out in the second half with all guns blazing and continued to put Chelsea on the back foot until they scored the equalizer in the 90th minute through Dan Gosling.

The celebrations lasted about 14 seconds for the Cherries and their hopes of reaching the semi-finals for the first time were crushed when substitute Alvaro Morata restored Chelsea's lead with some help from Eden Hazard.

Here are the five key talking points from the thriller at Stamford Bridge:

#5 Chelsea should keep Willian

Willian continued his goal-scoring form for Chelsea

Willian was at the right place and at the right time to bag the opening goal for Chelsea on the night and yet again proved that he can be a vital cog in this Chelsea squad. The Brazilian has been linked with a move away from Chelsea in recent weeks due to his disrupted playing time and it is believed that there will be suitors for him within the Premier League itself.

Despite all the rumours surrounding his future, Willian has stayed put and performed well for his side in recent weeks. If the performances at Qarabag, Liverpool and the one against Bournemouth tonight is anything to go by, then it is as clear as daylight that Willian can still offer a lot.

#4 Bournemouth feeling the heat of their tough schedule

Defoe's injury will be a huge area of concern for Bournemouth

The festive season has not been all smiles for Eddie Howe and Bournemouth due to their unforgiving set of fixtures in the build-up to Boxing Day. It seemed as if they had turned a corner with back to back wins in the beginning of November but they have been in free fall ever since that 4-0 win against Huddersfield.

Bournemouth is without a win in their last 7 games in all competitions and their poor run of form could well extend when they face Manchester City on Saturday. Before the game at Stamford Bridge, Howe had pointed out his side's contrasting performances against Manchester United and Liverpool, admitting that there is no room for inconsistency.

Howe also pointed out that maintaining top-flight status is their number one priority and it seems like they will have to wait until Christmas is over to try and find a result that can inspire them to achieve their targets.

#3 Ampadu shines for Chelsea

Ampadu completed the full ninety minutes for Chelsea

The most exciting news on the night would have been the inclusion of Ethan Ampadu in the heart of the Chelsea defense flagged on either side by Gary Cahill and Antonio Rudiger. The teenager justified his manager's decision and was involved in the thick of the action from the beginning.

Ampadu showed great awareness for his age and was not shy about committing to a few challenges from time to time. The 17-year-old was tidy in possession and never really looked like giving the ball away to the opposition.

It seems as if Conte believes that Ampadu can make a mark at Chelsea if he gets enough chances for the first team and it already looks like the gaffer is destined to provide him with the same.

#2 Plenty of positives for Bournemouth

It seemed as if the tie was done and dusted at half-time after Chelsea went into the break far more comfortable and largely untroubled, compared to the visitors. Bournemouth swiftly joined the party in the second half and from there on, it was no looking back for the Cherries.

Jordon Ibe, who replaced the injured Jermaine Defoe, ran riot inside Chelsea's half and was duly supported by the antics of Ryan Fraser and Dan Gosling in midfield. Bournemouth continued to create chance after chance and one could even argue that they did not deserve to go home as the losing side.

Their attempts were finally rewarded in the 90th minute when Gosling made it 1-1 but the celebrations were cut short when Morata restored Chelsea's lead at the other end shortly thereafter.

Yet another good performance that yielded no result to the Cherries but Howe will be hoping that his players can take inspiration from the same and the results will definitely follow.

#1 Time up for Batshuayi?

Batshuayi has fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge

Michy Batshuayi was provided with the perfect opportunity to prove his credentials at Stamford Bridge when he was handed a place in the starting line-up against Bournemouth. The Belgian had managed to score a hat-trick during his last outing in the competition but failed to make an impact on the night.

The striker has struggled for playing time at the club this season, managing just around 220 minutes for Chelsea in the Premier League. Despite enjoying one of the best minutes per goal ratios at the club last season, Batshuayi has failed to hit the ground running in England.

Conte has been shy of trusting the Belgian to fill in for Morata, even when the Spaniard was unavailable with a back problem, forcing Eden Hazard to play as a false nine on numerous occasions.

Recent performances do not bode well for Batshuayi and it seems like he could be on the fringes at Chelsea and the Belgian might even seek greener pastures sooner rather than later in the hopes of making the World Cup squad.