ENZO Fernandez’s stunning late goal spared Chelsea’s blushes as they came from behind to beat plucky AFC Wimbledon 2-1 in the Carabao Cup.
It was Wimbledon who took a shock lead on when Harry Pell was sent to ground by keeper Robert Sanchez’s challenge, prompting referee Tony Harrington to point straight to the spot.
James Tilley waited patiently for Pell to receive treatment and then coolly converted the 19th minute penalty before running the length of the field to celebrate with Wimbledon’s huge travelling 4,298 contingent.
But right at the end of the first half it was the home side’s turn to win a penalty after Alex Pearce tripped Madueke, who was quickly on his feet to convert from 12 yards.
Alex Bass was alert to deny half-time substitute Nicolas Jackson just after the restart and Pell flashed a volley wide at the other end.
Bass was tested again by Conor Gallagher but it was end-to-end and both Ali Al-Hamadi and Tilley had attempts for the Dons.
However, it was Chelsea went in front on 72 minutes.
Bass was caught outside of the box and his attempted clearance hit Ian Maatsen and then a Dons defender before falling to Fernandez, who fired into the net from 25 yards.
The Wimbledon keeper did much better to push behind Maatsen’s 85th minute shot and then produced a fantastic one-handed stop from Fernandez.
Al-Hamadi had a last-gasp shot deflected behind deep into stoppage time and with Bass going up for the resulting corner, the Dons were caught on the counter, only for Fernandez to fire agonisingly wide of an empty goal.
Chelsea’s reward is a home tie with fellow Premier League side Brighton in round three.
WIMBLEDON MANAGER JOHNNIE JACKSON
“I’m so proud of my players and my team. I think we pushed them all the way and gave them a proper game. I’ve been saying all week in the build up that we weren’t just coming for the day out and the experience and all that stuff.
“We wanted to come and give them a proper game and go toe-to-toe with them.
“I think we done that. I’m not disappointed on that. I’m a bit gutted that we haven’t pushed them all the way and took them to pens but I have to be proud of everyone.
“He (Bass) is disappointed but we win and lose together and it is never about finger pointing or blame.
“Bassy has been outstanding since he came to us. Goalkeepers have their moments and it is unfortunate when you make a mistake as a goalie more often than not it ends up with a goal conceded.
“Players make mistakes out on the pitch all the time and they don’t get punished so certainly there will be no finger pointing. He is a top goalkeeper and he will continue to be.”
MAURICIO POCHETTINO
“It was tough. That is the beauty of the competition, of the cups. It was good stuff.
“I think for the circumstance we have with the squad at the moment many players were good today. I am happy with the performance.
“There are many positive things but of course we have a squad and some were rested and on the bench in case we need them.
“They were fresh to go into the game and of course I’m going to play the team to achieve what I wanted.
“If you want to win the competition you should beat all the teams, if not it is impossible.
“For me Brighton next is another team we need to play and we play at home. For sure when we arrive at the moment we are going to compete.”
