Enzo Fernandez Reacts To Scoring His First Goal For Chelsea, As They Edge Past AFC Wimbledon In The Carabao Cup. {Watch Video}

Enzo Fernandez scored his first Chelsea goal just seven minutes off the bench, as the Blues came from behind to advance into the Carabao Cup third-round with a hard-fought victory over London rivals AFC Wimbledon.

Chelsea, coming fresh off the back of their first victory of the 2023/24 season on Friday night as they beat Luton Town 3-0 in the Premier League. Two goals from Raheem Sterling and one from Nicolas Jackson was enough to earn Chelsea three points at home against the newly-promoted Hatters.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino made seven changes to his Chelsea team, handing a debut to Diego Moreira, a home debut to Bashir Humphreys, and full debuts to Mason Burstow, Lesley Ugochukwu and Ian Maatsen.

The Blues feared the worst at Stamford Bridge when League Two visitors took a shock lead from the penalty spot in the 19th minute through James Tilley, but Noni Madueke who made his first start this season levelled with a penalty of his won just before half-time.

Pochettino was far from happy with his team's performance, and went down the tunnel a couple of minutes before the first half finished.

The West London club who had spent close to £400m in this transfer window, had to bring on some of their big names from the bench.

Nicolas Jackson, fresh from his first goal for the club against Luton, was introduced and provided a spark that had been absent, with Malo Gusto and Enzo Fernandez helping lend Chelsea the required bite.

And it was £105m midfielder Enzo after having a shot from 30-yards saved, completed the turnaround (2-1) in the 72nd minute when he picked up on goalKeeper Alex Bass' poor deflected clearance to fire in from outside the area.

He calmly took a touch before passing the ball into the unguarded net from 20 yards out.

It was the Argentine's World Cup winner first goal for the club, ensuring Pochettino's side avoid a cup upset and advance to the third round.

It could have been more comfortable for Chelsea but captain for the night Conor Gallagher fired over from inside the area in added time. Captaining the team was a proud moment for the boyhood Chelsea fan, who joined the club aged eight and has faced an uncertain future this summer. 

Enzo expressed his delight after the game via the official X (formerly Twitter) handle, he wrote;"My first goal with this amazing club, what a feeling! Thanks to my teammates and all the fans for the support, we are together 💙🦁 @ChelseaFC "

Enzo Fernandez vs AFC Wimbledon

(@Enzo13Fernandez)
pic.twitter.com/7zZPf9oesA

— ☔️ (@CFCIbi) August 31, 2023

 Speaking after the win, Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino said:"It was tough, because of the circumstances we have in the squad at the moment. Many players weren't involved today, and I'm happy with the performance of a few who started for the first time.

"The beauty of this competition is anything can happen, and for us there were many positive things. We have our squad and the players on the bench in case we need them.

"There are a lot of Premier League teams out of the competition and we need to talk about the positive things. The game was always under control. They surprised me. They are League Two, but are a very good team. These types of games are always so difficult."

Chelsea will now face Brighton at home in the third round, on September 26 or 27.