Three kids impress on debut before Tuchel turns to senior stars to fire Blues out of rut vs Brentford

THOMAS TUCHEL named three academy stars in his starting line-up to face Brentford in the Carabao Cup quarter-final – and they played a big part in sending Chelsea through to the semis.

But it wasn’t all plain sailing for Chelsea and Tuchel called for his big guns while the game was at a stalemate and the Blues looking for a breakthrough.

Harvey Vale got stuck into Brentford in an all-action performance

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel will be pleased with his youngsters’ exertions

Jorginho, Christian Pulisic, Reece James, Mason Mount, and N’Golo Kante were all summoned from the bench to make sure Chelsea did the job and got the win.

The academy boys though, did themselves absolutely proud and Harvey Vale was the standout guy.

He looks to have it all about him; skill, pace, intelligence, creativity, and most of all he has the physicality to compete in the Premier League.

Vale actually lasted until midway through the second half and can absolutely hold his head high tonight, as can Xavier Simons and Jude Soonsup-Bell.

But in the end Tuchel decided that he needed the experience and quality of his superstars who he had rested from the start tonight, and they made the difference needed to break the deadlock.

Reece James hit a lovely cross after some great work from Kante to eventually lead to the own-goal from Pontus Jansson.

And then some bright work from Pulisic won Chelsea a late penalty, which Jorginho duly converted.

Chelsea were without nine first team players due to Covid-19 and injury, so winning this game with three teenage academy debutants on the field, is a massive result for Tuchel and the team.

During a time when they had hit a bit of a slump and then got hit by Covid, the Blues really needed a good performance and a good win .

And they certainly delivered that using a perfect blend of youth and experience.

Tuchel’s decisions to start some youth paid off, and his decision to introduce some experience later on in the game also worked a treat.

It was a great night for Chelsea against a team who had near enough their full strength side out.

Tuchel has proved once again that he is ready to trust the youth at this club and has set up a mouthwatering semi-final clash against Tottenham.

Tuchel called on his senior players to seal the victory in the second half

⚽ Read our Football news live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals