CHELSEA booked their place into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals thanks to a joint masterclass from Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling.
Palmer helped set up the Blues winning goals, including Sterling’s second-half beauty.
But still Mauricio Pochettino will be temped back into the transfer market for a solution to his No9 problem.
Here is how Jack Figg rated Chelsea‘s players from Stamford Bridge.
Given little to do throughout but the Spaniard still looks susceptible to the ball at his feet. Almost caught out just after the break.
The returning skipper was very aggressive down the right flank during his hour shift. It’s clear he wants to make up for lost time.
Solid 90 minutes at centre-back having filled in at full-back recently with James out. Partnered well with former Monaco team-mate Benoit Badiashile.
Sharp reactions to score opener and quality at the back all night. His return will give Pochettino a welcomed squad headache.
Good link up with Sterling down the left. The former Brighton man was positive down the left and looked to get regular crosses in.
Played in the anchor role and won the ball back on several occasions. His positioning allowed Conor Gallagher and Enzo Fernandez further afield.
Provided the opener with a cross from a short corner. The midfielder looked positive but lacked the final product or took one too many touches at times.
Showed elements of working back defensively. Also had a couple of long range shots to keep Blackburn stopper Leopold Wahlstedt busy.
A constant menace all night to defenders. Brilliantly aggressive down the right and equally creative centrally. Involved in both goals.
Struggled to get into the game at times. His best play came holding up the ball for others but it will not solve Chelsea’s scoring problems.
Stunning performance from the winger. Unplayable cutting in on the left, where he scored Chelsea’s second. Also a handful when he switched to the right
Levi Colwill (for Badiashile 60 mins) – 6
Looks mature beyond his years. It will be interesting to see how Pochettino juggles the youngster with Thiago Silva, Badiashile and Disasi.
Malo Gusto (for James on 60 mins) – 5
Unlucky not to get in the team after a solid run of matches in James’ absence.
Caicedo (for Jackson on 75 mins) – 5
Held down the midfield in the last 15 with the game already away from Blackburn.
Noni Madueke (for Palmer on 86 mins) – 5
Not given much time to prove himself. It will be tough to beat either Palmer or Sterling to a spot on the flank, though.
Alex Matos (for Fernandez on 86 mins) – 5
A nice run out for the starlet.
