ZOUMA DELIGHTED WITH DEBUT GOAL Kurt Zouma scored on his debut and Chelsea qualified for the next round but boss Jose Mourinho didnt look especially pleased as his side scraped past Bolton to earn a trip to League Two Shrewsbury. A goal from defender Kurt Zouma - whose middle name is Happy - on his Blues bow and Oscars winner did lift The Special Ones mood. For most of the game, though, he cut a frustrated figure on the touchline as the Blues made a meal of seeing off the lowly Championship side. Packed For a while it even seemed a shock might be on the cards, especially after skipper Matt Mills pulled the Trotters level in the first half. Only two players survived from Chelseas 1-1 draw at Manchester City on Sunday, although Mourinhos side was still packed with internationals, including Petr Cech, who was recalled after losing his No.1 spot. But the Blues boss was forced to send on big guns Didier Drogba, Eden Hazard and Nemanja Matic to see them over the line. And the fact they ended the game needing some last-ditch defending to keep out a side struggling at the wrong end of the Championship summed up their night. It was a particularly frustrating one for German World Cup winner Andre Schurrle. He had an incredible 12 shots on goal and failed to score, although he did hit the woodwork twice. His shot count was up to six by the time £12m Zouma, 19, showed him how it was done in the 25th minute. The defender showed the reactions of a poacher to stab home from close range when Mohammed Salahs corner fell his way. But Bolton stunned Stamford Bridge six minutes later when Millstowered above John Obi Mikel and Filipe Luis to head Liam Feeneys free-kick in off the post. Mourinho had a face like thunder as Chelsea failed to restore their lead before the break and it was no surprise to see his side sent out early for the second half. Whatever Mourinho said at least inspired the Blues enough to score the winner when Oscar lashed home from 25 yards in the 55th minute. Chelsea assistant coach Steve Holland said: Its a game where you hope motivation isnt a problem, but it can sometimes be. Players that arent playing regularly in the league suddenly get an opportunity in a different competition. The players mentality was excellent right from the kick-off. Their approach to the game and the quality with which they played was very good. Bolton boss Dougie Freedman said: With a little bit more quality we might just have taken the game into extra time.
Posted on: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 10:25:24 +0000
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