Chelsea had to negotiate a tricky League Cup tie tonight against Swindon Town, in Jose Mourinho's return to a competition he won in 2005.
The Blues made 10 changes at the County Ground but took the lead after 30 minutes through Fernando Torres, who scrambled home from close range.
Torres then turned provider soon after as he played through Ramires, with the Brazilian making no mistake as he squeezed into the top corner from a tight angle.
Look back at an efficient display from Mourinho's second string with Sports Mole's minute-by-minute text coverage below.
Evening football fans, thanks for checking in with Sports Mole as a packed midweek schedule in the League Cup begins with a classic clash between David and Goliath at the County Ground. Chelsea are the visitors to take on League One outfit Swindon Town.
Chelsea arrive in Wiltshire on a run of fairly unflattering form, with just one win in their last five in all competitions. The Blues did temporarily move top of the Premier League last weekend though with a 2-0 home success over Fulham, which kept critics quiet for the time being at least.
Blues boss Jose Mourinho is expected to make wholesale changes tonight, which given the quite incredible strength in depth at his disposal would come as little surprise. His decision to leave Juan Mata and David Luiz out of the 18-man squad for Fulham on Saturday made the headlines, but both both men are likely to return this evening.
Mata and Luiz are not the only international regulars who have barely featured for Mourinho so far this season, with fringe players all bidding to change his mind this evening. Demba Ba and Cesar Azpilicueta were heavily involved last year and will be aiming to remind Blues fans of their quality tonight.
Chelsea will take on a Swindon side with a proud recent home record, with an unbeaten run stretching back to mid-February. Mark Cooper's men are undergoing something of a transitional period at the start of this season, but are sure to be highly motivated to claim a famous scalp despite being short of players tonight.
Swindon are without top scorer Ryan Mason tonight, with the on-loan Spurs man sidelined by a thigh problem. Nathan Byrne and Ryan Harley are also missing for the League Cup clash, but Alex Pritchard is available after finishing his suspension last weekend.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS! We have just received Chelsea's confirmed starting XI, which features both Mata and Luiz. Willian also features for the Blues. A full look at both teams will follow in just a few moments.
Chelsea: Schwarzer, Azpilicueta, Luiz, Cahill, Bertrand, Essien, Van Ginkel, De Bruyne, Mata, Willian, Torres
Swindon: Foderingham, N Thompson, Hall, Ward, McEveley, Kasim, Luongo, Ajose, Pritchard, N'Guessan, Ranger
No surprise to see Mourinho make 10 changes to his starting lineup tonight, with Gary Cahill the only survivor from Saturday's win over Fulham in the Premier League. Let's take a comprehensive look at what still remains a starting XI packed with international pedigree, despite being Chelsea's second-string.
First things first then for the Blues and a maiden appearance for veteran goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, who comes in as cover for Petr Cech. Cesar Azpilicueta and Ryan Bertrand also get their first starts under Mourinho at full-back, with Branislav Ivanovic and Ashley Cole given a rest.
Luiz returns in central defence to partner Cahill, a pairing that Mourinho openly criticised following last week's defeat to Basel in the Champions League. The Brazilian international has been challenged to prove that he is worth a regular place by Mourinho and gets a chance to do just that in the unlikely setting of the County Ground.
In midfield Mourinho's trusty lieutenant Michael Essien is partnered by Dutch youngster Marco van Ginkel, who has already represented the full Netherlands side twice at the age of 20. Chelsea are particularly congested in that area but Mourinho has few enforcers, a mould that both men fit.
Further forward there are plenty of selection issues for Mourinho to ponder, but tonight he has gone for Mata, Willian and Kevin de Bruyne playing just off Fernando Torres. The Spaniard in particular has an opportunity to prove that the Blues can rely on him this season, with Samuel Eto'o requiring time to find form after a summer switch to Stamford Bridge.
Swindon meanwhile have made one change to the side that edged Bristol City 3-2 last weekend, with Alex Pritchard returning from suspension to replace Louis Thompson in midfield. Nicky Ajose continues to support Nile Ranger in attack for the Robins, after both finding the net on Saturday.
A clear indication of how stretched Swindon Town are comes with a quick glance of their subs bench tonight, with 15-year-old Ryan Wood drafted in to make up the numbers. How envious Mark Cooper will be tonight with a glance over to the opposite bench, with Chelsea skipper John Terry waiting in reserve.
Chelsea subs: Blackman, Terry, Ramires, Baker, Schurrle, Ba, Eto’o
Swindon Subs: Elgabas, Thompson L, Storey, Barthram, Branco, Wood
Mourinho will of course have fond memories of this competition, with his first piece of silverware as Chelsea boss coming with success in the League Cup. As Mourinho has been at pains to express though things are very different at the start of his second spell in charge, with some of his "young eggs" given a chance to shine tonight.
Swindon are aiming to replicate the result in the only previous League Cup meeting between the two sides, which ended with the Robins beating a Chelsea side featuring Bobbie Tambling 3-0 in 1963. Anything remotely close to that success would surely make for one of the most famous nights in the club's history, and the competition's full stop for that matter.
PREDICTION! With kickoff rapidly approaching at the County Ground there is time for me to put a dampener on Swindon's hopes of a giant killing tonight. I actually quite the hosts to score this evening, but think Mata and Willian will have too much quality at the other end. 3-1 Chelsea with Torres to get on the scoresheet.
The two teams are out to a raucous reception at a sold-out County Ground, with Luiz in typically jovial mood next to Chelsea skipper for this evening Essien. Pre-match pleasantries are just about complete.
Just a slight delay as both sides wait to get this one underway, with Swindon forming a pre-match huddle. Cooper's side like to attack and will need spirit and commitment in abundance tonight to stay competitive against Mourinho's men.
Chelsea get the match underway shooting from left to right, as Torres nearly controls a long diagonal pass over the top from Azpilicueta inside a minute.
Swindon brake quickly for their first attack as Pritchard floats a cross into the penalty area, which is cleared by Cahill. Chelsea then settle in possession, as Mata and Essien get their first touches in midfield.
Luiz wins a debatable free kick after having his shirt pulled by Ranger, gifting Chelsea possession on the halfway line. Mata has taken up a central position early on behind Torres, with Willian and De Bruyne on the flanks.
Azpilicueta makes a strong run down the right and beats two strong challenges to reach the byline, with his cutback smacked clear at the second attempt by Thompson.
Plenty of early encouragement for Swindon as they confidently knock the ball around in central midfield, with Pritchard robbing Van Ginkel to win the ball back quickly. Luongo takes it on and looks for a pass in the final third, but is tackled by a Essien on the cover.
Worrying signs for Chelsea as Van Ginkel stays down after that tussle with Pritchard. The Dutchman definitely hyper-extended his knee there and goes down in pain, with the midfielder helped to the touchline after treatment.
SUBSTITUTION: Van Ginkel returns but is soon down on the far side and is clearly in some discomfort. The Dutchman's evening is over abruptly but Chelsea have a ready-made replacement in Ramires, who goes straight into central midfield. When play resumes Luiz strikes a free-kick from 35 yards, with a swerving drive staying central enough for Foderingham to parry away.
Chelsea are just starting to dominate possession from deep before Ramires gives it away in central midfield, but atones for his error by robbing Ramires moments later. Schwarzer then scuffs a clearance out for a throw, much to the amusement of 14,000 home fans.
It's Swindon's turn to suffer an early injury blow as Ranger goes down clutching his thigh, but the former Newcastle forward looks determined to continue as he has heavy strapping applied to the problem area.
Ranger continues as Swindon continue a relatively untroubled start, with Ward warned by the referee after fouling Torres for the second time already this evening.
Essien is just blocked by Kasim as Chelsea break with pace and purpose into the final third, with the Iraq midfielder slightly fortunate to escape a caution. When the free kick comes in Mata's delivery is below par, allowing Foderingham to gather under no pressure.
Swindon play some patient stuff in midfield as Pritchard just overhits in search of McEvely on the overlap, while at the other end Mata's cross into the penalty area goes out on the full.
Ramires controls neatly after Torres did well to chase down a long diagonal from Willian, but can only curl a wayward drive high and wide of the target. Just prior to that break Luiz took an almighty risk under pressure from Ranger, but just got the benfit of a kind bounce to clear.
SAVE! The first clear-cut chance for Chelsea as Torres races through to meet Mata's pass inside. Torres has beaten the two central defenders and aims to lift over Foderingham, who is rewarded for coming off his line quickly as the ball hits him full in face before going clear.
GOAL! Swindon 0-1 Chelsea (Torres)
Chelsea break the deadlock and this time Torres is rewarded for staying alert with a poacher's goal from close range. The forward followed in after Mata's low strike was parried by Foderingham, following the rebound to slide home at the far post. 1-0 to the visitors!
Important for Swindon to stay in touch now until the break and not get disheartened at conceding, as Ajose forces a mistake from Bertrand in possession.
GOAL! Swindon 0-2 Chelsea (Ramires)
Chelsea double their advantage quickly through Ramires, but Torres deserves much of the credit for some classy approach play. The Spaniard pivoted inside before slipping an inviting ball into space, which Ramires raced onto inside the penalty area. From a tight angle the Brazilian finished cooly, squeezing home his first of the season at the neat post.
SAVE! Swindon get their first shot on target in response to that setback, with Schwarzer taking no chances as he tips Kasim's effort from range round the post. From the corner Chelsea clear and attempt to break, but a long pass meant for Mata drifts out.
Pritchard is allowed to run freely inside the opposition half by Chelsea, with Luiz eventually coming out to apply pressure as the midfielder strikes at goal. His low effort is caught comfortably by Schawarzer, as Swindon end the half looking to reduce the deficit.
YELLOW CARD! Azpilicueta gets a caution for sliding in late on McEvely near the corner flag. The Spaniard is furious with the decision but I can't see why, he clearly caught the man and got none of the ball. Chelsea are quick to clear the free-kick, with Schwarzer punching away under little pressure.
Swindon begin the first of three added minutes in possession, but Ajose is caught napping out wide by Bertrand as the Blues win it back.
Pritchard picks the wrong option as he drifts inside the penalty area, failing to pick out Kasim inside as Azpilicueta comes across to make an important covering challenge.
HALF-TIME Swindon 0-2 Chelsea
Some encouraging moments for Swindon but two moments of quality in six minutes have Chelsea in control of this League Cup tie, with Torres and Ramires on the scoresheet.
The Blues took their time to settle in the first half, but eventually started to find passes in midfield. Ramires came on after just 10 minutes and has been a standout player at the County Ground, helping create for Torres before the Spaniard returned the favour soon after.
Swindon have played their part and kept possession upto a point, without creating any true clear-cut chances. Chelsea have been efficient without exerting too much energy, catching the League One outfit on the break when required.
For Blues fans looking for positive signs Torres has looked sharp and impressive tonight. The Spanird's piece of skill to create Chelsea's second in particular was first-class. Much more of this and Mourinho may well be tempted to pick Torres for Saturday's trip to White Hart Lane in the Premier League.
Swindon boss Cooper will be caught between two minds at the break, should he be adventurous and attempt to respond or play it safe and attempt to avoid a demoralising scoreline? I expect the former judging from his side's positive attitude during the first period!
SUBSTITUTIONS: Before the second half gets underway Chelsea have been forced into another injury change. Ramires has picked up a knock and will be swapped for John Terry, with Luiz pushed into midfield. Swindon have also made an enforced change at the break, with Louis Thompson on for Ranger.
Swindon resume and settle into early possession in the second period, deep inside their own half.
Chelsea's medical staff have confirmed that Ramires has been withdrawn purely as precaution with a slight knock. The Blues look happy to sit and bide their time in the second half, as Kasim wins a free kick after a foul from Torres on the halfway line.
Luiz picks out De Bruyne with a measured diagonal pass, but despite beating the offside trap the Belgian midfielder is unable to control. Swindon come clear and win a free around 30 yards from goal at the other end, with Kasim brought down from behind by Mata.
OFFSIDE! Swindon looked to have scored but their joy is shortlived, with N'Guessan having a header ruled out for offside. The Frenchman just drifted past Azpilicueta as he met a curling cross into the penalty area as his effort is chalked off.
YELLOW CARD! Swindon get another chance to threaten from a set piece as Essien clips Kasami outside the box. The Ghana midfielder gets a caution for a cynical challenge, with Pritchard's curling effort claimed comfortably by Schwarzer from the free kick.
Mata stands up a cross to the far post but the area is vacant, with Willian moving too far inside to read his intentions. Luiz then gets involved in central midfield to find De Bruyne, with Willian's cross cleared into touch by Ward.
The flag is up against N'Guessan again as he heads towards goal, forcing a stop from Schwarzer who did not know the linesman's flag was raised. Swindon need to watch the line better in those situations to get a goal their efforts may merit since the break.
Mata just catches Thompson with his studs as the pair attempt to meet a headed clearance outside the area, giving Swindon a third set-piece in quick succession. Pritchard's cross from the free kick is a huge disappointment though, bouncing up kindly for Schwarzer to claim.
Chelsea show Swindon how to threaten from a free-kick as Foderingham scrambles to keep out De Bruyne's powerful low strike, with Hall able to clear on the follow-up ahead of Cahill. Bertrand then gets forward in a clever overlap down the left, but his cross is turned behind as Willian stands waiting in the six-yard box.
Bertrand works another strong position with movement down the left, but his final ball is shocking and finishes well clear of Torres as he stands free in the penalty area. Chelsea are just starting to look like killing this match off completely with a third goal.
MISS! Willian spurns a terrific opportunity to get his first Chelsea goal, miscontrolling before firing over from eight yards. That chance came courtesy of more intelligent movement from Torres, who peeled away from Ward before having his low strike saved by Foderingham.
SUBSTITUTION: Swindon make a positive change as Ajose is replaced by Egyptian striker El Gabas, who comes on for his second Swindon appearance. When play resumes Luiz gets a final warning from the official for a late block in central midfield, a position you did not expect Mourinho to use the Brazilian in this season.
Chelsea are doing just enough to close this match out now in a professional display, as Kasim's ball in search of N'Guessan is cut out by Cahill.
YELLOW CARD! Nathan Thompson lunges in and is booked as he stops a marauding run into the final third by Michael Essien, which reminded me of his awesome early form at Stamford Bridge. Before the free-kick can be taken Chelsea make their final change, with Demba Ba making his first appearance of the season in place of De Bruyne.
Ba has gone out to the left in a straight swap for De Bruyne, as Chelsea get a free kick for Thompson's silly lunge on Bertrand. That was a needless tackle from the right-back, who needs to be careful in the closing stages.
Swindon fail to close Mata down as he drives forward, before shooting over from 20 yards. The Spaniard's performance has been much like Chelsea's this evening, efficient without being dazzling.
Willian breaks free on the left after timing his run to perfection. The Brazilian chooses to ignore Torres in space six yards out and shoots from a tight angle, curling his low drive just beyond the far post. The £30m man picked the wrong option there!
Hall comes across to avert danger Swindon, sliding in to halt Mata just as the Spaniard looked to be clear on the left wing. The Robins deserve credit for their efforts tonight, as Ba wraps his foot around a powerful effort that flies inches beyond Foderingham's far post.
Swindon knock a free kick into the penalty area which is headed away powerfully by Terry, with Luiz on hand to smash away as the ball drops outside the box.
Wonderful work by Torres sees the Spaniard comes close to his second, darting clear of his marker before bursting inside the box. Forderingham rushes out and just stops the Spaniard pulling the trigger, with Ward well placed to clear Willian's rebound off the line. Mourinho must be pleased with the performance from Torres this evening, who certainly seems to enjoy cup competitions.
FULL-TIME Swindon 0-2 Chelsea
In the end a comfortable night for Chelsea, who never needed to get out of second gear in a professional display. Mourinho's side are bookies favourites in the League Cup for a reason and progress to the fourth round with minimum fuss.
Two strikes in quick succession were enough for the Blues this evening, with Torres and Ramires on the scoresheet. The Blues were comfortable and could have added more at the County Ground, with Willian perhaps most guilty of wasteful finishing.
That just about does it for our coverage from Wiltshire this evening. Thanks for joining us and be sure to stick with Sports Mole for comprehensive coverage on a busy night of League Cup action across the country. Good evening!
Written by
Liam Power
Liam Power
