Pochettino gives verdict on Chelsea's win over Blackburn

Goals from Benoit Badiashile and Raheem Sterling ensured a safe passage through for the Premier League side at Stamford Bridge. Rovers went to-to-toe with Chelsea, though, and gave a good account of themselves on a bigger stage.

They pressed high and caused Chelsea issues. On another day, they could’ve had a penalty after Callum Brittain’s cross hit the arm of Conor Gallagher but referee Tim Robinson waved away the appeal. Had that been given, at 1-0, it would have changed the complexion of the contest.

Harry Leonard and Arnor Sigurdsson both had good opportunities to score too, with the former missing the target seconds after the restart which would’ve levelled the game.

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Although Chelsea had a lot of chances in the closing stages, both goals came from mistakes at the back by Rovers. Otherwise, Blackburn did a good job, particularly first half, of limiting many clear-cut chances at their goal.

Having secured a route into the final eight and seen the likes of Reece James and Badiashile get through the game unscathed after long injury lay-offs, Pochettino was delighted with the result for his side.

“Of course, we could have scored more but after Saturday it was important for us to win the game and go through the competition,” he said. “Of course too many chances, we need to be more clinical, that you cannot change from Saturday to today. It’s about time to build the confidence.

“I think too many positive things. Important to stay and go through in this competition, that is important for us and build confidence.

“Players like Badiashile and Reece James to play one hour is important. We were talking with Jesus and the coaching staff, it looks like in November a pre-season game because of this situation. Too many positive things, now we go forward to the next round but now to prepare for the next two games before the international break.”