Kepa and Reece James are Chelsea’s penalty shootout heroes AGAIN as Blues beat Southampton

Kepa Arrizabalaga and Reece James are Chelsea’s penalty shootout heroes AGAIN as Blues advance to Carabao Cup quarter-finals with slender victory over Southampton

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Kepa Arrizabalga and Reece James were Chelsea’s penalty shootout heroes again as the Blues edged into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals with a slender win over Southampton. 

After the initial 90-minute tie ended 1-1 at Stamford Bridge, the match went straight to spot-kicks where Kepa saved Theo Walcott’s penalty and while Blues star Mason Mount missed his effort, Saints midfielder Will Smallbone smashed over shortly after.

That left James, who scored the winning penalty in their third round win over Aston Villa, to put the decisive spot kick past Fraser Forster to send Stamford Bridge crazy.  

Kepa Arrizabalga was Chelsea’s penalty shootout hero once again as Chelsea edged past Southampton on spot kicks

Will Smallbone (right) was the unfortunate Southampton player to blaze over to hand Chelsea the shootout advantage

Will Smallbone (right) was the unfortunate Southampton player to blaze over to hand Chelsea the shootout advantage

Reece James hit in the winning penalty to seal the shootout victory and earn Chelsea a spot in the Carabao Cup last eight

Reece James hit in the winning penalty to seal the shootout victory and earn Chelsea a spot in the Carabao Cup last eight

In the 90 minutes, Chelsea took the lead just before half-time when Kai Havertz headed the Blues in front at Stamford Bridge

In the 90 minutes, Chelsea took the lead just before half-time when Kai Havertz headed the Blues in front at Stamford Bridge

Che Adams levelled the cup tie for Southampton when he tapped home from close range from just a few yards out

Che Adams levelled the cup tie for Southampton when he tapped home from close range from just a few yards out

The Blues, who made six changes from the side who thrashed Norwich 7-0 in the Premier League last weekend, edged in front just before half-time through Kai Havertz’s header.

But the Saints took just three minutes after half-time to level the match again as Che Adams tapped in from close range after Kepa Arrizabalaga spilled Kyle Walker-Peters’ shot. 

More to follow.  

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk