Chelsea defeated Brentford 2-0 in the Carabao Cup quarter-final, but that win was not without difficulties.
Here are some of the episodes from the games that might have gone unnoticed.
Saul's early confidence boost
The start of the game was positive for Saul who seems to be finding his groove in his role of a controlling midfielder.
In the fourth minute, he received a difficult pass from Mateo Kovacic that forced him towards an opponent in his own half. Saul had to swerve his way out of danger...
... but just as he sped up, another opponent was ready to pounce. However, Saul dribbled past him too and kept the ball under control.
Youngsters and Kovacic organise counter-attack
Probably, the Blues' biggest chance in the first half. It started with Kovacic who intercepted the ball, sprinted down the left flank and found Harvey Vale:
The youngster played it forward to Jude Soonsup-Bell who saw a corridor for himself in the left half-space:
The position was perfect for a cutback pass for Barkley which Soonsup-Bell did - but Barkley failed to convincingly end the attack and sent his weak shot wide.
Barkley panic
Ross Barkley struggled on the pitch. It's one thing losing the ball in the opponents' half - but he almost managed to do it close to his own penalty area. The Brentford players deserve credit for closing in on him so quickly, though.
Fortunately, the ball bounced to Saul who rolled it back to Chalobah. The centre-back played it wisely, winning a goal kick by hammering the ball into the onrushing Brentford forward:
Barkley panic 2.0
In the second half, Barkley was well-positioned to be first on the ball that was cleared by Kepa. For some reason, however, he started to back away, with Mbeumo seeking to take advantage.
The Brentford forward succeeded by getting to the ball, and Barkley found no other solution than to foul Mbeumo near Chelsea's penalty area.
Azpi still got it
Cesar Azpilicueta is 32 years old, and some say his best years are behind him. He'll beg to differ.
Brentford rarely threatened in the second half but here's one moment when they did. Mbeumo sprinted away the moment his teammates won possession:
Had the long ball found him, Mbeumo would've had a one-on-one with Kepa - if it was not for Azpilicueta.
Kante's crucial role in first goal
N'Golo Kante played just about 15 minutes, but it was enough for him to play a key role in the Blues win.
In the 80th minute, the midfielder got Reece James' pass, with two Brentford players on him:
With a little backheel flick, Kante won himself space to return the ball to James who was free to cross into the area. The result was Pontus Jansson's own goal.
