Chelsea Survive Lincoln Scare as Garnacho Endures Hostile Full Debut
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea edged past Lincoln City 2-1 at the LNER Stadium, but the Carabao Cup third-round tie was anything but straightforward.
The League One side stunned the Blues when striker Rob Street capitalised on a defensive mix-up to put Lincoln ahead in the 42nd minute, sending the home crowd into raptures.
Maresca rotated heavily, handing starts to Tyrique George, Facundo Buonanotte, and Andrey Santos, while £40 million summer signing Alejandro Garnacho made his full Chelsea debut.
Garnacho Under Fire
The 20-year-old, who joined from Manchester United after manager Ruben Amorim told him to find a new club, was greeted with hostility from the stands.
Booed with every touch and jeered for perceived diving, Garnacho faced a cauldron-like atmosphere. London Evening Standard reporter Dom Smith noted:
“Lincoln fans really not taking to Alejandro Garnacho. At all. Every time he receives the ball he is booed, and every time he is fouled there are loud claims he has dived.”
On social media, fans reacted to the treatment:
- “Lincoln fans are clearly trying to rattle Garnacho tonight. Good test of his mental strength I guess.”
- “Lincoln are kicking lumps out of Garnacho.”
The Argentinian has already attracted controversy, having labelled United’s last season “s**t” after their Europa League final defeat to Spurs. His fractious exit, coupled with his £40m move across a fierce rivalry, ensured he was always going to be a target.
Chelsea’s Response
Despite the first-half setback, Chelsea recovered after the break. Goals from Tyrique George and Facundo Buonanotte turned the tie around, sparing Maresca’s side the embarrassment of an early cup exit and ending a run of three games without victory.
But while the Blues advanced, the evening will be remembered as much for Garnacho’s fiery introduction to Chelsea life as it will for the result.
