Reoort, result, goals from EFL Cup

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca says a change involving new defender Jorrel Hato helped his side avoid an EFL Cup shock at third-tier Lincoln City — but the Italian has hinted that he had stern words for his players at half-time.

In-form Lincoln were on course for an upset when Rob Street slotted in after 42 minutes, only for the Premier League club to re-emerge early for the second half and equalise three minutes in through Tyrique George’s superb long-range finish.

On-loan Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Facundo Buonanotte completed a skilful run by hitting the winner two minutes later as the visitors reached the fourth round and ended a two-match run of defeats.

Chelsea have turned it around!

Facundo Buonanotte scores his first goal for the club! 🔵 pic.twitter.com/DNkrghirTb

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) September 23, 2025

“We struggled in the first half but, in the second, we were much, much better,” Maresca told Chelsea’s website, adding that it was “better” if he did not elaborate on his talk at the interval.

“It’s just about the players. We changed something at half-time in terms of Jorell Hato’s position. Ty’s goal was fantastic and Facundo’s was very good.”

Chelsea’s Tyrique George thundered home a perfect volley to equalise for Chelsea against Lincoln ☄️ pic.twitter.com/FjzllKe1Re

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) September 23, 2025

Lincoln vs Chelsea: Blues through in EFL Cup

The Imps had been unbeaten at home in 2025/26. “I was very, very worried about this game — more than some Premier League games, because these are tricky games where you can easily slip up,” acknowledged Maresca.

“Lincoln were very dangerous from every free-kick, throw-in, cross inside the box, so you need to defend in the right way.”

Both teams are next in action on Saturday (15:00 BST / 10:00 ET / 07:00 PT), when Lincoln visit the second-bottom side in League One, Peterborough United, and Chelsea host Brighton & Hove Albion, who are 14th in the top flight.

Lincoln City have capitalised on a defensive mix-up from Chelsea to take the lead 😳 pic.twitter.com/gc0wC2wA8b

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) September 23, 2025

Lincoln City team vs Chelsea

Lincoln starting XI: Zach Jeacock, Lewis Montsma, Ryley Towler, Sonny Bradley, Conor McGrandles, Ben House, Ivan Varfolomeev, Rob Street, Tendayi Darikwa, Freddie Draper, Tom Hamer

Lincoln City substitutes: George Wickens, Adam Reach, Reeco Hackett, Tom Bayliss, James Collins, Oscar Thorn, Erik Ring, Francis Okoronkwo, Justin Obikwu

Chelsea team vs Lincoln City

Chelsea starting XI: Filip Jorgensen, Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Jorrel Hato, Enzo Fernandez, Andrey Santos, Alejandro Garnacho, Facundo Buonanotte, Jamie Gittens, Tyrique George

Chelsea substitutes: Gabriel Slonina, Marc Cucurella, Reece James, Moises Caicedo, Ollie Harrison, Reggie Walsh, Estevao, Pedro Neto, Shim Mheuka

When is the EFL Cup fourth round draw?

The draw will take place after third-tier side Port Vale host Arsenal on Wednesday, September 24.

Presenter Simon Thomas will host the ceremony alongside former Liverpool and England midfielder Jamie Redknapp and ex-Sheffield United midfielder Michael Brown.

What time is the EFL Cup fourth round draw?

Arsenal vs Port Vale starts at 20:00 BST (15:00 ET / 12:00 PT), which means the draw should take place shortly before 22:00 BST (17:00 ET / 14:00 PT), depending on the amount of added time in the game and whether it requires penalties, which will take place if it is level after 90 minutes.

Ball numbers will be confirmed by the EFL on the morning of the draw.