Latest: Sunderland 0 Chelsea 1 – Blues within sight of semi-final place

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Lee Cattermole’s own goal only 38 seconds into the second half left Chelsea within sight of the Capital One Cup semi-finals.

Goal-line technology, being used in the League Cup for the first time, was needed to confirm the ball had crossed the line after Cattermole’s attempt to stop Frank Lampard tucking away Cesar Azpilicueta’s cross at the far post.

The goal was initially awarded to Lampard but replays suggested the Sunderland midfielder got the final touch.

It brought the game to life after an uninspiring first half in which the Black Cats had appeals for a penalty waved away.

The home fans wanted a spot-kick when Andrea Dossena’s cross struck the upper part of Azpilicueta’s arm, but referee Anthony Taylor was having none of it.

Chelsea’s veteran keeper Mark Schwarzer, in for Petr Cech, was a virtual spectator for the opening 20 minutes as Jose Mourinho’s side passed the ball around at will and pressed their opponents effectively without managing to create a clear-cut chance.

The in-form Andre Schurrle cut in from the left and fired straight at keeper Vito Mannone before Blues skipper Lampard sent a long-range shot over.

Gus Poyet’s men then came into the game more but Chelsea still looked more likely to open the scoring and their best opportunity of the half came nine minutes before the interval.

Having got himself into a great position, Schurrle should have shot but instead played the ball to Willian, who dragged an effort harmlessly wide.

Chelsea eventually did take the lead and Samuel Eto’o should have doubled it but steered the ball wide after being inadvertently put through on goal by a mis-placed pass from Sunderland’s Craig Gardner.

Mannone then dived to his right to tip away Kevin de Bruyne’s drive as the visitors continued to have the upper hand.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Schwarzer; Azpilicueta, Cahill, Luiz, Cole; Mikel, Lampard; De Bruyne, Willian, Schurrle; Eto’o
Subs: Blackman, Terry, Essien, Oscar, Hazard, Ba, Torres.

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