Match overview
When Chelsea stepped onto the turf at Sincil Bank on 23 September 2025, few expected a dramatic finish. The Premier League giants looked shaky from the start, while Lincoln City, buoyed by a home crowd, pressed hard and forced a mistake that led to Rob Street’s first‑half goal. The strike, coming after Enzo Fernandez’s risky ball reception and a missed cover from Trevoh Chalobah, put the Blues on the back foot at the break.
Lincoln’s confidence grew after Lewis Montsma rattled the post early on, and the League One side continued to dominate possession. Their crisp passing and well‑timed runs created several half‑chances, but Street’s composure in front of goal was the only thing that broke through Chelsea’s defence.
For the visitors, the first‑half summary was simple: defensive organization needed work, and the midfield failed to protect the back line. Goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen was tested multiple times, and the ball often found its way into dangerous zones.
Key moments and takeaways
The second half began with a fresh urgency from the Blues. Just two minutes after the restart, Tyreek George caught the ball on the right flank, turned, and unleashed a thunder‑bolt from outside the box. The ball sailed past the Lincoln keeper like a rocket, restoring parity and sparking cheers from the Chelsea bench.
Four minutes later, the same George showed his vision by delivering a precise low cross into the box. Facundo Buonanotte, making his first start for Chelsea, timed his run perfectly and tapped the ball home. The goal not only put Chelsea ahead but also marked Buonanotte’s inaugural strike in a Chelsea shirt.
The four‑minute spell turned a precarious situation into a clean win, but the match also highlighted lingering issues. Chelsea’s attempts to build from the back exposed gaps that Lincoln was quick to exploit. Enzo Fernandez, still trying to find his rhythm, made a few errant passes that left Jorgensen exposed.
Despite the win, the defensive performance remained a talking point. Lincoln earned several chances in the final ten minutes, with Jorgensen making a series of reflex saves to preserve the lead. The visitors would have preferred a more comfortable margin, but the ability to respond under pressure is a positive sign for the season.
- Final score: Chelsea 2‑1 Lincoln City
- Goals: Tyreek George (48'), Facundo Buonanotte (52')
- Lincoln scorer: Rob Street (34')
- Key stats: Possession 48% Chelsea, 52% Lincoln; Shots on target 4‑3
The victory sends Chelsea into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, where they will face a tougher opponent. The team will need to tighten its back line and give Fernandez the confidence to dictate play, but the comeback against a lower‑division side shows they can find a way when it matters.
