A late goal from Mhykhailo Mudryk granted Chelsea a lifeline, leading to a penalty shootout victory that propelled Pochettino's team to the next stage of the EFL Cup.
While league struggles persisted for Chelsea fans, the EFL Cup offered solace, especially after the victory against Blackburn in the previous round secured the Blues a spot in the quarterfinals and positioned them for a shot at the first piece of official silverware in the regular English football season.
Despite an early goal from Newcastle's Callum Wilson, reminiscent of Chelsea's league woes, Mudryk's late equalizer forced the game into penalties.
Chelsea converted all their attempts, while the Magpies were only half as successful, securing Stamford Bridge residents a place in the final four.
Despite Chelsea's dominance throughout the game, especially in the second half, they couldn't translate possession into goals.
Pochettino's strategic offensive changes, including debutant Christopher Nkunku and hero Myhhaylo Mudryk, ultimately paid off.
Mudryk's 92nd-minute equalizer sent the match into extra time, and Chelsea's penalty shootout victory, led by Cole Palmer and Conor Gallagher, sealed their progression to the next round, ending Newcastle's hopes.
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