Mauricio Pochettino will have got a good idea about the character of some of his players after their FA Cup Round of 16 tie against Leeds United.

The Blues were back in action just three days after the heartbreak of Wembley in the EFL Cup final against Liverpool, where his players will have been fatigued both physically and mentally.

They were certainly not at their best against their Championship opposition, and it took a last minute goal from Conor Gallagher to book their place in the quarter-finals.

It was a shaky display at the back from the Blues, who conceded their first goal of the night after giving them the ball on the edge of their own box, seeing Mateo Joseph score his first goal for the club.

Confidence in defenders comes from behind them, and last night saw Pochettino make a change between the sticks for the first time in 2024.

Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images

Robert Sanchez, who was originally brought in as the new first choice goalkeeper, has been missing since December due to injury, however made his first appearance back last night.

It is fair to say that he didn’t bring an aura of calmness at the back, and this is something that has been the case in recent weeks when Djordje Petrovic took the gloves.

The 24-year-old has frequently been the best performing Chelsea player on the pitch when he has played, and this has left supporters believing he should be the number one choice from now on.

Last night will have done little to change anyone’s mind, and in fact only reinforced the opinion that he should be starting from now.

There will be a lot of eyes on the first name on the teamsheet for Pochettino’s side, with it only seeming fair that Petrovic takes his place back in the side.