Derby County vs. Chelsea: Score, Grades, Reaction from Capital One Cup

Chelsea eased their way into the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup with a 3-1 win at Derby County.

Derby have designs on breaking into the Premier League next season, and they were given a taste of what life will be like as they were well beaten by the top dogs in the top flight.

Goals from Eden Hazard and Filipe Luis, his first for the club, had Chelsea in control, but Derby deserved great credit for making it interesting thanks to a goal from Craig Bryson.

However, Jake Buxton was controversially sent off with 12 minutes remaining, and Chelsea cashed in on the man advantage with Andre Schurrle sealing the win and keeping alive their hopes of scooping all four trophies this season.

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FULL-TIME: Derby 1-3 Chelsea. #CFCLive pic.twitter.com/BKr9pBgFwO

— Chelsea FC (@chelseafc) December 16, 2014"

Any concerns about Chelsea's commitment to the competition were dispelled as soon as the team sheet was released, as Jose Mourinho named stars John Terry, Cesc Fabregas and Hazard in an extremely strong starting XI.

Mourinho's men have certainly impressed Derby boss Steve McClaren this term. Speaking ahead of the game, per the Independent, McClaren said: "They are the best team in the Premier League and in Europe. They have only lost one game and only lost it because they ran out of time [against Newcastle]."

But for all the talent running through Mourinho's squad, it took them some time to break down Derby as the Rams harried and harassed their more illustrious opponents.

The first opening arrived in the 23rd minute, and it was converted into the opening goal.

Richard Keogh was caught in possession deep in his own half, and Hazard exchanged passes with Fabregas before gliding across the top of the box and firing a low shot beyond the despairing dive of Lee Grant into the corner.

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Clinical from Hazard, darting run, eluded defender and slotted shot past Grant. 1-0 to #cfc

— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) December 16, 2014"

Keogh was at fault for Hazard's goal, but he went some way to atoning with a tackle that kept his side in the game. A rapid Chelsea break saw Schurrle pick out Didier Drogba in the box.

The Ivorian made crisp contact with his shot, but Keogh had tracked the run and timed his challenge to perfection to make the block.

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

There was a moment of real concern shortly before the interval when Kurt Zouma was clattered by his own 'keeper, Petr Cech, and required lengthy treatment on the field before being taken from the pitch on a stretcher.

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Let's hope Kurt Zouma is okay. Looked a bad one. #CFC pic.twitter.com/uzsNw6DmmO

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) December 16, 2014"

Zouma was said to be walking freely in the dressing room before the match had concluded.

Big things are expected of Will Hughes, and he had a huge chance to get himself a goal against the Premier League leaders on 51 minutes.

Johnny Russell evaded a challenge from Terry on the right and drove into the box. Russell got his head up and picked out Hughes who fired a shot on target, but it hit John Obi Mikel whose block was enough to snuff out the danger.

It was a chance Hughes and Derby were made to rue, as Chelsea doubled their advantage moments later.

Jamie McDonald/Getty Images

Luis has been forced to play second fiddle to Cesar Azpilicueta since making the move from Atletico Madrid in the summer.

He has rarely disappointed when given the chance, and he gave his manager a nudge with a superb first goal for the club on 56 minutes.

Taking charge of a free-kick 30 yards from goal, Luis stepped up and flashed a brilliant strike beyond Grant.

Chelsea's hopes of engaging cruise control were dashed on 71 minutes as Bryson stroked home a lovely low finish from 20 yards with his left foot.

But just as Derby were looking to get up a head of steam, Buxton was shown a red card in confusing circumstances. It appeared that Rams 'keeper Grant was set to be punished after carrying the ball out of his area with his hands, but referee John Moss—after consulting with his assistant—sent Buxton from the field for what must only have been a foul on Loic Remy.

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

The red card took the wind from Derby's sails, and Schurrle slotted home a rebound—after Grant had denied Remy—to seal Chelsea's passage.

The Capital One Cup is the least important of Chelsea's priorities this season. They came through the test in comfortable fashion, but they can now turn their attentions to the Premier League.

The Blues will face four games in 11 days over the busy festive period. A positive run of results will see Chelsea take a vise-like grip on the title race.

Notable Player Grades

Eden Hazard: B+

At times the Belgian flyer looked on a different level to the rest of the players on the pitch. There were occasions when he drifted, but when he sensed an attacking opportunity, he upped the tempo.

Filipe Luis: B+

Jamie McDonald/Getty Images

He does appear to be the reserve left-back behind Cesar Azpilicueta, but every time he gets a start, he does impress. No nonsense in defence and happy to offer an attacking option down the flank.

Didier Drogba: C

Not his day in front of goal as he sent a header wide and had a goal-bound shot blocked, but he kept the Derby defenders honest until going off with a minor injury.