'Pochettino needed this': Redknapp hails massive EFL Cup quarter-final victory

Jamie Redknapp has lauded Chelsea's dramatic EFL Cup quarter-final victory over Newcastle as a potential turning point for Mauricio Pochettino as Chelsea boss.

The Blues went behind early at Stamford Bridge, with Callum Wilson pouncing on a mistake from Benoit Badiashile to slot home from close range.

However, despite falling behind the Blues grew into the game as it progressed despite struggling to create clear cut chances, and remained behind as the game approached its closing stages.

Pochettino's young side persevered however, and Mykhailo Mudryk capitalised on a poor back pass from Kieran Trippier in stoppage time to net his third goal of the season to send the game to penalties.

Trippier's bad night continued thereafter as the England star dragged his penalty in the shootout wide before goalkeeper Dorde Petrovic denied Matt Ritchie from the spot to send Pochettino's side into the semi-finals.

Speaking on Sky Sports following the game, Redknapp insisted that the win could be the catalyst to propel both Pochettino and Mudryk forward at the club.

'It was a big night for the club, it was a big night for the manager.' Redknapp said.

'He needed this and felt like he needed a big night here. He hasn't won anything in England as a manager so this is what he wants.

'I felt at the start of the night that this is a big game for both managers. For Chelsea now they can just settle a lot of nerves.

'They weren't great. They had lots of possession but they didn't really have that threat until obviously the mistake at the end but can that be the catalyst as well for Mudryk to really push him on and do more?'

In his post-match interview the former Tottenham boss hailed his team for their victory and insisted his squad are becoming more