Mauricio Pochettino was involved in the wild celebrations on the pitch as Chelsea squeezed past Newcastle on penalties to reach the semi-final of the Carabao Cup.
It was a release of emotions for players and coaching staff alike which appeared very much needed after a tough few weeks.
From staring an exit in the face to being among the favourites to win the competition in around 10 minutes, the relief was evident during a lap of honour after the game.
If the joy of Christopher Nkunku long overdue competitive debut was not enough, Mykhailo Mudryk's injury-time equaliser set the party alight and then no2 goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic even got his moment in the spotlight.
Nkunku debut
Nkunku signed a pre-contract in October last year. His £52million move was made official almost six months ago, but a pre-season injury held him back until a December debut.
That sense of anticipation was huge as he finally made his debut in the 69th minute, coming on for Nicolas Jackson.
Pochettino had urged fans not to see Nkunku as some kind of saviour but that is exactly how they saw him when 1-0 down at home to Newcastle.
However, it was another big signing, Mudryk, who saved the day to equalise by capitalising on a Kieran Trippier mistake.
Nkunku was given a moment to shine, confidently dispatching the third penalty of the shootout after a staggered run up.
Pochettino premonition
Ahead of kick-off, the manager said Chelsea were their own worst enemies and would play themselves.
Unfortunately for Chelsea, that prediction came true within 15 minutes as Levi Colwill's overhit pass played Callum Wilson through on goal.
Thiago Silva and Benoit Badiashile then somehow messed up a two-on-one situation in Chelsea's favour, allowing Wilson to waltz through on goal to score.
It was a disastrous moment of defending, with the back line unbalanced by a lack of full-backs all game.
Chelsea didn't give up
Chelsea can reflect on their never-say-die attitude and quality with some pride after getting past Newcastle.
They kept throwing crosses into the box until the dying moments, with a Kieran Trippier mistake ultimately allowing Mudryk to equalise.
Penalties are always a lottery but Chelsea were able to rely upon the ball-striking ability of Cole Palmer, Conor Gallagher, Nkunku and Mudryk.
Goalkeeper Petrovic was a penalty specialist in Major League Soccer and came up trumps with a stunning save on Matt Ritchie's final spot-kick.
Chelsea have taken a hammering for their recruitment, and perhaps rightly so, but must also take credit for having the quality to get over the line.
