Chelsea breezed past non-League opposition Chesterfield in yesterday’s FA Cup third round tie. Ahead of a big week in which they face Spurs in the EFL Cup and Man City in the Premier League, Thomas Tuchel’s men booked safe passage into the fourth round of the FA Cup. With plenty of changes made in personnel as well as positions, Chelsea were never in any trouble despite the visitors grabbing a late consolation goal.
The Premier League might be out of reach for the Blues, so this competition takes added significance. They are almost through to the EFL Cup final and would want to go one step further in the FA Cup, after falling in the finals two seasons in a row.
Team news
There were lots of changes in an interesting experimental lineup from Tuchel. 17-year old Lewis Hall became Chelsea’s youngest FA Cup starter, playing alongside Malang Sarr and Andreas Christensen in a back-three. Callum Hudson-Odoi started at left wing-back, while Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic occupied the other wing-back role. Saúl Ñíguez continued in midfield after his impressive display against Spurs with Mateo Kovačić. In attack, Timo Werner partnered Romelu Lukaku.
Chelsea put in a professional first half display
Just like they did against Spurs midweek, Chelsea made a zestful start and made it count with an early goal. Kovačić made a surging run to open up the visitors, before sliding it for Ziyech. His saved shot fell kindly for a grateful Werner, who slotted into an empty net. That didn’t faze Chesterfield or their fervent fans. But a quickfire double meant Chelsea were three up and virtually through inside 20 minutes.
First, Hudson-Odoi was afforded all the freedom he wants as he cut in from the left and fired home from distance. Just a minute later, Hall’s enterprising play was rewarded as he hunted the Chesterfield backline to win possession and tee up Lukaku for another tap-in. The youngster put in a complete performance and was involved in three of the five goals. It was his shot that keeper Scott Loach made hard work of saving 18 minutes later. But the rebound fell invitingly for Christensen, who looped his header in slow motion over the despairing keeper.
Second half
Chelsea began the second half with the same intensity of the first half, and were rewarded when Pulisic was clumsily brought down inside the area. Ziyech stepped up in Jorginho’s absence to slot it in, although Loach should have saved it having got a hand to it. From thereon, it was more of professionalism and game management for the Blues, as well as substitutions. Lewis Baker and Harvey Vale were also given minutes, while substitute Kai Havertz had the ball in the net but the goal was disallowed for offside.
Even though Chesterfield were losing 5-0 and were expectedly well beaten by the Premier League’s elite, the travelling 6000 fans were in full voice. The visitors mounted a late fightback and rewarded those zealous fans with a consolation goal. It came thanks to good work from Kabongo Tshimanga and some comical defending from Chelsea. The goal was scored by substitute Akwasi Asante.
That was the only blot in an otherwise dominant and professional performance. For Chesterfield, it was a great experience travelling to a Premier League ground. For Chelsea, it’s the start of a crucial week. They may have one foot in the EFL Cup final, but won’t take anything for granted against Antonio Conte’s Spurs. Following that, they travel to the in-form league leaders Man City. It’s a must win game for the Blues if they are to stay in the title race.