Chelsea eased past Premier League basement club Sheffield United in the FA Cup quarterfinals. An own goal from Oliver Norwood set Chelsea away, but they had to wait until stoppage time to double their lead. Sheffield United pushed hard for an equalizer and probably should have sent the tie to extra time, but Chelsea held on to reach their fourth semi-final in five years, where they will face Manchester City.
Team News
Chelsea
Thomas Tuchel made no less than nine changes from the Champion’s League win against Atletico Madrid. Only Mateo Kovacic and Kurt Zouma retained their places from the midweek result.
Sheffield United
Sheffield United made five changes from their 5-0 defeat at Leicester last week. David McGoldrick, Oli McBurnie, Phil Jagielka, Ben Osborn and Jayden Bogle all returned to the starting XI.
Chelsea dominate but struggle to create chances
Chelsea had no issues dominating the ball despite the number of changes made, but creating chances was proving difficult. It was McGoldrick who had the first shot on target, a comfortable catch for Kepa from distance. Midway through the first half, Ben Chilwell’s driven shot was turned into his own net by Norwood’s dangling leg. Christian Pulisic then could have doubled the lead after intercepting Norwood’s backpass, but an onrushing Aaron Ramsdale denied him. Another McGoldrick long-range shot was the only response the visitors could conjure in the first half, but it was another comfortable save for Kepa.
After the break, Pulisic created an opening with dazzling footwork but his effort from a tight angle was easy pickings for Ramsdale. Sheffield United came to life after 60 minutes. The best chance fell to McGoldrick, who somehow managed to head wide from point-blank range. Oliver McBurnie then forced a fine diving save from Kepa. Then in the first minute of stoppage time, Brewster’s deflected shot fizzed just wide of the post. The Blues though weathered the storm and then sealed their Wembley date with Hakim Ziyech’s breakaway goal.
Opta Stats
- Chelsea have now won 10 of their 14 games under Thomas Tuchel (D4), with only Manchester City (14) winning more matches across all competitions amongst all sides within the top five European leagues since the German’s first game in charge.
- Sheffield United’s defeat was their 24th of the campaign in all competitions – 10 more than they suffered last season – whilst as a top-flight club they’ve only had more losses in one other campaign (29 in 1975-76).
- Chelsea have progressed to their 25th FA Cup semi-final, the third most of any club behind Everton (26), Manchester United and Arsenal (both 30).
- After 19 games without a goal in all competitions, Hakim Ziyech has since scored in back-to-back appearances for Chelsea. He now has the same number of goals under Tuchel (9 apps) as he managed under Frank Lampard (17).
Up Next
Following the International break, Chelsea host West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League.
Sheffield United travel to Leeds United on the same day.