The Blues picked up a nervy win against Sheffield United in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
Chelsea secured a nervy 2-0 win against Sheffield United in the quarter-finals of the Emirates FA Cup.
The Blues were coming off a thumping win against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League round of 16 and Thomas Tuchel made several changes to the starting line-up.
Sheffield United’s Oliver Norwood turned into his own nets in the 24th minute, giving the Blues their first goal of the game.
The second half completely belonged to the Blades as they didn’t allow Tuchel’s men to gain momentum at any stage.
However, the lack of end product in the final third cost the Blades in the end, with striker David McGoldrick missing a golden opportunity to go level with the Blues.
John Lundstram played a lovely cross to McGoldrick, who in turn misdirected his header from close range although he wasn’t picked by any Chelsea defender.
The 33-year-old nearly amended for his mistake minutes later but his strike was denied by goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Hakim Ziyech, who was on the scoresheet in the win against Atletico Madrid, scored in the injury time to help the Blues progress to the semi-finals.
Although the scoreline might suggest a different story, Chelsea were perhaps not at their best, with their defenders holding the nerves for some moments in the second half. Their attacking play was neither impressive bar the goal from Ziyech.
Tuchel would certainly be disappointed with the way his side played although today’s win means that he is yet to suffer his first defeat as Blues manager.
Line-ups
Chelsea
Kepa Arrizabalaga, Kurt Zouma, Emerson, Andreas Christensen (César Azpilicueta), Mateo Kovacic, Billy Gilmour (Hakim Ziyech), Ben Chilwell, Callum Hudson-Odoi (Kai Havertz), Olivier Giroud (Reece James), Christian Pulisic (N’Golo Kanté), Mason Mount.
Substitutes
Wilfredo Caballero, Marcos Alonso, Antonio Rüdiger, Timo Werner.
Sheffield United
Aaron Ramsdale, Phil Jagielka, Enda Stevens, George Baldock, John Fleck, John Lundstram, Oliver Norwood (Rhian Brewster), Ben Osborn, Jayden Bogle (Lys Mousset), David McGoldrick, Oliver McBurnie (Oliver Burke).
Substitutes
Wes Foderingham, Kean Bryan, Max Lowe, Iliman Ndiaye, Kyron Gordon, Zak Brunt.
