SM
Ipswich vs. Man United: 6 hrs 39 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
Collect News Data
CL
FA Cup | Quarter-Finals
Mar 21, 2021 at 1.30pm UK
Stamford Bridge
SU

Chelsea
2 - 0
Sheff Utd

Norwood (24' og.), Ziyech (90+2')
FT(HT: 1-0)

Chelsea 2-0 Sheffield United: Blues reach FA Cup semi-finals

:Headline: Chelsea 2-0 Sheffield United: Blues reach FA Cup semi-finals:
Thomas Tuchel's men did not need to be at their best to book their place in the FA Cup semi-finals.
Sports Mole

Chelsea coasted into the FA Cup semi-finals with a 2-0 win over Sheffield United courtesy of Oliver Norwood's own goal and a late Hakim Ziyech strike.

Christian Pulisic spurned two big chances to put the much-changed Blues out of sight, teeing up some tense closing exchanges as the Blades awoke from an hour's submission to start to threaten.

David McGoldrick nodded wide when unmarked deep in the Chelsea area, a miss that proved a key reprieve for the Blues.

And replacement Ziyech capped a fine last-gasp counter-attack to seal victory and place in the last four.

Even amid a circumspect performance Chelsea still merited victory, extending boss Thomas Tuchel's club record-breaking unbeaten start to 14 matches.

Toothless for 60 minutes, the Blades' only early bite came amid a string of needless tackles, many off the ball, and a handful directed at Pulisic.

Had the visitors invested as much energy reserved for the dark arts in attempting to carry out their game plan in that opening hour, the tie could have been very different.

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel made nine changes for the FA Cup tie (John Walton/PA).

Instead Chelsea were allowed to meander to a victory as low key as it was routine, escaping several late wobbles to ease into the last four.

Boss Tuchel made nine changes from the 2-0 Champions League win over Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, with Billy Gilmour handed a rare start in midfield.

The German was not happy with the performance, making a host of changes just past the hour mark in a bid to inject some impetus into the Blues' showing.

But the demanding boss will certainly be content with the result, especially with widespread rotation helping to manage the fixture glut.

Chelsea took the lead without even registering a shot on target.

Chelsea's Ben Chilwell (centre) celebrates their opening goal (John Walton/PA).

Chilwell's drilled ball into the area deflected off Norwood and into the Blades midfielder's own net.

A cagey first half yielded precious few chances and the visitors entirely wasted the point of their 4-4-2 formation.

A tactical switch designed to exploit space behind Chelsea's wing backs, the Blades never even sought those areas let alone raided the flanks.

Chelsea were perfectly happy to play the ball in front of the passive Blades, who also made a clear purpose of not pressing their opponents.

Sheffield United's George Baldock reacts to David McGoldrick's late miss (John Walton/PA).

Pulisic should have doubled the lead when sneaking in, but could not dink the ball high enough to beat the onrushing Aaron Ramsdale.

The United States forward wasted another glorious chance straight after the interval, seemingly stunned to stroll past two defenders and still have bags of time when through on goal.

All that time created the chance for thought and, rather than smash his laces through the ball, Pulisic went for placement but scuffed his strike, allowing Ramsdale to bat away to safety.

Hakim Ziyech (centre) scores Chelsea's second goal at the death (John Walton/PA).

McGoldrick missed a gilt-edged chance for the Blades – their best opening – as Chelsea's foot came too far off the gas.

Oliver McBurnie then stung Kepa Arrizabalaga's palms from distance as finally the Blades made Chelsea work.

Rhian Brewster flashed wide when latching on to a second ball at the death, but Chelsea held on – and even had time for Ziyech to seal their progress.

body check tags ::

amp_article__440205 : Collect and Make Data not in DataBase  : 
last updated article - 2021-03-21 15:53:33:
html db last update - 2021-03-21 15:53:33 :

ex - 7200 : read : write cache and make html
Read more!
Share this article now:


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!
Recommended Next on SM
Sunday's FA Cup predictions including Leicester City vs. Manchester United
Ruben rejected: Man United's 'unsuccessful feeler' for Real Madrid star revealed
"He's been unfairly judged" - Have the critics been too harsh on Arsenal's Merino?
Chelsea's N'Golo Kante receives Saudi Arabia offer?
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool119112161528
2Manchester CityMan City127232217523
3Chelsea126422314922
4Arsenal126422112922
5Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton126422116522
6Tottenham HotspurSpurs1261527131419
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest125431513219
8Aston Villa125431919019
9Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
10Fulham125341717018
11Brentford125252222017
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd114341212015
13Bournemouth124351617-115
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Everton122551017-711
16Leicester CityLeicester122461523-810
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves122372028-89
18Crystal Palace121561017-78
19Ipswich TownIpswich111551222-108
20Southampton11119721-144
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

history www

Will Doku, Dias return? Man City injury list for Feyenoord clash

1

WD

Defensive trio to miss out: Arsenal injury, suspension list for Sporting clash

2

DT

Throw him to the Lions? Zirkzee 'has five escape routes' from Man Utd

NEW

3

TH

Cadillac F1's 2026 Entry 'inevitable' says Zak Brown

NEW

4

CF

Sunday's Eredivisie predictions including Ajax vs. PEC Zwolle

5

SE

Sunday's Ligue 1 predictions including Lille vs. Rennes

6

SL

Sunday's Serie A predictions including Napoli vs. Roma

7

SS

European escape: National champions 'escalate' pursuit of Chelsea contract rebel

8

EE

'Not good enough': Man United chiefs have 'serious doubts' over summer arrival

9

'G

Another Ruben reunion? Man United add 'fan favourite' to left-back shortlist

10

AR


. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .