Doubts over Cesc and two-goal Morata
ALVARO MORATA steered holders Chelsea back towards Wembley but questions remain as to whether he will be around to finish the journey.
And fellow Spaniard Cesc Fabregas left the field waving to fans, who sensed it was his farewell before joining Monaco after 198 appearances and 22 goals.
Chelsea coach Maurizio Sarri’s assistant, Carlo Cudicini, said: “If that was Cesc’s last game, then it was nice he did it in front of our
Efans. But we don’t know yet. As for Alvaro, it will do his morale the world of good. We know what he does in training. We have confidence in him.”
Previously shot-shy striker Morata scored two goals in 10 minutes after half-time as Chelsea dominated.
Yet his celebrations were muted DDIE HOWE saw Bournemouth’s three-year wait for an FA Cup win continue – and admitted his £19million signing Dominic Solanke is crocked.
Howe paid the price for making nine changes as goals from Anthony Knockaert, a cracker from Yves Bissouma and Florin Andone sent the Cherries crashing.
England Under-21 striker Solanke completed a move from Liverpool on Friday after a loan switch to Crystal Palace fell through due to concerns over his fitness.
Howe said: “He has got a hamstring injury at the moment, so he will probably miss most of January and we are probably looking at February until he is ready to play.
“We have done all the relevant tests and a thorough medical. It is a minor hamstring problem.”
Howe also defended the money lavished on Solanke, who started just five Premier League games in 18 months at Anfield. He said: “He is one of the most talented young strikers in England.”
Bournemouth were looking for their first FA Cup win over a top-flight team since the then Third Division Cherries famously humbled holders Manchester United in 1984.
Boss Howe handed an immediate debut to England right-back
Nathaniel Clyne following his loan move from Liverpool.
Brighton rested England defender Lewis Dunk and top scorer Glenn Murray as they made eight changes.
The game turned in the Seagulls’ favour after a glaring miss from Bournemouth striker Lys Mousset on 28 minutes.
Jordan Ibe danced into the penalty area and his effort was blocked into the path of Mousset but the Frenchman blazed over. Mousset was made to pay for that miss three and Morata went straight down the tunnel on being replaced.
Cudicini added: “Everyone is different. Some players don’t smile. Perhaps he also felt the effects of what the critics have been saying about him.”
His tap-in and header, both from Callum Hudson-Odoi crosses, were highlights of a lukewarm tie.
Forest manager Aitor Karanka said: “I can’t complain because our side never gave up.”
Chelsea 2 Nottm Forest 0 Tony Stenson BOURNEMOUTH ...1 BRIGHTON ........... 3
minutes later as countryman Knockaert fired Brighton in front against the run of play.
Bissouma then doubled the Seagulls’ lead with a superb solo goal.
Marc Pugh handed the Cherries a lifeline 10 minutes after the restart, curling in his first goal since August 2017 from 20 yards. But Brighton’s two-goal advantage was restored in the 64th minute.
Andone headed in from close range after Shane Duffy had nodded Knockaert’s corner back across the six-yard box.
Howe, whose side have now won just two of their last 12 games, said: “We are in a bad run and we need to get out of it very quickly, otherwise the season could unravel in a way we don’t want it to.”
Brighton manager Chris
Hughton was pleased to see his side progress to round four for the eighth time in nine seasons.
He said: “It was a difficult game as we all knew it would be, so I’m really delighted to go through.”