‘Tired’ Chelsea edge past Blades to seal spot in FA Cup semi-finals
Chelsea moved into the FA Cup semi-finals as Oliver Norwood’s own goal and a late Hakim Ziyech strike capped a 2-0 win against Sheffield United yesterday.
Thomas Tuchel’s muchchanged side was far from their best at Stamford Bridge, but Norwood’s first-half mistake put them on track to victory.
Ziyech scored in stoppage time as Chelsea sealed their spot in the semi-finals next month where they will take on Manchester City at Wembley.
Chelsea have reached the lastfour stage of the competition for a fourth time in past five seasons after losing last year’s final against Arsenal.
Tuchel’s remarkable early impact since replacing the sacked Frank Lampard in January has turned Chelsea in a solid defensive unit.
The German is now unbeaten in 14 games in all competitions, with Chelsea keeping 12 clean sheets in that period, including shutting out the opposition in past seven matches.
“It was a tough match,” admitted Tuchel. “We had a good first half where we controlled everything. We lost control in the second half, we were clearly tired.
“After 14 consecutive matches I could feel we were tired and we made many little faults.
“We were lucky to keep the clean sheet in the second half but I think it’s the first time in the 14 games we have looked tired.” Tuchel made nine changes to the side which won the Champions League last-16 second leg against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
It left Chelsea struggling to find any rhythm early on. But despite their uncertain start, Chelsea took the lead in fortuitous fashion in the 24th minute. Aaron Ramsdale could not hold Callum Hudson-Odoi’s cross and Phil Jagielka scrambled it clear for a corner.
When the corner curled out to Ben Chilwell on the edge of the area, the Chelsea left-back hit a low shot that Norwood turned into his own net as he stretched in a failed attempt to block it.
Norwood almost gifted Chelsea a second goal when his poor pass was pounced on by Christian Pulisic, who raced through on goal but failed to get the finishing touch as he stumbled before Ramsdale saved his chip.
Pulisic should have killed off the Blades when he jinked past three defenders, only to shoot straight at Ramsdale and scuff the rebound over the bar.
David McGoldrick wasted a golden opportunity to equalise when the forward sent his diving header wide from just a few metres out. Oli McBurnie’s long-range drive was pushed away by Kepa before Blades substitute Rhian Brewster shot just wide.
But the visitor’s late flourish was not enough as Ziyech came off the bench to connect with a Chilwell pass and seal Chelsea’s victory.