Chelsea cruised to a 2-0 win over Premier League strugglers Sheffield United and booked their spot in the FA Cup semi-finals in what as a convincing display from Thomas Tuchel’s men in the weekend showdown at Stamford Bridge.
MATCH PROCEEDINGS
The Blues exerted much dominance over the visitors in the opening minutes of the game and looked near and about to gain an early lead but it was Sheffield forward McGoldrick who registered the opening attempt which has saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga.
But the hosts ensured a major breakthrough when James Norwood bundled Ben Chilwell’s ambitious effort into the back of his own net, rewarding Chelsea for their control over the game with a lucky goal.
The Sheffield United man was nearly at fault once again when he misplaced a pass allowing Christian Pulisic to make the most of it through on goal but Aaron Ramsdale came into the play to defy the Chelsea forward who had earned a recall into the XI for Sunday’s cup tie.
Pulisic and Ramsdale had another battle among themselves early on after the half-time break as the former wiggled past the Blades backline to register an effort on goal which was comfortably kept out by the English shot-stopper.
Despite maintaining the upper hand heading into the hour mark, the Blues were caught out repeatedly by the Blades who sought to stage a heroic fightback in what remained to play for at Stamford Bridge.
McGoldrick was at the forefront for his side and his header just went wide in what could have been a turning point in the game.
Another win, another clean sheet. 💪 Goodnight, Blues 👋 pic.twitter.com/wOnVfvoSNJ
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 21, 2021
Ultimately it fell to Hakim Ziyech to put the match to bed for the hosts and the former Ajax man did not waste the opportunity coming to his path as he slotted in the ball past Ramsdale to make it 2-0.
