Chelsea FC have come through with aplomb against a fifth division side in the FA Cup – but opponents Chesterfield were deservedly rewarded.
In order to heave a sensation into the realms of possibility, fifth division side Chesterfield adopted a rather handsome approach – but one that ended the visitors’ dreams early on in the third round of the cup: Because the underdogs had moved up in a closed formation, Chelsea had plenty of space to counter-attack, and Werner eventually pushed the ball over the line on the counter-attack to make it 1-0 (6th).
Chesterfield cared little, even if it meant Chelsea didn’t struggle to create some chances. The fifth-tier side’s approach hardly changed even when Hudson-Odoi’s fine flick (18th), Lukaku’s effort from a few yards out (20th) and Christensen’s header from an overhead kick (39th) made things clear early on. A single chance of their own, through Oyeleke (34th), at least stood out.
Already at the break, the unequal pairing was virtually decided, even more so after Ziyech’s converted penalty (55th). In the second period, Lukaku was replaced by Havertz, who scored after a cross from Werner – but the provider of the assist was just offside (77.). So the second period actually ended 1-1, because Asante scored the celebrated and indeed well-deserved consolation goal (80.).
However, the Champions League winners were never in danger of embarrassment – as happened to Newcastle United.
