In keeping with the flavour of the weekend, Premier League leaders Chelsea toiled for frustratingly long periods at the Molineux before finally their Spanish contingent rose to the occasion and saw off Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-0 to progress to the quarter-finals. Paul Lambert’s men came closest to opening the scoring in a tight first half, with former Chelsea man George Saville striking the post inside four minutes. Wolves could not find a breakthrough, though, and Antonio Conte’s took the lead in the 65th minute as Pedro rose to nod home a Willian delivery. Diego Costa then made the scoreline a little more comfortable in the 89th minute with a clinical finish.
Burnley and Leicester City were shocked while Manchester City were held to a goalless draw against Huddersfield Town today and Chelsea’s eventual win shows the difference of the Blues with their Premier League counterparts at this moment.
Let us take a look at how the Chelsea Player’s performed over the course of 90 minutes.
BEGOVIC- 5/10
Not the most comfortable between the sticks as he made a number of hurried clearances and did his youthful defence no good. Likely to leave for more opportunities in the summer.
AKE- 6/10
Subdued display. Can’t help but feel sorry for the lad after his promising season was halted. Will hope for more opportunities to get back into rhythm.
TERRY- 6/10
Easy fixture to navigate as a defender and was relatively solid on his return. Will get bit part roles to play in the cup games which are remaining now.
ZOUMA- 4.5/10
Continued his bad run under Conte and did his chances of further game time no good. Needs to buckle up fast else his future at the club is uncertain.
PEDRO- 7.5/10
Another game, another standing ovation. Scored the all-important first goal and continued his resurgence.
CHALOBAH- 5/10
Could not stamp his authority on the game and with the opposition players expressing themselves, could not play his natural game and was kept well within confines.
FABREGAS- 7/10
Followed on with his good displays which he has been doing whenever afforded the opportunity. Ran the show from the midfield.
MOSES- 6.5/10
Impressed going forward but also lost the ball a number of times in his own half. Has been important for Chelsea.
WILLIAN- 7/10
His topsy-turvy season continues as he did not give a flawless display by any means. Teed up Pedro but missed further opportunities to do so.
HAZARD- 5/10
Has again relapsed into his inconsistent shell and needs a big display to break out of it.
COSTA- 7/10
The Spaniard added gloss to the scoreline which was a just reward for his efforts throughout the match.
SUBSTITUTES
KANTE- NA/10
LOFTUS-CHEEK- NA/10
AZPILICUETA- 6/10
Shored things up.
