Chelsea played hosts to Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge earlier this afternoon as they looked to secure a win at home and progress into the FA Cup semi-finals. The Blues made a good start to the game and took the lead in the 24th minute courtesy of an unfortunate own goal from Oliver Norwood. Thomas Tuchel’s men hung on to their narrow advantage and went into the half-time interval one goal to the good.
Both teams fought tooth and nail in the second 45 minutes but were not clinical enough in the final third. However, Hakim Ziyech came off the bench and killed the game off in injury-time when he found the back of the net. The contest finished 2-0 in favour of the West London outfit which ensured their place in the semifinals of the FA Cup.
Let’s take a look at how each Chelsea player fared during the clash against the Blades.
GK: Kepa Arrizabalaga – 7.5/10
The Spanish keeper had to make a few solid saves to keep his side ahead in the game. He did enough to secure a well-deserved clean sheet at home.
CB: Andreas Christensen – 7/10
He was strong in the air and pulled off a couple of important clearances during his time on the field.
CB: Kurt Zouma – 7.5/10
Zouma was a rock at the back for Chelsea and won the ball back twice for his team. He also cleared the danger when required and will be happy with the clean sheet today.
CB: Emerson Palmieri – 7.5/10
He showed his versatility by filling in as a makeshift centre-back and to his credit, he did quite well throughout the game. Emerson got stuck with a few tackles and cleared his lines when called into action.
RM: Callum Hudson-Odoi – 6/10
He didn’t have to do a whole lot of defending but had some lively moments in the Blades half. He got replaced in the second half.
CM: Mateo Kovacic – 8/10
The Croatia international managed to disrupt the opposition’s flow in the game and made multiple driving runs with the ball from midfield.
CM: Billy Gilmour – 6.5/10
He managed to make life difficult for the Sheffield United players in midfield but struggled to create any meaningful openings in the final third.
LM: Ben Chilwell – 8.5/10
Chilwell had one of the best games of his Chelsea career. He was excellent on the defensive end of the field and also managed to cause a few problems for the Blades from the left flank. The English left-back ended the game with an assist to his name.
RAM: Mason Mount – 7/10
Mount produced another tireless shift in the opponent’s half and made a couple of promising runs going forward.
LAM: Christian Pulisic – 7.5/10
He was a real livewire in the final third and caused all sorts of problems for the Sheffield defenders. He made several eye-catching runs in and around the opposition penalty box but will be disappointed for not getting his name on the scoresheet.
ST: Olivier Giroud – 6/10
The French striker hardly got a sniff at goal and was substituted after the hour mark.
Substitutes:
RM: Reece James – 6/10
James offered some fresh legs on the right flank.
CB: Cesar Azpilicueta – 6/10
The Spaniard did well to see out the win with the clean sheet intact.
LAM: Hakim Ziyech – 7.5/10
Ziyech came off the bench and registered his name on the scoresheet in the dying embers of the game.
ST: Kai Havertz – 6/10
He struggled to get himself involved in the final third.
CM: N’Golo Kante – N/A
The Frenchman hardly had any time to make an impact.
