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An Oliver Norwood own goal and a Hakim Ziyech strike helped Chelsea to a 2-0 victory over Sheffield United in the quarter-final of the 2020-21 FA Cup.
Thomas Tuchel named a much-changed squad for Chelsea's final game before the international break. Starts were handed to the likes of Ben Chilwell, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Billy Gilmour, although the ever-present Mason Mount was handed the captain's band.
The visitors went against the form book and started the game on the front foot, as Chelsea struggled to get going in the game's early exchanges. However, Sheffield United failed to make the most of their early dominance, and it was somewhat inevitable that Chelsea would make them pay.
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A corner kick was not dealt well by Sheffield as Ben Chilwell's shot/cross was unfortunately deflected past his own goalkeeper by Oliver Norwood.
The goal injected some life into the hosts, but their decision-making in the final third left a lot to be desired, with Thomas Tuchel showing his displeasure with overhit passes on several occasions.
Norwood's day almost went from bad to worse after an under-hit backpass was pounced on by Christian Pulisic. But the American's shot at goal in the 45th minute was well saved by Aaron Ramsdale, who rushed out to narrow the angle.
Remarkably, that was Chelsea's first and only shot on target in what was a largely underwhelming first-half display.
The second half started in much the same way as did the first. The Blades asked all the questions as Chelsea's sloppiness in possession kept Sheffield in the game. The visitors had two good chances in quick succession to draw level but squandered both opportunities.
A pin-point delivery by John Lundstram found an unmarked David McGoldrick in the box, but he sent his wayward header wastefully wide with only the Chelsea goalkeeper to beat.
A minute later, Oliver McBurnie forced Kepa Arrizabalaga into a smart save with a well-struck shot from 25 yards. At this point, it looked increasingly likely that Sheffield were going to grab an equaliser.
Another great chance came the way of the visitors in the first minute of injury time when a rebounded ball fell into the path of Rhian Brewster. The former Liverpool man, however, flashed his shot wide when he should have done much better.
Chelsea punished the visitors for their profligacy when substitute Hakim Ziyech showed great technique to score his side's second. After Ben Chilwell sent a lofted ball into the box, the Morocco international controlled excellently before rifling a low shot beyond Ramsdale and confirm Chelsea's win.
The victory saw Chelsea book reach a fourth FA Cup semifinal in five seasons. On that note, let's take a look at five talking points from the game.
#1 Impressive Sheffield United deserved better
Sheffield United are on their way to the Championship after what has been a disastrous Premier League campaign.
However, their spot in the league table is not an accurate reflection of their performances. Despite ending on the losing side against Chelsea, the Blades more than gave a good impression of themselves.
They registered more shots on target than their hosts and had several good opportunities to get on the scoresheet.
Throughout this season, the South Yorkshire club have been plagued by poor finishing, and the same problem came to the fore once again against Chelsea.
For most of the game, Chelsea hung on for dear life while Sheffield United asked all the questions, so their 2-0 victory was a flattering scoreline of sorts.
#2 Chelsea record yet another clean sheet under Tuchel
Chelsea have been marked by a new-found defensive solidity since the appointment of Thomas Tuchel. Despite gifting several chances to Sheffield United, the Blues managed another shutout.
This latest clean sheet means the Stamford Bridge outfit have kept 11 shutouts in 14 matches under Thomas Tuchel, conceding a meagre three goals in this period.
Moreover, Chelsea are yet to concede in seven home games under the German tactician. Despite not playing free-flowing football, this new-found defensive solidity could be the bedrock for Chelsea's success this term.
#3 Chelsea grind out a win despite not being at their best
On paper, Chelsea's 2-0 victory suggests that they had a comfortable outing against Sheffield United. But that couldn't have been far from the truth.
On the overall balance of play, the Blades were arguably the better side on the night. The visitors might actually have taken something from the game but for their poor finishing in attack.
Chelsea struggled to get going in the first half. And with time running out, they showed a lack of controlled game-management, much to the chagrin of their manager.
Nevertheless, victory is all that matters in the game. And Thomas Tuchel will be pleased that his side secured their spot in the FA Cup last four.
#4 Christian Pulisic's produces an inspired performance
Christian Pulisic has been in and out of the Chelsea starting lineup since Thomas Tuchel has taken over.
The former Borussia Dortmund man impressed in his debut campaign with the Blues before a serious long-term injury halted his progress.
Since then, he has struggled to rediscover his best form. And his case has hardly been helped by Tuchel's change in formation, which favours wing-backs.
Nevertheless, the USA international was handed a rare start against Sheffield United, and Pulisic rose to the occasion. He was arguably the brightest spark in the Chelsea attack on the night.
The 22-year-old completed the most take-ons, won more fouls and had the most shots of all Chelsea players in the first half. Moreover, Sheffield United constantly hacked at Pulisic to take him out of his stride, which seemed to be the only way to stop the player.
Pulisic was eventually replaced by N'golo Kante in the 83rd minute, but his performance must have left a positive impressive on Tuchel.
#5 Hakim Ziyech's scores a second important goal in the space of five days
Hakim Ziyech's Chelsea career has been a stop-start one, owing to his injury issues and Tuchel's change in formations.
Nevertheless, Ziyech was handed a rare start against Atletico Madrid in midweek. and he made a mark on the game. Hakim Ziyech concluded a brilliant counterattack to score Chelsea's opener
Five days later, the former Ajax man started the FA Cup clash with Sheffield United on the bench but was introduced with 15 minutes to go. He once again stepped up to the plate by scoring the all-important second goal, which secured Chelsea's spot in the semi-final.
Ziyech's technique and ability were on full display, as he brought the ball under his spell from the air before placing a pristine finish into the bottom right corner.
Chelsea will hope the 28-year-old keeps his run going when he returns from the international break.
