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Chelsea eventually claimed victory in the third round of the FA Cup against Preston, but the 4-0 victory was not as comfortable as it seemed in the end.
Armando Broja, Thiago Silva, Raheem Sterling and Enzo Fernandez scored in an exciting moment for Chelsea, but until the first goal it was difficult.
Preston created chances and out-battled the Blues but were ultimately out-gunned by the more talented side.
Chelsea qualified for the fourth round of the cup in the end, but when the coaching staff review the footage, they will have a lot to think about.
Raheem Sterling simplified this free kick ?? #CHEPNE pic. twitter. com/AmxX2TZITr
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) January 6, 2024
Broja sums up Chelsea
Broja rose brilliantly to head in a cross from Malo Gusto in the 58th minute, which ended the match.
Chelsea had struggled a lot with Ryan Lowe’s old-fashioned approach, which included long balls, low blocks and aggression.
In short, Preston did their homework and made Chelsea uncomfortable. Chelsea, meanwhile, were unable to show enough quality during attacking moments to find a goal to change the match.
A cup upset really felt possible, with Broja among those underperforming but his header changed everything.
The striker immediately began to threaten, regaining his and Chelsea’s trust. He hit the crossbar and his shot deflected off the line within minutes.
Chelsea also want to be informed how to have greater compatibility in difficult times, it can produce exciting football when things are going well.
They’re pretty good
When things were going badly for Chelsea, one player stood out: Alfie Gilchrist. After two committed appearances as a substitute, the 20-year-old academy defender got his first start at Stamford Bridge.
The formative years The Chelsea fan was the only one to compete in a poor first half. He invested so much in the game that he had to be substituted in the 61st minute, but set the tone when Chelsea struggled.
Versatile 17-year-old midfielder Michael Golding also made his debut from the bench. He produced a wonderful flick in midfield with his first touch and almost got on the end of two crosses.
Brazilian teenage striker Deivid Washington also made his second appearance for Chelsea and scored an instinctive header.
It shows that if Chelsea continue to suffer such a deep injury crisis, the academy can offer solutions.
Conor Gallagher is the key
Chelsea’s team had a gaping hole in it until Gallagher came on.
The league club managed to get past Fernandez and Moises Caicedo in midfield while Gallagher was rested alongside Thiago Silva.
It’s further proof of Gallagher’s importance to Chelsea, despite his contract expiring and rumours that he could leave the club.