Saidou Khan (right) celebrates a Chesterfield goal with team-mate, Kabongo Tshimanga.
Chelsea qualifies for FA Cup fourth round
By Valentine Amanze
Chelsea on Saturday January 8, 2022 showed class against the National League side, Chesterfield, with a 5-1 win at Stamford Bridge to cruise into the FA Cup fourth round.
It took Timo Werner only four minutes to open scoring for Chelsea in a match boosted by the noisy and colourful presence of 6,000 Spirites fans.
Chelsea, second in the Premier League with Chesterfield in the same position in their division, fielded a strong side, which included their hitman, Romalu Lukaku.
Callum Hudson-Odoi’s curled finish doubled Chelsea’s advantage before Romelu Lukaku added a third and Andreas Christensen’s looping header made it 4-0 before the break.
Hakim Ziyech scored Chelsea’s fifth from the spot in the 55th minute after substitute Calvin Miller fouled Christian Pulisic but the big moment – and biggest cheers – came 10 minutes from time when Chesterfield substitute Akwasi Asante turned in a rebound after Marcus Bettinelli saved from Kabongo Tshimanga.
It was a moment of unforgettable, unconfined joy for Chesterfield and their fans – and fully merited for their tireless contribution to an entertaining FA Cup third round tie.
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