Chelsea breezed into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup with a comprehensive victory over Championship side Hull City at Stamford Bridge last night. All four goals came in the first half of the fifth round tie. Willian grabbed a brace, Pedro netted once, and Olivier Giroud scored his first goal in Chelsea colours since making the move from Arsenal. A good victory for Antonio Conte’s side, whose attention now switches to the Champions League on Tuesday night as they host Barcelona. Before that, here’s how the Chelsea players rated last night:
Willy Caballero – 8
Saved David Meyler’s penalty brilliantly at the start of the second half, and made a few saves during the game. A very useful deputy to Thibaut Courtois.
Antonio Rudiger – 7
Strong and fast as always. Been in decent form recently, and surely has to start on Tuesday night against Barcelona.
Ethan Ampadu – 8
For only 17 years of age, Ampadu looks a cut above. Calm and assured when in possession, the youngster surely has a bright future at Stamford Bridge ahead of him.
Gary Cahill – 7
Not really tested by a poor Hull side. Guided Ampadu well on the left-hand side. Solid and calm as part of the back three.
Davide Zappacosta – 7
A rather quiet night for the Italian. Didn’t influence the game much, but did force a good save out of the Hull goalkeeper in the second half.
Danny Drinkwater – 7
Always willing to chase and close down the ball. Almost played the role of Kante in the midfield, as he held his own. Had a decent volley late on saved.
Cesc Fabregas – 8
Despite giving away the penalty, Fabregas was superb. He bossed the midfield, and the Spaniard was given far too much time to pick a pass. Played a delightful ball for Pedro for his goal.
Emerson – 7
A promising debut for the wing-back. Always willing to attack, he grabbed an assist for Chelsea’s fourth, playing a good pass to Giroud to score.
Pedro – 7
Full of energy and running, Pedro was great. Controlled and finished brilliantly from Fabregas’ pass for the third. Taken off at half-time when the game was won.
Olivier Giroud – 8
Superb hold-up play for two of the Chelsea goals, including an assist for Willian’s second. He got off the mark for Chelsea, with a trademark near-post finish.
Willian – 9
Brilliant from the Brazilian, who grabbed a brace. Full of skill and running, the Hull defence couldn’t cope with him, as he played everyone off the park.
Substitutes
Callum Hudson-Odoi – 7
Given a full half to show his talent, Hudson-Odoi was always willing to run at the defender. Showed off his range of passing.
Kyle Scott – 7
Given his Chelsea debut with around 30 minutes left. Always willing to put in a tackle, and was perhaps unfairly booked for a challenge. Promising from the youngster.
Alvaro Morata – 6
Given more minutes from his return from injury, but didn’t really make an impact.