An extra-time header from Pedro sent Chelsea into the semi-finals of the FA Cup, setting up a tie with Southampton at Wembley. The Blues went in front shortly before half-time through Alvaro Morata, who scored his first goal of 2018 with a great finish. Leicester equalised in the second half, with Jamie Vardy tapping in after a goal-mouth scramble. The game went to extra-time, and with moments left of the first half, Pedro out-jumped Kasper Schmeichel to send Chelsea through to the next round of the FA Cup. Here’s how the Chelsea players rated as they beat Leicester in the FA Cup quarter-finals yesterday:
Willy Caballero – 6
Made a good save during the goalmouth scramble, which unfortunately fell to the feet of Vardy. Overall, played well and made a few darting runs out of his box.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 7
A more confident display than in midweek, the Spaniard orchestrated the defence well, and he made a superb block in the build-up to the equaliser.
Andreas Christensen – 6
After a few weeks of less than great displays, the Dane returned to his best and coped with the pacey threat of Vardy well. Went off, perhaps tiredness, late on.
Antonio Rudiger – 6
Continues to keep Gary Cahill out of the side, and his performance yesterday showed why he’s keeping out the Chelsea captain.
Victor Moses – 6
Got the ball quite a bit, but was often wasteful on the ball. Could’ve done better for a Vardy header.
Tiemoue Bakayoko – 4
First start since the Watford game, and didn’t show anything to suggest why he deserves to play for Chelsea. Rightfully hooked off at half-time.
N’Golo Kante – 9
Ran the show in midfield, and had to play two roles in the first half. Provided a wonderful cross for Pedro’s winner.
Marcos Alonso – 6
Another quiet evening for Alonso, who was beaten far too easily by Mahrez in the build-up to Leicester’s equaliser. Should’ve done better.
Willian – 7
Continued his fine form with another great display. His breakaway lead to Morata’s opener, and he was a constant runner going forward.
Alvaro Morata – 8
Grabbed his first goal of the year with an exquisite finish, which will do wonders for his confidence. Could’ve had a couple more, too.
Eden Hazard – 6
Not at his best, and he needs to regain his electric form after the international break as Chelsea continue their fight for a top four finish.
Substitutes
Cesc Fabregas – 6
Came on at half-time for Bakayoko, and helped massively in midfield. Made a few good passes forward, and made a contribution defensively too.
Pedro – 8
His header sent Chelsea through, and he was introduced to inject some pace and energy to the team late on.
Gary Cahill – 6
Came on for Christensen, and was solid at the back.
Olivier Giroud – 6
A good target man to keep the ball late on as Chelsea tried to hold onto their lead.
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