Chelsea booked their spot at Wembley for an FA Cup semi-final next month after a 2-1 victory away to Leicester City. Alvaro Morata netted his first goal of the year to put the Blues ahead in the first half, before Jamie Vardy equalised to send the game to extra-time. Pedro then nodded in the first half of extra-time to book Chelsea’s spot in the semi-finals, where they will play Southampton for a spot in the final. Here’s who impressed as Chelsea beat Leicester in their FA Cup quarter-final yesterday:
3. Pedro
Despite replacing Willian towards the end of the game, Pedro makes the top three for being the man who sent Chelsea to Wembley. He replaced Willian in the 92nd minute to produce some energy and pace to Chelsea’s front three, as the Leicester defence became tired. The Spaniard was found by a great cross from N’Golo Kante and rose highest, out-jumping goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel in the process, to head Chelsea into the semi-finals of the competition. Super sub.
2. Alvaro Morata
A Spaniard scored Chelsea’s second, and another Spaniard opened the scoring for Antonio Conte’s side. A man short on confidence, Morata needed a big performance to silence his doubters, and he delivered. After Willian broke free and played a great ball forward, the striker ran through on goal and put it easily beyond Kasper Schmeichel, for his first goal of 2018. His goal gave him a much-needed boost, as he was a lot better yesterday than in recent games. He hit the post late on with an audacious flick, which was ruled out for offside. Morata is back in the goals, and hopefully, he can kick on from here.
1. N’Golo Kante
What a performance from this man. Returning to the club where he won the Premier League in the 2015/16 season, he absolutely bossed the midfield and ran the show. Paired with Tiemoue Bakayoko in the first half, and really had to carry his countryman as he endured a terrible first half before going off at half-time. The introduction of Cesc Fabregas only helped his game, and he continued to impose himself onto the game. He made more successful passes in the opposing half out of any player, and provided a delightful cross for Pedro to head in for the winner.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
