Chelsea secured a dominant 5-0 victory over fourth-tier Morecambe to progress to the FA Cup fourth round. Despite a lackluster first half, a second-half surge featuring goals from Tosin Adarabioyo and Joao Felix sealed the emphatic win.
First-Half Struggles
The opening half saw Chelsea dominate possession but fail to capitalize on their chances. Christopher Nkunku’s missed penalty in the 32nd minute nearly sparked a potential upset, with Morecambe goalkeeper Harry Burgoyne denying the Blues an early cushion.
Tosin Adarabioyo finally broke the deadlock just before halftime with a deflected long-range strike, sending Chelsea into the break with a slim lead.
Second-Half Resurgence
Manager Enzo Maresca made impactful changes at halftime, introducing Jadon Sancho, Malo Gusto, and Marc Cucurella. These substitutions proved pivotal as Chelsea found their rhythm:
- Nkunku Redemption: The forward doubled Chelsea’s lead by capitalizing on a rebounded shot after Renato Veiga’s effort was saved.
- Adarabioyo’s Brace: The defender netted his second goal with another strike from outside the box.
- Joao Felix’s Double: Felix displayed his class by scoring twice in rapid succession, first finishing a swift counter-attack before curling a superb effort into the top corner.
Morecambe’s Defiance
Despite facing a much stronger side, Morecambe demonstrated grit and determination for over 70 minutes. However, Chelsea’s quality eventually overwhelmed the resilient visitors, leaving them to refocus on their relegation battle in League Two.
Chelsea Player Ratings (4-1-4-1)
| Player | Rating |
|---|---|
| GK: Filip Jorgensen | 7.0/10 |
| RB: Reece James | 8.1/10 |
| CB: Tosin Adarabioyo | 9.3/10 |
| CB: Axel Disasi | 8.0/10 |
| LB: Renato Veiga | 7.3/10 |
| CM: Romeo Lavia | 7.2/10 |
| RM: Pedro Neto | 7.0/10 |
| AM: Christopher Nkunku | 7.9/10 |
| AM: Joao Felix | 9.2/10 |
| LM: Tyrique George | 8.9/10 |
| ST: Marc Guiu | 6.2/10 |
| SUB: Malo Gusto (46′) | 6.9/10 |
| SUB: Marc Cucurella (46′) | 7.3/10 |
| SUB: Jadon Sancho (46′) | 7.2/10 |
Player of the Match: Tosin Adarabioyo
Key Takeaways
- Tosin Adarabioyo’s Breakout Performance: The defender not only provided stability at the back but also contributed significantly to the attack with two goals.
- Joao Felix’s Impact: Felix’s brace demonstrated his clinical finishing and creativity in front of goal.
- Squad Depth on Display: Chelsea’s ability to rotate and still dominate highlighted the depth available to manager Enzo Maresca.
What’s Next?
Chelsea advances confidently to the FA Cup fourth round, while Morecambe returns to their fight for survival at the foot of the English football league.
FAQs
- Who scored for Chelsea?
Tosin Adarabioyo (2), Joao Felix (2), and Christopher Nkunku were the goalscorers. - Why did Morecambe struggle in the second half?
Chelsea’s substitutions and superior quality overwhelmed Morecambe’s defensive resilience. - What were the key tactical changes?
Maresca’s introduction of Sancho, Gusto, and Cucurella added pace and creativity to Chelsea’s play. - How did Christopher Nkunku perform?
Despite missing a penalty, Nkunku redeemed himself by scoring Chelsea’s second goal. - Who was the Player of the Match?
Tosin Adarabioyo earned the award for his defensive efforts and two goals.
