Chelsea beat Sheffield United, reach FA Cup semis: Records broken
Eight-time winners Chelsea were made to work hard by Sheffield United before earning a valuable win in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. Chelsea, who were beaten in the final last season, went ahead after an own goal by Oliver Norwood. Hakim Ziyech scored their second with a low strike in the 92nd minute to hand Chelsea victory. Here are the details.
How did the match pan out?
Chelsea got the lead in the 24th minute after Ben Chilwell's low cross was steered into the own net by Norwood. Christian Pulisic was then denied twice by away goal-keeper Aaron Ramsdale. David McGoldrick wasted a glorious chance to equalize as Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga saved from Oliver McBurnie. Ziyech's goal handed Chelsea another semis spot for the fourth time in five seasons.
Tuchel maintains his unbeaten run
Chelsea have now won 10 of their 14 games under Thomas Tuchel (draw four) since he took over from Frank Lampard in January. During this phase only Manchester City (14) have won more matches across all competitions among sides within the top five European leagues. The Blues have also kept clean sheets in each of their last seven games and 12th overall under Tuchel.
25th FA Cup semi-final for the Blues
Chelsea have now progressed to their 25th FA Cup semi-final. This is the third-most of any club behind Everton (26), Manchester United and Arsenal (both 30). On the other hand, Sheffield United's defeat was their 24th of the campaign in all competitions. This is 10 more than they suffered last season.
Unwanted record for the Blades
As per Opta, Sheffield United have exited the FA Cup at the quarter-final stage in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 1958-59 and 1959-60 under managers Archie Clark and John Harris.
