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Thomas Tuchel issues warning to Chelsea players after FA Cup rout

mirror.co.uk, 8 January 2022, 20:45
CHELSEA 5-1 CHESTERFIELD: Thomas Tuchel's team ease through thanks to a goal from Romelu Lukaku, although the German expects his side to be more clinical in future

Romelu Lukaku let his feet do the talking as he started work on the rebuild of his relationship with Chelsea's supporters.

The 28-year-old had taken a bulldozer to it earlier this month with the airing of that Sky Italia interview.

But, after an apology of sorts with a follow-up video last week, he then delivered in a currency Blues fans will truly value — that of a goal which helped them ease through to the fourth round of this famous old trophy at the expense of National League side Chesterfield.

Lukaku struck Chelsea's third after 19 minutes, joining Timo Werner and Callum Hudson-Odoi on the scoresheet.

And they were further ahead before the break through Andreas Christensen, with only his second goal in eight-and-a-half years at the club.

Soon after, Hakim Ziyech made it five, scoring from the penalty spot.

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Chesterfield, the first away side to win at Stamford Bridge way back in 1905, had come here with hopes of a giant-killing.

But they had to settle for the consolation of Akwasi Asante's second-half goal, a tap-in that sent the 6,000 Spireites who had made the journey from north Derbyshire delirious.

Chelsea deserve credit for a clinical performance.

Although it was those Chezzie supporters who gave this game the feel of a proper Cup tie with 90-plus minutes of song.

Blues boss Thomas Tuchel said: "I'm happy with the attitude and how we started. We decided the match very early and this is what we wanted.

"Then, after it was 5-0, there were a lot of changes, players maybe lacked a little rhythm and confidence in the position they played.

"In the last 20 minutes I could have asked for more chances and clinical finishes but, okay, the job is done."

Chelsea defender Lewis Hall deserves a special mention after his debut, showing no nerves as he became the youngest player to play for the club in the FA Cup at 17 years, 122 days and setting up Lukaku for a tap-in.

For Chesterfield, there was plenty of hard work and all of them can be proud of their contributions.

They will remember this game for the rest of their lives, although midfielder Curtis Weston will only mark it down as his second most memorable FA Cup fixture, having become the youngest player to play in the Cup final when he came on for Millwall against Manchester United in 2004 aged 17 years, 119 days.

Boss James Rowe said: "It was a fantastic experience. Obviously plying our trade in the fifth tier, when the team-sheet comes it's exciting.

"That's what we've worked hard for to get to this round, to play against these players, and it's a compliment to us that he did that. It's a fantastic day.

"The younger players can learn how quick they are in the transitions, how technically gifted they are, and the older players, it might be the last parade, so it's a remarkable for the team.

"Whatever the outcome, the most important thing was it was a marker that we're trying to come back on the map and Chesterfield needs to get back to where it deserves to be.

"At half-time it doesn't matter what sport you're playing, if you're being heavily defeated its about refocusing and you reset your mindset.

"In the end we earned the respect of everyone in the stadium.We just didn't give up and held our own in the second half against the European champions.

"Credit to everyone involved for the way they performed."

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