Hakim Ziyech’s late strike secured a 2-0 victory for Chelsea and a place in the FA Cup semi-finals but Thomas Tuchel’s side were pushed close by Sheffield United.
The Blues, who have now gone more than 11 hours at Stamford Bridge without conceding, took the lead thanks to Oliver Norwood’s own goal after Ben Chilwell’s powerful strike towards goal.
Christian Pulisic failed to score after conjuring up two great chances with individual brilliance, while David McGoldrick nodded wide when left completely free less than 10 yards from goal.
There was one final chance for the visitors as Rhian Brewster’s strike was deflected inches wide of the near post before the Moroccan races clear to collect Chilwell’s cross and smashed past Aaron Ramsdale.
Even amid a circumspect performance Chelsea still merited victory, extending boss Thomas Tuchel’s club record-breaking unbeaten start to 14 matches.
Toothless for 60 minutes, the Blades’ only early bite came amid a string of needless tackles, many off the ball, and a handful directed at Pulisic.
Had the visitors invested as much energy reserved for the dark arts in attempting to carry out their game plan in that opening hour, the tie could have been very different.
Instead Chelsea were allowed to meander to a victory as low key as it was routine, escaping several late wobbles to ease into the last four.
Boss Tuchel made nine changes from the 2-0 Champions League win over Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, with Billy Gilmour handed a rare start in midfield.
The German was not happy with the performance, making a host of changes just past the hour mark in a bid to inject some impetus into the Blues’ showing.
But the demanding boss will certainly be content with the result, especially with widespread rotation helping to manage the fixture glut. Report here
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