Chelsea began the defence of their FA Cup crown in solid fashion as they eased to a 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the third round tie at Stamford Bridge on Saturday
The Blues dominated the game from the first minute till the last, with the visitors conjuring up a few half chances here and there. The Blues came closest to scoring in the first half through Cesc Fabregas, whose tame effort from the spot was saved by Luke Steele, while Alvaro Morata failed to get the better of the goalkeeper from a close range header.
Morata did get his elusive goal just minutes into the second half, though, as he tapped the ball in from point-blank range after some fine work by Callum Hudson-Odoi. The two combined again ten minutes later, with Morata heading in emphatically from Hudson-Odoi’s cross.
That second goal was enough to round off the much needed win for Chelsea, as they progressed to the fourth round of the FA Cup with relative ease. And, Morata was on the receiving end of trolls even though he ended up returning to goalscoring ways. But, the Spaniard found some supporters as well.
MORATA GOAL OF THE SEASON ? pic.twitter.com/8e4rOwt2QX
— R?? (@Jorginhology) January 5, 2019
Alvaro Morata doing the VAR gesture in a match without VAR cannot be good for his microscopic confidence
— Adam Hurrey (@FootballCliches) January 5, 2019
Morata doesn't get the benefit of the doubt from anyone these days – opponents, his own team, the crowd, the referee #cfc
— Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) January 5, 2019
Only Morata can miss these. pic.twitter.com/dJ0JN7ygOI
— Elna (@ftblelna) January 5, 2019
Morata has scored. I believe the fans are happy with him if he continues.
— Paul Kgosi (@kgosinow) January 5, 2019
The star of the show, though, was Callum Hudson-Odoi, who provided the assist for each of the goals in addition to being the most potent threat for Chelsea all through the game.
Hudson-Odoi assists Morata who gets brace. This is why Hudson-Odoi NEEDS more game-time ? #CFC #CHEFOR pic.twitter.com/2mL9foXDSS
— CFC-Blues.com (@CFCBlues_com) January 5, 2019
CHO is lightyears ahead of Willian
— Hazard Stuff (@HazardStuff_) January 5, 2019
THIS IS WHY HUDSON ODOI IS WORTH £40mil!
The guy can do the impossible and make Morata score! His delivery down the right is 10x better than anything we've seen down that side all season!!!
Sensational player
— NiiNiiFC-BlueLionsTV (@NiiNiiFC) January 5, 2019
Yet again showing he is ready. For me CHO should be in line to start on Tuesday against Spurs pic.twitter.com/tPGaC4Sdyn
— Steven French (@SteveFrenchCFC) January 5, 2019
Going to keep my FT thoughts short after the emotional ending, just going to say this one thing on CHO:
If this hasn't finally proven to those believing CHO can't play on the RW then I don't know what will. At the moment, he should be starting there, no debate. #CFC #CHOsenone pic.twitter.com/44f1OLPX2h
— Jimmy Funnell (@JimmyFunnellCFC) January 5, 2019
CHO‘s outdone Willian’s entire ssn in one game. Well who could’ve thought that?
— Super Frank (@ChelseaAction) January 5, 2019
Finally, Cesc Fabregas received an emotional goodbye from Chelsea fans after what is believed to be his final appearance for the club ahead of a move away from Stamford Bridge this month.
Fabregas back on the pitch at FT, applauding all four corners of Stamford Bridge & leaving in tears. This is it #cfc pic.twitter.com/ZWtfk6jcaY
— Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) January 5, 2019
Thank you for everything, Fabregas! pic.twitter.com/6EIu0bA45M
— َ (@HazardEdition) January 5, 2019
The moment Cesc Fabregas said goodbye to Chelsea and Stamford Bridge #cfc pic.twitter.com/uELvUe7gcw
— Oliver Harbord (@ojharbord) January 5, 2019
Thank you and Goodbye Cesc Fabregas ? pic.twitter.com/8TUm5AGGTW
— The Blues (@TheBlues___) January 5, 2019
“FABREGAS IS MAGIC, FABREGAS IS MAGIC
HE WEARS A MAGIC HAT” ?
pic.twitter.com/0iyX71IKfF— MOHA (@CfcMoha) January 5, 2019