Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi impressed as Chelsea defeated Morecambe 4-0 at Stamford Bridge in the third round of the FA Cup at Stamford Bridge.
Morecambe, surprisingly, came close to taking an early lead through Adam Phillips, but Kepa Arrizabalaga did well to make a save on the goalline. Soon after, Chelsea found their footing and were in front in the 17th minute through Mason Mount’s low driven effort from outside the box. The Blues made it 2-0 just before half-time as Timo Werner bundled home Kai Havertz’s pass.
Callum Hudson-Odoi added a third four minutes into the second half, after being found by a lovely lofted pass from Hakim Ziyech. The Moroccan had a few shots from distance, which failed to test the Morecambe goalkeeper, who made a brilliant double save to deny Havertz and Mount soon after.
Frank Lampard’s side managed to add more sheen to the scoreline in the 85th minute, with Havertz heading home Cesar Azpilicueta’s cross as they qualified for the fourth round of the FA Cup with a comfortable win. Here’s how we rated the performances of the Chelsea stars on the afternoon at Stamford Bridge.
Kepa Arrizabalaga: 6/10
Making his 100th appearance for Chelsea, the Spaniard had a hairy moment when he nearly got caught at the near post by Phillips but reacted quickly to stop the ball going over the line. Not tested at all from that point on. One of the easiest clean sheets he will keep in his career.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 7/10
Spent the majority of the game holed up inside the Morecambe half, combined neatly with Ziyech on the right while being reliable defensively when required. Delivered four key passes, including a peach of a cross to set Havertz up for the fourth goal of the game.
Kurt Zouma: 6/10
Could have done with a rest, but Lampard opted to stick with him and the Frenchman didn’t have to exert himself much on the afternoon, with Morecambe hardly posing any threat going forward. A comfortable outing.
Antonio Rudiger: 6/10
Coming in for Thiago Silva, Rudiger looked solid for the most part and ensured that Morecambe forward Cole Stockton didn’t get a sniff at the Chelsea goal. Could have done better with a half-chance from a corner-kick, though.
Emerson Palmieri: 6.5/10
Not tested a great deal defensively, but Morecambe’s only effort on goal came from his flank. Spent most of the game inside the opposition half, linked up well with Hudson-Odoi and later Christian Pulisic. Ended the game with one key pass and one successful dribble.
Kai Havertz: 7.5/10
Kai Havertz (11) and Timo Werner (15) now have 26 goals + assists between them this season.
We’re only halfway through the season. ‘Flops’… pic.twitter.com/mAHdamhfm7
— LDN (@LDNFootbalI) January 10, 2021
Did not have the best of starts, but slowly grew into the game and showed good awareness to head across the six-yard box and set Werner up for the second goal. Much more lively after the break, had a shot saved from close range before he eventually found the back of the net with a headed effort. Made one key pass, completed one dribble and misplaced just seven of his 64 attempted passes.
Billy Gilmour: 7/10
Starting at the base of Chelsea’s three-man midfield unit, the youngster swept up everything that came his way without much fuss and kept it simple with the ball at his feet. Enjoyed a brilliant 92 per cent pass accuracy, while also making a couple of interceptions and a tackle. Has looked the real deal since his return from injury.
Mason Mount: 7.5/10
Starting on his 22nd birthday, the England international put Chelsea in front with a low effort from outside the box. Drove at the opposition defence each time he got on the ball and linked up well in the left channel with Hudson-Odoi. Influence waned somewhat after the break, but still managed to force a save from the Morecambe custodian before coming off.
Hakim Ziyech: 8/10
Hakim Ziyech’s game by numbers against Morecambe:
89 touches
11 crosses (most)
7 duels won
6 take-ons (most)
5 chances created (most)
3 shots
3 accurate long balls
1 assistAnother great display. pic.twitter.com/ywM0aBDc6A
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) January 10, 2021
Chelsea look a different team altogether with the Moroccan playmaker on the field. Delivered some teasing crosses into the box in the first half, one of which led to Werner’s goal. Then set Hudson-Odoi up for the Blues’ third with a brilliant lofted pass. Tried to find the back of the net himself, but his shooting was a bit wayward at times. Made a game-high four key passes and six dribbles.
Timo Werner: 6.5/10
Failed to take a couple of half-chances in the early exchanges but managed to end his 12-game goal drought as he turned home Havertz’s pass into the net on the cusp of half-time. Still way off his best, but the goal will have done his confidence a world of good.
Callum Hudson-Odoi: 8/10
Chelsea’s biggest threat on the pitch along with Ziyech, the England international posed a threat with his pace and directness. Got the assist for the opening goal and linked up well with his teammates generally. Found the back of the net with a good run and a well-taken finish early in the second half. Ended the game with three key passes.
Callum Hudson-Odoi’s game by numbers vs. Morecambe:
85% pass accuracy
7 crosses attempted
4 crosses completed
3 chances created
2 shots
1 assist
1 goalTook his chance to impress once again. ? pic.twitter.com/CkZeHQipzR
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) January 10, 2021
Substitutes
Christian Pulisic: 6/10
Replaced Ziyech with a little over 20 minutes left on the clock. Looked sharp without making much of an impact.
Olivier Giroud: 6/10
On for Werner in the 68th minute. Got into dangerous positions on a couple of occasions, but it didn’t lead to anything.
Tammy Abraham: N/A
Came on for Mount in the 74th minute.
Fikayo Tomori: N/A
On for Zouma in the 80th minute.
Tino Anjorin: N/A
Replaced Hudson-Odoi for the final ten minutes.
