Chelsea entered the FA Cup semi-finals as Oliver Norwood’s own goal and a late Hakim Zeich strike led to a 2–0 win against Sheffield United on Sunday. Thomas Tuchel’s much-changed side were below their best at Stamford Bridge, but Norwood’s first half fault put them on to win the quarter-finals in a tough bout. Hakeem Ziach netted in stoppage time as Chelsea appeared in the semi-finals of April at Manchester City and Wembley in Southampton. Leicester hosted Manchester United on Sunday in the final quarter-finals.
The Blues have returned to the FA Cup semi-finals for the fourth time in the last five seasons after losing in last year’s final against Arsenal.
Chelsea won the last of the club’s eight FA Cups under Antonio Conte in 2018.
Tuchel’s notable early impact since replacing sacked Frank Lampard in January, has transformed Chelsea into a rock-solid defensive unit.
The German is now unbeaten in 14 games in all competitions, with Chelsea keeping 12 clean sheets in that span, including outscoring the opposition in their last seven matches.
Tuchel made nine changes following Chelsea’s Champions League last 16-second leg win against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
Kepa Arriazbalaga started the round, including Billy Gilmour, Olivier Giroud and Emerson.
Chelsea gave up all the switches while struggling to find any rhythm in the opening round.
Despite his precarious debut, Chelsea took a fateful fashion lead in the 24th minute.
Aaron Ramsdale could not catch Callum Hudson-Odoi’s cross and Phil Jagilka cleaned it up for a corner.
When the corner was curled over the edge of Ben Chilwell’s field, the Chelsea left-back hit a low shot that Norwood turned to his net as he pounded in an unsuccessful attempt to block it.
The helpless Norwood nearly gifted Chelsea a second goal when a mournful pass by Christian Pulisic, who raced to the goal, but could not get the finishing touch as Ramsedel stumbled before saving his chip.
Chelsea’s injured defender Thiago Silva was urging his team to withdraw from the stands, after eyeing their exuberance and celebrations during the win against Atletico.
He was not impatient this time, perhaps in a tacit acceptance that United posed little threat to Chelsea’s progress.
The Moribund Blades are under the Premier League and are destined for rehab following the recent departure of boss Chris Wilder.
Pulisic had him out of his misery when he had beaten the last three defenders, only to shoot directly at Ramsdale and hit the bar.
Selected by John Lundstrom’s cross, David McGoldrick wasted a golden opportunity to equalize when the United forward sent his diving header wide from just four yards.
Promoted
Ollie McBurney’s long-range drive was deflected away by Kepa, before United substitute Ryan Brewster hit a wide shot.
But United’s late flourish was not enough to force extra time as Ziach came off the bench to fire home from near Chillett.
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