Armando Broja, Thiago Silva, Raheem Sterling and Enzo Fernandez scored as Chelsea’s second-half thrashing of Preston saw them through in the FA Cup with a 4-0 victory.
The hosts were stifled by their well-organised hosts in a tense opening half at Stamford Bridge, but would have still held a half-time lead had Fernandez and Cole Palmer buried presentable chances.
But they finally found a way through 13 minutes into the second period, when Malo Gusto’s delicious cross was nodded home by Broja.
That soon became the first of a gluttony of three goals in 11 minutes, with Silva adding a second from a corner before Sterling curled home a superb free-kick.
Fernandez’s late fourth was initially disallowed for a narrow offside before a lengthy VAR review eventually awarded him the goal, as Chelsea continued their unbeaten run in domestic cup competitions ahead of their midweek trip to Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup.
More to follow…
What’s next?
Chelsea’s next game is on Tuesday when they travel to Middlesbrough for their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, live on Sky Sports; kick-off 8pm. The Blues then host Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday January 13; kick-off 12.30pm.
Tuesday 9th January 7:00pm
Kick off 8:00pm
Preston’s next outing is at home to Bristol City in the Championship on Saturday; kick-off 3pm. North End then play away to Leeds on Sunday January 21, live on Sky Sports; kick-off 12pm.
