Chelsea traveled to the riverside on Saturday evening to take on this season’s FA cup “surprise package” Middlesbrough. With the sanctioned imposed on the blues, only about 600 fans (Holders of seasonal tickets) were allowed into the Riverside stadium.
With much battle off the pitch with Chelsea’s executives previously asking that the game be played behind closed doors, there was much at stake in this FA cup quarter-final.
The game started off as an open contest with both sides looking to put pressure on the opponent high up the pitch. With the international break up next, Tuchel’s decision to field a strong side was fully justified with the usual regulars showing class to ensure the reigning world champions were not another victim of this season’s FA cup upset at the hands of a Boro side that already ousted Manchester United and Tottenham in previous rounds.
Chelsea took control of the game after a back and forth opening 12 minutes with both sides looking to go ahead in the game with the breakthrough finally coming on the quarter-hour mark (15th minute) after some neat play by the duo of Thiago Silva and Caesar Azpilicueta to escape the Middlesbrough pressure and Hakim Ziyech’s brilliant through released Mount who found space and time to deliver a good cross for a simple tap-in by Romelu Lukaku. 1-0!
Boro toiled and threatened to get back on level terms before Chelsea showed why there’s so much difference between a “Top side” and a “Good side” with Hakim Ziyech’s spectacular strike from the edge of the box dousing every form of confidence built by Boro after going behind.
The second half saw Thomas Tuchel’s men take a more calm and composed approach to the game and brilliantly managed the game seamlessly.
Here are 5 lessons learnt as Tuchel fixes another date at Wembley:
Thiago’s calming presence
One name that breeds confidence all over the team when on the pitch is no other than the “Benjamin Button” of football, Thiago Silva.
The ageless Brazilian’s calm and composure in the defence transmits a certain degree of positivity all over the players on the pitch and his leadership style and quality ensures every player chosen to partner him seems better than usual.
Against Boro, Silva had the luxury of playing in a back four when in possession and then a back out of possession with Rudiger, Sarr and Azpilicueta all playing alongside the impressive Brazilian.
Silva’s ability to brilliantly read the game showcases his experience at the top echelon of the game and his calmness in executing challenges and tackles means he barely gets booked by the referee. Silva’s ball playing ability is also not often talked about enough as he starts up most attacks with his vision and incredibly accurate long passes.
Testament to Silva’s technical ability is evident in the build up to Chelsea’s first goal with Silva teaming up with fellow veteran, Azpilicueta for a quick exchange of passes before finding Ziyech who delivered the perfect pass for Mount to latch onto before feeding Lukaku for his second FA cup goal this season.
Ohh Thiago is the song on every Chelsea fan’s lips now!
Lukaku is improving
Chelsea’s record signing, Romelu Lukaku has come under fire for his performances of late but his latest performance against Boro leaves one with no complain whatsoever.
“Big Rom” as he’s fondly called totally bossed his marker Dael Fry in the first half, pinning him back on occasions to help hold up play leading to Chris Wilder substituting the central defender for a more commanding presence in legendary Sol Bamba. Lukaku’s touch and movement were reminiscent of his Inter glory days and he could have scored at least one more if not for his rather unselfish play at times.
Rom’s biggest improvement though is the fact that he got involved in play more regularly than he has become accustomed to and his 8 touches in the opposition area meant he was found in the areas he and many other Chelsea fans always wanted. Can big Rom regain his number 9 spot?
Mount racking up the numbers
Chelsea’s very own boy, Mason Mount recorded a milestone after his two assists in the game against Middlesbrough meant he now has 50 goals involvement in total with (25 goals and 25 assists) in over hundred appearances.
Mount was his usual busy self in the Riverside stadium acting as the decoy to create overloads down the right hand side and also to play as the free man in the midfield.
Mount’s runs down the right channel brought about both goals and his industry all through the match deserves nothing but recognition.
Mount has also been somewhat of a lubricant between the midfield and attack in recent games with his burgeoning connection with all the forwards he’s played with this season meaning he fits into any structure and system Tuchel decides to play with.
Ziyech’s back to form
“Chelsea’s wizard” as he’s fondly called, Hakim Ziyech since suffering an injury against Lille in the champions league has been in and out of the team and his incredible form before his injury seemed to be halted.
Against Boro though, the Moroccan seemed back to full flow with every swing of his left foot performing wonders. The Moroccan was heavily involved in both goals and for the duration he was on the pitch.
Ziyech’s beautiful strike from outside the box into the bottom left corner of the post reminded everyone of the talent he still possesses despite the never ending niggles he suffers. Ziyech has also struck up a lovely partnership with both Mount and Lukaku and that could be an option Tuchel looks to exploit in the coming games. Stamford Bridge’s wizard is back!
Tuchel has a well-drilled machine
Since his arrival to the Bridge, Thomas Tuchel is still yet to lose a KO tie (Excluding finals). Last season being his first saw the German coach lead the team to the FA cup final before narrowly losing out to Leicester City courtesy of a Tielemans’ long range strike.
This season, Tuchel already guided the blues to the Carabão final where they lost to Liverpool (11-10) on penalties.
Against Boro, Tuchel’s charges took the professional approach and treated the game like one against a top European team with the application of the players most pleasing to the German.
The second half of the game was more of a controlled affair and that only goes to showcase how well Tuchel’s charges are now in cup competitions.
Tuchel’s confidence when it comes to Cup competitions is evident even as he has also stated the level of performance his players are able to churn out when in knock out matches is something pleasing to him. Tuchel’s army march on to Wembley!
Players Rating:
Mendy 7, Azpilicueta 8, Thiago 9, Rudiger 8, Sarr 7, RLC 7, Kovaciç 7, Mount 10, Ziyech 9, Pulisic 7, Lukaku 8.
Man of the match; Mount 10/10
The semi-final draw has been made with Chelsea tasked to take on Crystal Palace for a place in Wembley’s final between the 16th and 17th of April.
