Derby vs Chelsea - Review

Derby vs Chelsea - Review

Derby 0 - Chelsea 2

Chelsea pushed past an organised Derby side with a strong second-half showing, booking a home tie against Stoke City in the 4th round of the FA Cup.

After a somewhat underwhelming first half, Mikel broke the deadlock, a glancing header in the six yard box directing Willian's superb free-kick into the Derby goal. 

Just 5 minutes after Oscar followed, finding space on the right to fire a shot too powerful for Lee Grant, the Derby goalkeeper, to handle.

This had the feel of a classic cup tie - both home and away fans noisy in support, and the result far from assured.

Chelsea were largely forced into taking shots from distance in a first half against a very resolute and compact Derby defence; Oscar coming closest with a strike just wide from 25 yards out.

The most clear cut chance fell to Eto'o, who after being played through by Oscar deliberated too much and allowed the Derby defence to recover what may have been an opening goal.

Chelsea constantly threatened, however, with Oscar acting as the main attacking hub, bring Willian and Ramires into play off the wings.

Derby too had chances - Cahill doing well to recover after a risky pass from David Luiz gave possession to the Rams.

Ramires saw a deflected shot skim the bottom of the post as half time drew nearer, the closest either side had come to registering a goal.

Chelsea's second half intent was clear, however, with Mourinho's men quick out of the traps. An Oscar cross was cleared Derby man Jake Buxton could clear his lines and deny Eto'o a tap in.

Jamie ward was a constant attacking outlet for Derby, sailing a free-kick over the bar after Mikel clipped much-hyped youngster Will Hughes 5 yards outside the box. 

Having seen enough, Mourinho brought on Hazard for Michael Essien, and the muted Eto'o was brought off to be replaced by Fernando Torres.

The game appeared to open up, but the source of Chelsea's goal was the unlikely one of Mikel, scoring his 4th goal in 300 appearances. Running free of his marker, the midfielder headed home from a good cross by Willian from a free-kick out on the left wing.

The away fans had more to celebrate just five minutes later as Oscar doubled the lead, a swerving shot deceiving the Derby keeper who deflected it into his own net.

Torres, looking lively, then went close twice - only to be denied Chelsea's 3rd of the evening by the good work of Lee Grant in goal.

Chelsea continued to pressure the Derby defence, Oscar again instrumental as Chelsea threatened to add more goals.

The result seemingly secured, Mourinho gave young Lewis Baker his debut, the 18 year old coming on for Oscar after 85 minutes.

This seemed to usher a small Derby resurgence, with Bennet and Martin testing a Chelsea defence that were beginning to show signs of fatigue.

Unable to beat Schwarzer, the game ended 0 - 2, with Chelsea heading back to London pleased following a professional performance against a tough Championship side.