Chelsea secured a place in the FA Cup semi-finals after demolishing Port Vale 7-0 at Stamford Bridge.
Match Report
The Blues struck early, taking the lead after just 64 seconds when Jorrel Hato smashed the ball through a packed area, following Joe Gauci’s weak punch from Pedro Neto’s corner that failed to clear danger.
Port Vale gradually settled and began to gain some control, but Chelsea doubled their advantage in the 25th minute. Joao Pedro displayed excellent composure, taking a touch before calmly finishing from close range after neat build-up play involving Neto.
Before halftime, Chelsea made it 3-0. Malo Gusto linked up with Joao Pedro, and although Gusto’s effort was saved by Gauci, Cole Palmer’s follow-up was accidentally turned into the net by Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel.
Chelsea maintained control in the second half and extended their lead to 5-0 before the 70th minute. Tosin Adarabioyo and Andrey Santos both scored headers, as Port Vale continued to struggle with defending crosses.
Estevao, who had already struck the post twice earlier in the half, finally got on the scoresheet in the 82nd minute by finishing into an empty net after Alejandro Garnacho’s shot rebounded off the post. Garnacho later earned and converted a penalty in the 92nd minute to complete the rout.
Data Debrief: Estevao shines in FA Cup rout
Amid the scrutiny surrounding Chelsea this week, Liam Rosenior will be pleased with his team’s concentration against Port Vale. The Blues generated 4.92 expected goals (xG) from 20 attempts, while their opponents managed just 0.12 xG from four shots.
Chelsea also became the first side to score seven or more goals in an FA Cup quarter-final since Liverpool’s 7-0 win over Birmingham City in the 2005-06 season.
Despite the seven goals, Estevao was the only Chelsea player involved in more than one, registering a goal and an assist. He also matched the highest number of shots (four), had the most touches in the box (10), created the most chances (four), and won five of his nine duels.
