Chelsea’s dominance over the underdogs – seven goals in the FA Cup quarterfinal!

Chelsea are currently in terrible form across all competitions. Liam Rosenior’s team has looked unrecognizable, and this FA Cup clash with Port Vale was a welcome opportunity. The Blues made the most of their status as heavy favorites, scoring seven goals against the visitors and lifting the spirits of the London side somewhat.

Chelsea opened the scoring in just the 2nd minute. Port Vale’s goalkeeper Gauci was under pressure from a corner and failed to clear effectively, allowing Hato to bundle the ball into the net and settle any pre-match nerves for the home side.

In the 4th minute, Gusto’s cross found Palmer, who managed to get a shot away, but Port Vale’s defense scrambled back to block the attempt. A few minutes later, there was a chance for guests. Sherif cleverly held up play and set up Walters for a close-range shot, which went wide. Waine had a chance to intervene, but the opportunity went begging, and the score remained 1-0.

The Blues doubled their lead in the 25th minute. Neto outmuscled Gordon and squared the ball to Pedro, who took a touch before calmly finishing into the far corner for Chelsea’s second goal.

Just before halftime, Chelsea looked set to add a third. In the 42nd minute, Gusto’s clever flick around the corner started a dangerous move, and he continued his run to set up Palmer, whose effort looked destined for the net. There was a touch off Lawrence-Gabriel, and the goal may eventually be credited as an own goal.

Port Vale started the half strongly. In the 47th minute, Humphreys had a chance at the back post but couldn’t connect cleanly. Chelsea responded immediately: in the 49th minute, Estevao surged down the right, just inches away from setting up Joao Pedro, though the ball was cleared to safety. A minute later, Estevao had a golden chance—released by Joao Pedro’s backheel through Sanots, he bent a shot past the goalkeeper, only for it to clip the outside of the post.

Palmer also tried his luck in the 51st minute with a clever placed shot to the far corner, but Gauci made a comfortable save.

Chelsea finally extended their lead in the 57th minute. Neto found Gusto, who delivered a perfect cross, allowing Tosin Adarabioyo to rise above the defense and power a header into the corner, making it 4–0. Estevao came close again in the 66th minute when his low shot took a deflection and hit the post.

In the 69th minute, Chelsea added a fifth goal. Santos headed into an empty net after the ball went over the goalkeeper. There was a brief VAR check to see if Gauci had been fouled by Adarabioyo, but the goal stood, making it 5–0.

Chelsea kept pressing late, and in the 82nd minute, Hato’s brilliant pass released Garnacho, whose shot hit the upright. The rebound fell to Estevao, who tapped it in, but the offside flag initially went up. After a VAR review, the decision was overturned, confirming Estevao was onside and finally awarding him his goal.

In the 90th minute, Chelsea were awarded a penalty after Magloire tripped Garnacho in the box. Garnacho stepped up and calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, scoring Chelsea’s seventh goal!

FA CUP - QUARTER-FINALS

Saturday

Manchester City - Liverpool 4-0 (2-0)

/Haaland 39 pen, 45+2, 57, Semenyo 50/

Chelsea - Port Vale 7-0 (3-0)

/Hato 2, Pedro 25, Lawrence-Gabriel 42 og, Adarabioyo 57, Santos 69, Estevao 82, Garnacho 90+2 pen/

22.00: (9.50) Southampton (5.80) Arsenal (1.30)

Sunday

18.30: (2.45) West Ham (3.55) Leeds (2.80)

***odds are subject to change***