Chelsea's newest star produces Preston masterclass to go against Todd Boehly's transfer strategy
Chelsea are through to the FA Cup fourth round after edging past Preston North End at Stamford Bridge. An 11-minute onslaught in the second-half, with goals from Armando Broja, Thiago Silva and Raheem Sterling enough for the Blues to steam ahead of the Championship side.
Enzo Fernandez then made it 4-0 to the hosts late on. The Argentine tapped in and after a lengthy VAR check, after the goal was initially ruled out, it was given to put the cherry on top of the cake for Chelsea, who progress into round four of the competition they have won eight times.
Mauricio Pochettino made four changes to the side that beat Luton Town before the turn of the year. Out went Silva, Conor Gallagher, Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson, with Alfie Gilchrist, Enzo Fernandez, Mykhailo Mudryk and Sterling coming in for the quartet.
Gilchrist, the Chelsea academy product who was making his full debut for the first-team, looked bright early on to give the hosts some encouragement. It was the 20-year-old who created the Blues' first opportunity of the FA Cup tie when he anticipated a loose ball on the right-hand side, played some back-and-forth passes with Sterling, before the latter's shot was deflected and then comfortable for Freddie Woodman.
He kept on impressing, too, did Gilchrist, who got a run-out of his own chant. On his full debut. «Alfie Gilchrist, he's one of our own,» rang the Matthew Harding Stand after he did brilliantly in a one-versus-one situation up against Liam Millar.
Gilchrist looked really competent in one-on-one situations and you could see how much being out there playing in front of the Stamford Bridge faithful meant to him. With the risk of sounding corny, that is what the FA Cup is all about.
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