PLAYER RATINGS: Sterling produces moment of magic as Chelsea cruise past Preston
Mauricio Pochettino's side booked their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon after sealing a 4-0 victory against Preston at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues started the game in second gear, allowing Preston several chances while missing many of their own, with Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer both coming close in the first 45 minutes.
After a goalless first-half, the Blues found their ryhthm, with Malo Gusto playing in a fine cross to Armando Broja, who's glancing header saw Chelsea break the deadlock.
The goal galvanised the team, with Thiago Silva coming on in the 61st minute to double their lead with a header, before Raheem Sterling produced a moment of magic, curling the ball into the top-left corner of the goal from a free-kick. Fernandez would find their fourth late-on, gambling at the far post to tap in a deflected pass from Sterling.
Mail Sport's Adrian Kajumba and Ed Carruthers deliver their Player Ratings from an eventful evening at Stamford Bridge.
Solid in net and kept out several chances from Preston in the first-half.
On his full debut, the full-back looked really impressive. Creative in attack and when tested in defence he showed a cool head to deal with Preston's attacks. An excellent showing from the 20-year-old.
Preston tested him at times in the first half and looked a little vulnerable.
Tidied things up at the back but had a slow first-half with Preston enjoying several chances on the break.
Claimed his fourth assist of the season in all competitions, playing in a brilliant cross for Broja's opener. Showed his attacking flare having several shots late on.
Not his best performance giving the ball away to allow Alan Browne to get a shot away in the second-half. But swept up well for Chelsea and
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