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Chelsea breezed past Sheffield Wednesday to progress to the round-of-16 of the FA Cup, courtesy of goals from Willian (2) and Callum Hudson-Odoi. Gonzalo Higuain was handed a debut start, but the veteran forward failed to give his side the advantage.
Willy Caballero's goal was rarely troubled as Chelsea dominated the game for large spells and never looked like giving it away. The Pensioners had a penalty given against them, but VAR overturned the decision in their favor.
With over 80% of possession and 861 completed passes, Maurizio Sarri and co. eased through to the next round. Although this might have been the last game for Hudson-Odoi in a Chelsea shirt, he took away the man of the match.
On that note, let's take a look at the major talking points from Chelsea's comfortable victory over Sheffield Wednesday.
#1 Sarri names an interesting line-up, Gonzalo Higuain starts
As many would've guessed, one major talking point of the game was the inclusion of new boy Gonzalo Higuain straight into the playing XI. Sarri made as many as eight changes to the side that beat Tottenham Hotspur on penalties in the Carabao Cup semi-final, with the likes of Andreas Christensen and Ethan Ampadu coming in.
Firstly, Willy Caballero started in goal, replacing Kepa Arrizabalaga, who starred in the penalty shootout against Spurs. The back line saw two changes, with Marcos Alonso starting at left back and Andreas Christensen replacing David Luiz.
Jorginho and N'Golo Kante were granted much-needed rest as Ethan Ampadu played at the heart of midfield, alongside both Ross Barkley and Mateo Kovacic.
Down the right, Sarri fielded Callum Hudson-Odoi, who had reportedly requested for a transfer away from Stamford Bridge amid ongoing links to Bayern Munich. While Willian started, Higuain spearheaded the lines.
Meanwhile, Alvaro Morata, who is widely expected to leave on loan to Atletico Madrid, wasn't even on the match day squad. Victor Moses had earlier penned a deal for Fenerbache, which means he too, wasn't included.
#2 Chelsea start strong, Owls defend in numbers
As envisioned, Chelsea got into their shape in no time, and so did Sheffield Wednesday. At the end of the first 45 minutes, the hosts saw just over 80% of the ball. They recycled possession over and over again, played passes sideways and played the patience game, just as they've been doing all winter.
At just about the hour mark, the Blues had contributed to 59% of their attacks from the right. With Callum Hudson-Odoi's pacy and direct style of play on display coupled with the ever-willing Azpilicueta's runs, Chelsea had most of their crosses and chances played in from the right side.
Not many chances fell to Chelsea as they only mustered a shot on target, but Gonzalo Higuain did time his runs to perfection. On one occasion, he ran across the back line and was played through by Kovacic, but couldn't time his shot well enough for it to test Keiran Westwood's goal.
The Owls though, were extremely well-drilled, as they organized in packs and didn't show too much to Chelsea. They dealt with every single cross from Hudson-Odoi by winning the very first ball.
#3 VAR intervenes twice in as many minutes as Chelsea take the lead
For the first time this season in all competitions, much to the relief of the Chelsea supporters, VAR came to the home side's rescue. In a first half that saw a rather unprepossessing approach from Chelsea, there were a few minutes that heated up the affair.
Higuain had his first attempt on goal in a Chelsea shirt from a through-ball played in by Mateo Kovacic and just three minutes later, Ethan Ampadu caught Pelupessy's heels. There was certainly some significant contact on the ball, but the Andre Marriner decided to point to the spot. VAR then came into action and rightfully overruled the initial decision.
Just after this incident, on the other side, skipper Cesar Azpilicueta, who was wearing the armband for the 50th time in his Chelsea career, won a penalty for his side. This time again, VAR was called upon, but much to the frustration of the away supporters, the decision stayed and eventually, Willian converted without any fuss.
#4 Hudson-Odoi and Willian put the game to bed as Chelsea progress
Just when it looked like Chelsea would have to dig another result out, Callum Hudson-Odoi, not for the first time, produced a moment of sheer brilliance and guile. Throughout the game, he was seen filling the wider areas and taking on Morgan Fox.
But only once, he drifted infield and played on the edge. Much to the 18-year-old's credit, Andreas Christensen found him, but it was job half done. The teenager's first touch was simply magnificent, but with his second, he wrong-sided the full back and doubled Chelsea's advantage.
The away side didn't get on with their forward play and as a result, hardly seemed like reducing the deficit. Just before the final minute, Willian received a one-two from Olivier Giroud, who was simply brilliant with his link-up. The Brazilian put the game beyond doubt with a fine finish.
#5 Is Gonzalo Higuain the solution to Chelsea’s problems?
The West Londoners, regardless of the certainty that is depicted from the scoreline, were far from their best. Well, that’s how it’s been since the start of winter. Sarri’s troops once again, had established near complete control of the game, but played a pass too many.
They were often too safe in possession and there was no real intent in terms of racking up forward passes. Apart from Hudson-Odoi, no one really looked threatening in the final 20 meters. Gonzalo Higuain did have a fine debut, as whenever he played on the edge and ran on the back of the central defence, the flag stayed down.
The Argentinian was also effective when he came off his lines to receive the ball. But despite his presence, it never looked like Chelsea were running riot. There’s still some way to go for them to replicate what they did in the initial stages of the season, and maybe, quicker service and more of earlier forward passes can do the trick.
