Chelsea v Nottingham Forest: 5 Talking Points & Tactical Analysis | FA Cup 2018-19

A double from Alvaro Morata in the second half took Chelsea to the fourth round of the FA Cup for the 21st consecutive season as they beat a hapless Nottingham Forest at home by 2-0.

The Blues saw almost 70% of the ball and struggled to find the back of the net, as even Cesc Fabregas missed a penalty in the 30th minute. Chances continued to flow by Maurizio Sarri went into the tunnel at half-time scratching his head. He and Morata would have been two relieved men after the Spanish sharpshooter struck a fine brace.

Meanwhile Fabregas, by the look of it, bid farewell to the Chelsea fans after 501 appearances in the English game. He received warm applause from the beloved supporters, who chanted his name irrespective of the contrasting fortunes for him in this fixture.

Without further delay, let's take a look at the major talking points from Chelsea's 2-0 victory over Aitor Karanka's men.

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#1 Interesting team sheet announced by Sarri

Ethan Ampadu started down the right side of the midfield three

A total of nine changes were made by Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri, who only retained David Luiz and Alvaro Morata from the previous fixture against Southampton.

While he did field a few players tipped to start, their positioning in the 4-3-3 setup was very unique and astounding.

Unexpectedly, despite knowing that the next fixture is against fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the semi-final, the Italian decided to start David Luiz for another game. Alongside him was Andreas Christensen - another player who has been vying for game time all season.

Ethan Ampadu started as well, but down the right side of the three-man midfield, not at the heart of the back line. As envisioned, Cesc Fabregas captained the team and occupied the base of midfield, while Ross Barkley started at left.

Callum Hudson-Odoi raced to full fitness to fill the left flank, with the versatile Ruben Loftus-Cheek covering the right wing. Alvaro Morata led the line.

Sarri should probably have rested David Luiz, who started match after match in this strenuous festive footballing period.

#2 Problems in front for Chelsea continue as Cesc Fabregas misses the penalty

A poor spot-kick by the veteran

The Blues went into the game without a win in their previous couple of home games. On both those occasions, they hadn't been able to find the back of the net either.

The first half was a similar story, as they had unbelievable portions of the ball but as the gaffer mentioned after the nondescript draw against Southampton, the team had to get their creative juices flowing a little bit more in the final 20 meters.

A lot of chances went begging after the hosts won the ball back repeatedly. As early as the 3rd minute, Davide Zappacosta shifted infield as tested Luke Steele. Moments later, the right back whipped a smashing ball in, but Morata fluffed his lines.

Elsewhere, on the back of recycled possession, over 10 shots were struck at Steele's goal.

However, the major talking point of the first half was Cesc Fabregas. Loftus-Cheek, who's balance, first touch and technique troubled the visitors to a major extent, won a penalty just before the half an hour mark. Up stepped Fabregas, who was reportedly playing his final game for the West Londoners.

He faked the opposition shot-stopper but delayed his shot, and as a result, saw it smothered away.

#3 Football is a crazy game, Alvaro Morata is a crazy striker

Morata scored his second with a brilliant header

At the moment in world football, no striker is lesser animated than Alvaro Morata. The Spaniard has struck 10 goals in this season so far; certainly not a bad return for the criticisms he receives.

The 26-year-old albeit scored a brace to take his side to the fourth round of the FA Cup. Hudson-Odoi, not to mention, set the field on fire from the right flank. His dribbling prowess left the defenders stranded, and his cross-coupled with Morata's well-timed run led to the opener.

The 18-year-old then continued to pick up the ball early, run at the opponents and produce teasing crosses. He whipped another and this time, Morata leapt about Jacob to seal the deal for Sarri and co.

However, what is lacking from his goal is, first of all, the body language. The Spaniard shoulders are drooping at the moment and even his goals don't please him anymore. More than celebration, it's relief as far as his stagings are concerned.

Secondly, with body language, the former Real Madrid striker must build on his goals. Along with the tidy finishes, come a lot of missed sitters. That's another aspect that must improve.

#4 Forest enjoyed spells of forward play but lacked the killer's instinct

Daryl Murphy should have been better with his finishing

After the penalty miss, Nottingham Forest, who were barely able to string a few passes together, woke up to apply themselves in the Chelsea half.

Five minutes of attacking and midfield dominance aided their case, but that was that in the first 45 minutes. They did threaten through a corner at the cusp of half-time, but on an overall note, never looked like beating Willy Caballero.

The likes of Joao Carvalho and Ben Osborn won themselves more time on the ball and the latter did turn a blue shirt and let one fly with venom.

Daryl Murphy, minutes later, found himself in the right place at the right time to launch a header, but only straight to Chelsea's gloveman. In the 64th minute, he was in the middle of the best chance of the game for the Tricky Trees, but the shot was directed wide of goal. He could have and should have scored.

However, football isn't about the 'could have's' and 'must have's'.

#5 Why was there no VAR in this fixture?

A certain foul, wasn't it?

The Video Assistant Referee was included in a total of nine matches for this round of the legendary cup, but if the association had decided to, why not all the games?

Not once but twice, the Blues deserved a foul. At first, during a corner former West Bromwich Albion defender Claudio Jacob completely wrapped his hands around Andreas Christensen, thereby disallowing the young central defender to attack the ball. Anywhere on the pitch, it would have been coined as a foul.

A few moments later, Cesc Fabregas received the ball high up the pitch and scooped it for Morata, who was clipped by a redshirt. The referee though was absolutely unmoved. In fact, the striker did ask for a review, but to his foolishness, there was no VAR.

This has become a major point of discussion even in the Premier League, and most especially if this referee can be a hit in an event such as the World Cup, why shouldn't it be included here?