Chelsea qualify for the FA Cup quarter finals with a 1-0 victory over Barnsley

Chelsea qualify for the FA Cup quarter finals with a 1-0 victory over Barnsley
Tammy Abraham celebrates with Reece James after scoring the winning goal

Chelsea laboured to a 1-0 victory over Championship side Barnsley to progress to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. Tammy Abraham scored the only goal for Chelsea.

Barnsley pushed their Premier League opponents all the way, particularly in the first half, managing 14 shots to Chelsea’s six. Despite having more possession, Chelsea looked bereft of ideas in the attack as Barnsley based their game on counter attacks.

Chelsea handed a favourable draw against Sheffield in the quarter finals

Kepa produced an impressive display in goal after earning a rare start

Thomas Tuchel named 10 changes from their previous league fixture against Sheffield United. Kepa Arrizabalaga was handed goalkeeping duties after a long hiatus. Billy Gilmour, Hakim Ziyech and Zouma earned their first starts under Tuchel in the Cup tie.

Callum Brittain missed a golden opportunity to put the Tykes in front 10 minutes in when he shot straight at Kepa Arrizabalaga from close range. Chelsea should have had a penalty when Sibbick caught Abraham before making contact with the ball, only for referee Atkinson to wave play on.

Tuchel brought on Reece James at the start of the 2nd half and the decision paid dividends as the right-back provided the cross for Abraham to tap-in from close range.

“We did it well at the start of the second half and played constantly in the opponents half,” Tuchel said after the match. “We scored the goal and I had the feeling that they increased the risk but we stepped down in the little decisions. Not enough courage and it was too deep for a long, long time.

“We clearly can play better, so yes I expected more but not in terms that I am frustrated.”

Thomas Tuchel maintained his unbeaten record as Chelsea manager. Chelsea will now face Sheffield United in the quarter finals of the FA Cup at home.

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