STUNNING Joao Felix brace helps Chelsea thrash Morecambe 5-0 in the FA Cup

Portuguese starlet Joao Felix scored a brilliant brace to help Chelsea secure a convincing 5-0 win over Morecambe in the FA Cup third round.

STUNNING Joao Felix brace helps Chelsea thrash Morecambe 5-0 in the FA Cup

Joao Felix scored twice for Chelsea in an FA Cup win over Morecambe. (via X)

Chelsea made it to the fourth round of the FA Cup after a comfortable 5-0 victory over Morecambe in a third-round encounter. Forward Joao Felix and center-back Tosin Adarabioyo both scored twice for the Blues in a dominating display at Stamford Bridge. 

The Blues knocked the EFL League Two side out of the FA Cup following a stellar display of teamwork. Moreover, it marked an end to the club’s recent downfall after having failed to win any of their last four matches.

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The Blues dropped from 2nd to 4th on the EPL table last month, suffering two successive defeats to Fulham and Ipswich Town. Against Morecambe, Chelsea were the dominant side throughout the match, registering 28 shots in total, eight of which were on target.

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Joao Felix, who has been in decent form this season, scored a brace to take his season tally to seven goals and two assists in 18 matches. He registered 68 touches and impressed fans with his tenacity, pace, and pressing.

Felix’s second goal was a highlight, as he scored from the edge of the box after some brilliant passing with Marc Cucurella. Apart from the Portuguese, Tosin Adarabioyo scored twice in the second half, while Christopher Nkunku made amends for missing a penalty by scoring in the 50th minute.

Meanwhile, the Blues also received another major boost in the form of skipper Reece James’ return to the starting XI. The 25-year-old made his first appearance since November after recovering from a hamstring injury that he sustained earlier this season. He was, however, taken off at half-time. 

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Chelsea’s pursuit of Crystal Palace center-back Marc Guehi hits roadblock over wages

Chelsea have hit a major roadblock in their pursuit of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi due to wage issues. The 24-year-old ex-Blues academy graduate is now expected to remain back at Selhurst Park, delaying his return. 

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Chelsea’s pursuit of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi has been hindered owing to wage demands (via Football London)

Chelsea had hatched a plan to sign Guehi during the ongoing winter transfer window, but his wages have created an issue. His massive £200,000-per-week wage demands, as well as Palace’s £70 million asking price, remain a hindrance. The Blues’ strict wage policy of offering longer contracts and lesser salaries is the reason why they cannot sign the 24-year-old right away. 

Guehi had spent 14 years at Chelsea before departing the club in 2021 for a transfer fee of £18 million. Since then, he has emerged as a leader at Palace, making 134 appearances while also becoming England’s first-choice center-back.