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As it happenedended

Chelsea see off Sheffield Wednesday on Gonzalo Higuain debut

Kieran Jackson,Harry Latham-Coyle
Sunday 27 January 2019 18:06 GMT
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Premier League transfer round-up: Higuain signs for Chelsea

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Callum Hudson-Odoi scored on what could be his final Chelsea appearance and Willian netted twice as the holders advanced with a 3-0 FA Cup fourth-round win over Sheffield Wednesday at Stamford Bridge.

Hudson-Odoi started despite reportedly submitting a transfer request in an effort to force through a move to Bayern Munich ahead of Thursday's transfer deadline and the 18-year-old winger netted Chelsea's second after 64 minutes.

Until that moment, an official sitting 14 miles away in Stockley Park had been the most influential person on the contest, despite the fact Gonzalo Higuain was making his Chelsea debut.

Wednesday had a penalty overturned by Video Assistant Referee Graham Scott after 22 minutes and Chelsea had a spot-kick awarded four minutes later, Willian converting from the spot, after referee Andre Marriner's decision had been confirmed by VAR.

Willian added a late third as the Blues advanced to the fifth round.

Higuain made his first appearance and Hudson-Odoi potentially his last as Chelsea made eight changes following last Thursday's win over Tottenham which saw them advance to the Carabao Cup final.

Wednesday's defence offered up a greater resistance than the England batting line-up their incoming boss Steve Bruce has witnessed in the Caribbean.

Bruce insisted on fulfilling his promise to go on a family holiday following the death of both his parents last year and watched England's 381-run first Test loss in Barbados ahead of taking up his role at Hillsborough from Friday.

Cricket's Decision Review System has largely been a success, but VAR has had its moments. On this occasion it was right, frustrating nearly 6,000 visiting fans.

When Joey Pelupessy surged through to try to meet Steven Fletcher's pass, Ethan Ampadu slid in and won the ball before being kicked by the Wednesday midfielder. Marriner's award of a penalty was swiftly overturned by VAR.

Play restarted with a dropped ball, as per the rules, which Wednesday did not contest. Soon they had conceded a spot-kick.

Blues academy graduate Sam Hutchinson trod on Cesar Azpilicueta. Marriner's decision was reviewed, but there was no doubt.

Willian appeared to offer the spot-kick to Higuain, who declined, before the Brazilian sent goalkeeper Keiren Westwood the wrong way for his 50th Chelsea goal.

The hosts celebrated in front of the Shed End, packed with visiting fans, some of whom took exception, with missiles thrown.

Higuain until that pointed had lurked menacingly. He had one half-chance after a pass from Mateo Kovacic. He turned and shot, but the ball deflected wide.

The 31-year-old striker, who had the best goalscoring season of his career under Sarri at Napoli, netting 36 times in 35 Serie A games, dropped deeper and deeper as the first half progressed in search of the ball, while Hudson-Odoi was a peripheral figure.

Chelsea, as usual under Sarri, dominated possession, but little was created with the ball in the final third, while Wednesday's best chance was a mishit cross by Adam Reach which hit the outside of a post.

The Blues' lack of killer instinct has become a familiar frustration for the Italian, one he believes Higuain can solve. He had half chances when a Willian cross was deflected away from him and heading an Ampadu cross just wide.

Chelsea scored their second when Andreas Christensen's long pass found Hudson-Odoi on the right. He checked inside, wrong-footing Morgan Fox, and struck a shot which deceived Westwood. His second Chelsea goal could be his last.

Chelsea had a third when Willian played a one-two with Olivier Giroud, on for Higuain, and passed the ball in.

A Giroud overhead kick went wide and Willian shot off target late on, missing out on a hat-trick.

PA

What time does it start?

Chelsea vs Sheffield Wednesday kicks off at 6:00pm (GMT) on Sunday 27th January.

Where can I watch it?

Chelsea vs Sheffield Wednesday will be shown live on BBC One from 5:45pm (GMT).

Highlights will be shown at 10:30pm on BBC One.

Player to watch…

Gonzalo Higuain: The former Real Madrid striker signed on-loan from Juventus until the end of the season, with an option to extend the loan for another season for £15.6 million, or buy him permanently for £31.3 million.

The 31-year-old played under Sarri at Napoli, and the Italian manager will be hoping the Argentinian hits the ground running, with Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud both struggling for form.

Gonzalo Higuain acknowledges the Chelsea fans after being unveiled
Gonzalo Higuain acknowledges the Chelsea fans after being unveiled (EPA)

Form guide…

Chelsea: DWLWLW

Sheffield Wednesday: DDDLWW

Odds…

Chelsea to win: 2/9

Sheffield Wednesday to win: 21/2

Draw: 27/5

(Odds provided by 888 Sport)

65 minutes

Ruben Loftus-Cheek will get half-an-hour or so from the bench.

Ethan Ampadu is replaced. Not a bad showing in the 'regista' role.

Harry Latham-Coyle27 January 2019 19:25

69 minutes

Fernando Forestieri is a player who could perhaps trouble Chelsea, and he is summoned by Steve Agnew with Sheffield Wednesday needing two.

Joey Pelupessy is the man substituted. Two up top now for Wednesday.

Harry Latham-Coyle27 January 2019 19:27

71 minutes

Chelsea have boosted their possession dominance. 80% their mark for the game now.

Sheffield Wednesday have moved to a 4-4-2 with Forestieri alongside Steven Fletcher. 

Harry Latham-Coyle27 January 2019 19:29

73 minutes

Chelsea very content to maintain possession with a two-goal lead. Mateo Kovacic has taken over the role Ethan Ampadu occupied during his spell on the pitch with Ruben Loftus-Cheek slightly further ahead and rightward. 

Harry Latham-Coyle27 January 2019 19:31

75 minutes

Two changes for Sheffield Wednesday, with experienced duo George Boyd and Steven Fletcher replaced. 

Lucas Joao of Portugal and Atdhe Nuihu of Kosovo (one of only two countries with a map of their country on the flag, Cyprus being the other) come on.

Harry Latham-Coyle27 January 2019 19:34

78 minutes

A superb, last-ditch challenge from Barry Bannan as Willian looks to combine with Callum Hudson-Odoi down the right.

Harry Latham-Coyle27 January 2019 19:36

80 minutes

Olivier Giroud is stripped and ready on the touchline, but for the time being the ball remains in Chelsea's possession safely in the field of play and he'll have to wait in the cold a while longer.

Harry Latham-Coyle27 January 2019 19:38

81 minutes

More ironic cheers from the Sheffield Wednesday fans as Lucas Joao is fouled by Cesar Azplicueta.

And that's the end of Gonzalo Higuain's debut. Some promising signs, though far sterner tests to come, and certainly occasions where he is needed to provide more than tonight.

Giroud replaces him.

Harry Latham-Coyle27 January 2019 19:39

82 minutes

Barry Bannan hits one on his left foot from 30 yards, but the curl on the ball is alway taking it from Willy Caballero's goal and he watches it behind in the pose of a player desperate to convince the referee he didn't touch the player sprawled on the floor in the box.

Harry Latham-Coyle27 January 2019 19:40

GOAL! Chelsea 3-0 Sheffield Wednesday (Willian, 83 minutes)

Delightfully curled home!

Willian cuts inside and slots the ball to Olivier Giroud, before moving for a return.

Giroud flicks the ball up for his Brazilian teammate to arrive on to, and Willian controls his curled effort magnificently, sending it into the back of the net with a flick of the far post.

Harry Latham-Coyle27 January 2019 19:41

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