Hakim Ziyech adds shine to Chelsea victory over Sheffield United to reach FA Cup semi-finals

Chelsea 2-0 Sheffield United: An Oliver Norwood own-goal put the Blues on their way before the Moroccan’s late second

Chelsea players celebrate after Oliver Norwood’s own-goal (AFP)

Hakim Ziyech’s late strike secured a 2-0 victory for Chelsea and a place in the FA Cup semi-finals but Thomas Tuchel’s side were pushed close by Sheffield United.

The Blues, who have now gone more than 11 hours at Stamford Bridge without conceding, took the lead thanks to Oliver Norwood’s own goal after Ben Chilwell’s powerful strike towards goal.

Christian Pulisic failed to score after conjuring up two great chances with individual brilliance, while David McGoldrick nodded wide when left completely free less than 10 yards from goal.

There was one finall chance for the visitors as Rhian Brewster’s strike was deflected inches wide of the near post before the Moroccan races clear to collect Chilwell’s cross and smashed past Aaron Ramsdale.

Even amid a circumspect performance Chelsea still merited victory, extending boss Thomas Tuchel’s club record-breaking unbeaten start to 14 matches.

Toothless for 60 minutes, the Blades’ only early bite came amid a string of needless tackles, many off the ball, and a handful directed at Pulisic.

READ MORE:

Chelsea emerge as Champions League’s ‘team you want to avoid’ and legitimate contenders

Chelsea vs Sheffield United player ratings as Blues reach FA Cup semi-finals

Had the visitors invested as much energy reserved for the dark arts in attempting to carry out their game plan in that opening hour, the tie could have been very different.

Instead Chelsea were allowed to meander to a victory as low key as it was routine, escaping several late wobbles to ease into the last four.

Boss Tuchel made nine changes from the 2-0 Champions League win over Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, with Billy Gilmour handed a rare start in midfield.

The German was not happy with the performance, making a host of changes just past the hour mark in a bid to inject some impetus into the Blues’ showing.

But the demanding boss will certainly be content with the result, especially with widespread rotation helping to manage the fixture glut.

Billy Gilmour battles to keep possession (Getty)

Chelsea took the lead without even registering a shot on target.

Chilwell’s drilled ball into the area deflected off Norwood and into the Blades midfielder’s own net.

A cagey first half yielded precious few chances and the visitors entirely wasted the point of their 4-4-2 formation.

A tactical switch designed to exploit space behind Chelsea‘s wing backs, the Blades never even sought those areas let alone raided the flanks.

Chelsea were perfectly happy to play the ball in front of the passive Blades, who also made a clear purpose of not pressing their opponents.

Pulisic should have doubled the lead when sneaking in, but could not dink the ball high enough to beat the onrushing Aaron Ramsdale.

The United States forward wasted another glorious chance straight after the interval, seemingly stunned to stroll past two defenders and still have bags of time when through on goal.

Christian Pulisic shone at Stamford Bridge (AFP)

All that time created the chance for thought and, rather than smash his laces through the ball, Pulisic went for placement but scuffed his strike, allowing Ramsdale to bat away to safety.

McGoldrick missed a gilt-edged chance for the Blades - their best opening - as Chelsea‘s foot came too far off the gas.

Oliver McBurnie then stung Kepa Arrizabalaga’s palms from distance as finally the Blades made Chelsea work.

Rhian Brewster flashed wide when latching on to a second ball at the death, but Chelsea held on - and even had time for Ziyech to seal their progress.

PA