Blues Cruise Into Fifth Round

[James 5,143]

Many a Premier League manager would have opted for a cautious approach to the match; looking to pay their hosts the optimum amount of respect and hope to hit them on the counter-attack.

But Ancelotti’s side were ruthless; at times demonstrating the attacking success of their January renaissance, and at others relying on their experience to brush aside a spirited Preston side, who can indeed take heart from a heart-felt effort that earned a standing ovation at full-time.

Chelsea took the lead through Nicolas Anelka’s eleventh goal of the season, before Danny Sturridge stabbed home a rebound after John Terry’s initial header produced a good save from Andy Lonergan only 117 seconds into the second period.

Chelsea’s steely performance indicates they will not willingly relinquish their grip on a trophy they have won twice in the past three seasons, and with Premier League opposition in Manchester United and Liverpool already knocked out in the Third Round, the Blues have a great chance to retain their trophy once again.

Nevertheless, things could have been different had Henrique Hilario not bravely beat away Chris Brown’s knock-down as Richard Chaplow steamed in to convert. The Chelsea keeper was perhaps busier than he would have expected early on, but Chelsea composed themselves to show their superior quality.

Lonergan excelled to deny Yuri Zhirkov his first Blues goal as he rifled an effort goalwards after a clever exchange with Frank Lampard. The Russian was instrumental moments later when Lampard released him down the left to cross for Florent Malouda who tapped in, but a freekick had already been given; leaving Chelsea frustrated.

The referee was only delaying the inevitable, however. Lonergan palmed away a ferocious Alex freekick to keep the scores level, but he was helpless as Nicolas Anelka capped off a superb counter with a measured finish that deceived the Preston custodian at his near post to give the away team the lead.

Things would have been so much different for Darren Ferguson’s side had Darren Carter poked home from close range, but he could only spoon the ball over the bar from three yards after Hilario had made a splendid save to deny Brown’s looping header.

As to be expected, Chelsea made Carter pay when Sturridge converted for his third goal for the club after Terry had his header saved, to effectively seal the tie.

Joe Cole came on and almost added a layer of gloss to an effective Chelsea performance, but stabbed just wide from 15 yards, before Anelka and Sturridge had shots saved by Lonergan; no doubt Preston’s star performer.

The only downsides for Chelsea were injuries to Juliano Belletti and Frank Lampard; the latter removed as a precaution with twenty minutes left. To their credit, the Preston fans – outsung by the Chelsea faithful all match – applauded both men off the field, to which an honoured Lampard responded to in similar fashion, giving the thumbs up to the home supporters.

And it was certainly a thumbs up from Carlo Ancelotti as his side march on towards the prospect of a third FA Cup since 2007 in impressive style.

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Chelsea:  Hilario; Ferreira, Alex, Terry ©, Zhirkov; Ballack, Belletti (Malouda), Lampard (J Cole); Deco, Anelka; Sturridge

Preston:  Lonergan; Hart, Mawene, St Ledger, Davidson ©; Chaplow, Jones, Carter (Parkin); Sedgewick (Mayor), Brown (Mellor), Wallace

The TalkChelsea.net Man of the Match was Chelsea’s number 39 – Nicolas Anelka

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1. Five Star Performance
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