Chelsea 5-1 Chesterfield: The one with a CHO worldie and academy debut

Lewis Hall - a star was born

Chelsea cruised into the fourth round of the FA Cup following professional win over National League leaders Chesterfield at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon. It took just six minutes for Timo Werner to get the Blues on the scoresheet - and from that moment forward, the match was only ever going to go one way.

Andreas Christensen, Romelu Lukaku and Callum Hudson-Odoi all added goals of their own before the break. With four goals worth of breathing room, Tuchel was free to make changes going into the second half giving some tired stars a break and planning ahead for the mid-week semi-final clash against Antonio Conte's Tottenham. This was the perfect match to warm-up for what could prove to be a difficult second leg. 

The second half was a little more restrained with Chelsea managing just one more goal - as Hakim Ziyech netted from the spot. But it was Akwasi Asante's late consolation goal for Chesterfield which actually added a little magic to the game. The scenes in that away end were brilliant as their returning star gave them something to cheer about.

Brief shout for Chesterfield's late sub - Harry Maguire's brother, Laurence. That's right - Harry and Larry Maguire. Just sit back and digest what their parents were thinking there. Not near enough was made of this.

With injuries and covid running through the squad, Tuchel was left with little choice to not only rotate the squad, but to improvise and hand out a debut. The biggest surprise came in the form of 17 year-old academy starlet Lewis Hall. He was playing out of position but you'd never have known it. The youngster not only slotted right in, but stamped his authority on the game - deservedly being named man of the match. He even added an assist to his name as he picked out Lukaku for his basic tap-in.

Although Hall and Sarr were used - it was evident from the teamsheet that Tuchel had nothing but respect for both the FA Cup and non-league opponents Chesterfield. He went with, arguably, one of the strongest attacking lines he could have - while still ensuring players are rested for Spurs mid-week. While on the scoresheet, Lukaku should have probably had a bigger impact on the game than he did -- especially while he's on PR duty over *that* interview. Don't score a tap-in, jog to the centre circle and wave like you're the queen. Especially when the reaction from your own fans is mixed at best.

Be more Timo

Big Rom's strike partner, Timo Werner did exactly what Timo does best. Continued to press, create space and even scored the opening goal. His celebration was far more muted. The German proved once again to be a class act. He's been dreadfully unlucky since arriving in England, hopefully the new year has been a turning point now that he's fit again and recovered from Covid. There won't be any dodgy interviews coming from his camp and you're always guaranteed to get maximum effort from him in each and every match.

Up and coming academy stars were not the only ones getting a chance to prove themselves this weekend. Lewis Baker made just his second appearance for Chelsea - eight years apart. He has been at the club since he was just nine years old. At 26, it's likely he's never going to get a run in the first team. But his cameo on Saturday did remind everyone what a talent he once was. And potentially, he'll be able to secure a move to a decent side to continue his career. His contract is up this summer, but it never hurts to be in the shop window.

Next up Tottenham in the Carabao Cup. Roll on the energy drinks 

jb x

RESULT: Chelsea 5-1 Chesterfield

GOALS: Werner 5, Hudson-Odoi 18, Lukaku 20, Christensen 39, Ziyech 55, Asante 80

CHELSEA XI: Bettinelli, Ziyech, Christensen (Baker 59), Sarr, Hall, Hudson-Odoi (Barkley 66), Saul, Kovacic (Loftus-Cheek 46), Pulisic (Vale 59), Werner, Lukaku (Havertz 46)

STAR MAN: Lewis Hall