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Thiago Silva and Mason Mount a class above as Romelu Lukaku scores again in FA Cup
CHELSEA eased into the FA Cup semi-final with a 2-0 victory against Middlesbrough.
Goals from Romelu Lukaku and Hakim Ziyech secured Thomas Tuchel’s side safe passage, and a welcome boost with all the off-field problems.
The Londoners are poised to be sold to the highest bidder after Roman Abramovich had his assets frozen by the British government.
But the players kept their focus to keep the Prem giants on track for some silverware at the end of the season.
Here, Simon Phillips rates how Tuchel’s Blues got on at their Championship opposition.
Lukaku and Ziyech send Blues into FA Cup semi-finals
Edouard Mendy – 7
Didn’t have much to do tonight with Chelsea largely taking control of the game.
Solid distribution and did what he needed to do when called upon.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 7
Neat and tidy game from the captain and he was involved in a lot of what Chelsea did good whilst in possession.
Solid at the back as well and did his job.
Thiago Silva – 9
Absolutely brilliant from Thiago. Once again he was critical to everything that Chelsea did well and was the key man passing out from the back and building up play.
Really calm and great passing in tight spaces.
Antonio Rudiger – 7
Another energetic and emphatic performance from Rudiger, up and down the pitch with immense work rate.
Solid defending and also a threat in the box for set pieces.
Malang Sarr – 7
He made some very good tackles and was good on the ball as well.
Caught on a couple of occasions but this was a much more competent performance from the left-back today.
Mateo Kovacic – 7
Was the main man advancing possession in transition for Chelsea, carrying the ball after it was released from deep and being a great outlet as the visitors tried to control the game.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 8
He was caught out a few times on the ball deep when he tried to dribble out with it early on.
But he soon gathered some composure and continued to have a good game and was a calm influence for Chelsea.
Mason Mount – 9
Emphatic performance from Mount again, he was everywhere on the pitch and was the main Chelsea danger man when they were attacking.
Some great close passing and through balls, and set up Lukaku perfectly for the opener.
Hakim Ziyech – 9
His shot for the second Chelsea goal was immense, perfectly hit and he absolutely meant it.
It reminded me of prime Arjen Robben. Very good game from him wide out on the right.
Christian Pulisic – 7
Used the ball well whenever he got on it and was a threat out wide on the left. He was carrying the ball well and dribbled with intent.
Got fouled a lot which is always very telling.
Romelu Lukaku – 8
Got his early goal and was a real nuisance all through the game. Held the ball up well and was linking up well with the other attackers bringing them into the game.
He looked lively and he looked up for it
Timo Werner for Pulisic (68 mins) – 6
Wasn’t good when he came on – loose touches and missed a couple chances.
N’Golo Kante for Kovacic (68 mins) – 7
Great energy of course and he was really helpful for Chelsea to keep possession late on and see them over the line.
