Chelsea FC: Respecting the FA Cup

Article by Lee Beevor

It was refreshing to see Chelsea show their commitment to this year’s FA Cup, as well as their opponents, during their third round tie. Jose Mourinho had waxed lyrically of his love of the competition following lifting the trophy in 2007. He was also full of praise for the former England manager, Steve McLaren, complimenting his work in Holland with FC Twente. Despite this, I had expected to see eleven reserves, with a welcome rest extended to his key personnel.

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Instead, Mourinho opted to be true to his words and fielded a very strong side. Taking into account injuries, he opted to leave out only three of his preferred starters (Cech, Terry and Hazard), all of whom were named as substitutes. Interestingly, there was no sign of Kevin de Bruyne, suggesting perhaps his departure will be in the not too distant future.

Mark Schwarzer enjoyed a rare outing and a clean sheet, looking sharp and assured on the few occasions he was called into action. Sadly, the opposite was true of Michael Essien, whose withdrawal after 55 minutes was a great relief. I hope Michael is able to find another club in the transfer window, as I prefer to remember him for his swashbuckling performances of the past. The thrust he used to have was instead provided by Ramires and Willian, both of whom contributed energetic displays.

That Chelsea showed plenty of application and endeavour was vital, particularly in the first half, as Derby were confident, as well as committed. After Hazard’s introduction for Essien, Chelsea moved up a gear and as the home side tired, took the game away from them. The winner came from a set piece, with a beautifully flighted ball from Willian headed home by Mikel. The Nigerian is enjoying a prolific season by his standards, with this goal his second of the campaign. Oscar’s strike on 71 minutes allowed Chelsea to, for once, relax a little and see out the game in comfort.

The reward for this victory is a home tie against Stoke City in the fourth round. It is strange and for me, wrong to know who you will face should you prevail in a cup tie. I preferred the draw to be conducted only once all the matches had been played and as such, be an event in itself. This weekend has reaffirmed the FA Cup’s position as a poor relation of the Premier and Champions Leagues. To see a Premier League team lose 5-0 due to fielding such a weak side and another attract a paltry 12,000 supporters, it is obvious where the priorities of the managers and the fans lie. It gladdens me that on this occasion at least, Chelsea do not form part of this roll-call of disrespect.

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