Chelsea hold nerve to ease past Scunthorpe in FA Cup third round

Chelsea couldn’t capitalise on dominant start

Unlike fellow Premier League giants Manchester United in their FA Cup third round tie against another League One side Sheffield United on Saturday, Chelsea were creating chance after chance, and this time it was Oscar who came close to doubling the hosts’ lead.

Play soon settled, though, and just after the half-hour mark Asmir Begovic was tested for the first time as striker Luke Williams, once an apparent Chelsea target, hit straight at the Belgian.

It was a slow start to the second-half, but Scunthorpe could’ve arguably had a penalty in the 53rd minute when Ramires seemingly clipped Kevin van Veen in the box, but the referee waved away protests.

Hosts ease nerves after second goal

While chances became fewer, the tension certainly grew and it was clear the hosts were showing signs of being nervous as players from both sides picked up needless bookings.

However, Chelsea’s nerves were soon eased after sub Loftus-Cheek slotted home after latching onto Cesar Azpilicueta’s low cross on the left.

The Iron did not give up on hope just yet, though, and Van Veen came very close to halving the deficit after nearly catching out Begovic from a free-kick.

Jordan Clarke, who was nutmegged by Costa for the first goal, almost shocked Guus Hiddink’s men with just minutes to go, as his shot from far out on the right crashed against the crossbar to safety.

But Chelsea managed to keep their clean sheet, and now await who they’ll face in the fourth round, when the draw is made on Monday evening.

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