Chelsea booked their place in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday by edging Championship side Preston North End with four unanswered second-half goals at Stamford Bridge.
Striker Armando Broja opened the scoring in the 58th minute with a magnificent header after rising highest in the Preston area to deflect Malo Gusto’s cross onto the post before Thiago Silva quickly doubled Chelsea’s lead when he headed in the Cole Palmer corner at the near post.
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Raheem Sterling put the result beyond doubt just three minutes after Silva’s goal with a free kick that sailed over the Preston wall and out of the reach of goalkeeper Freddie Woodman.
The home team did not have things going in their favor in the first half as a lackluster performance from Chelsea presented Will Keane and Milutin Osmajic with opportunities to give the 6,000 traveling fans hope of a famous victory.
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Broja’s first goal, however, seemed to instantly dispel any belief Preston had in their ability to get a result as Chelsea dominated the remaining minutes, eventually adding a fourth when Enzo Fernandez’s goal was finally awarded after a long wait. VAR review for offside.
Preston manager Ryan Lowe highlighted the impact Chelsea’s substitutes had in the second half as his team lost to top-flight opposition in the FA Cup for the 18th time in 19 games.
“[I’m] I’m disappointed with a couple of goals, of course, but they have quality all over the pitch and when you introduce the substitutes, they make it a little more difficult for you and they have those moments.
“I always say that in the Championship you can make one or two mistakes and maybe get away with it. In the Premier League against Premier League players, you can’t make any mistakes because you will be punished. And that’s what we did.
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino praised the contribution of Palmer, who backed up his two goals against Luton on Saturday with an assist here.
“I think the last day of the transfer window came and of course he is having an incredible performance after six months and I think we are very happy today.
“But of course he is still young and needs to improve. He needs to improve in different areas, not just on the field.” [but] outside. “You also need to understand many, many things, but I think that is improving a lot and of course he is a very good player for us and I think he is doing fantastic.”
Pochettino’s side will discover the identity of their opponents in the next stage of the competition when the FA Cup fourth round draw takes place on January 8.
