Nigerian international, John Obi Mikel, was the cynosure of all eyes on Sunday as the midfielder grabbed his fourth goal since joining Chelsea in their 2-0 win over hard fighting Derby County in a FA Cup tie at Pride Park.
Derby defended well and kept the Blues out for the first half, threatening several times themselves, but a rare goal from John Obi Mikel was quickly followed by another from Oscar to give José Mourinho’s men a comfortable 2-0 win.
Two second half goals allowed Chelsea to progress from their FA Cup tie against Derby County at Pride Park, giving them a fourth-round fixture against Stoke City at Stamford Bridge.
The game got off to a rather sluggish start, with Chelsea enjoying a lot of the ball but not making much progress against a diligent and hardworking Derby County.
With the Blues mostly restricted to half-chances, the best opportunity of the game at that point fell to the visitors, as Craig Forsyth’s drilled cross was inches away from being turned in by a lunging Jamie Ward.
Derby began to grow into the game as half-time approached, with Simon Dawkins and John Eustace both seeing decent efforts blocked or sent wide, but Chelsea showed a glimpse of their threat afterwards.
Michael Essien sent Samuel Eto’o springing free, but Andre Wisdom was able to make a recovering tackle before he could get his shot away.
Just before the end of the half, Chelsea went close again through Ramires, but his effort was deflected off Jeff Hendrick and struck the post.
After the second half began, the game was still looking relatively open, but Chelsea found their breakthrough via a surprising source.
It was John Obi Mikel with the goal, the Nigerian bagging only his fourth goal for the club after getting on the end of Willian’s delivery to put the Blues in front and was Chelsea’s captain on the day.
Derby had been looking good up until that point, but they suffered another blow just afterwards when Oscar made it two, the Brazilian going on a run and sending in a shot from the edge of the area, which Lee Grant failed to stop slipping into the net.
Trending
- Military court martials 12 personnel over Tudun Biri bombing incident – DHQ
- Uber announces new features to further enhance driver experience on the platform
- Naira Abuse: Court fixes date as EFCC, Cubana Chief Priest, agree to settle out of court
- EFCC and the demon of corruption by Lere Olayinka
- Stanbic IBTC Bank Nigeria PMI: New orders rise as inflationary pressures ease
- BBNaija star welcomes baby boy
- Police arraign man, 27, for allegedly stealing phone
- Police arraign man, 39, for allegedly stealing cable wire at UCH