Chelsea, eighth FA Cup winner, reached the semi-finals on Sunday as midfielder Ross Barkley took the bench to secure a well-deserved 1-0 win in Leicester City swaying.
Barkley, one of the three change managers that Frank Lampard made halfway through the game, slipped into the home winner in the 63rd minute while the West London team staged a semi-final against Manchester United.
Leicester was the better side before the break and had most of the chances against a lethargic Chelsea, but the visitors were a different proposition after the break.
Tammy Abraham is sent off offside and then Barkley finds room in the area to cut the goalkeeper measured beyond Willian’s goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.
Leicester, without the creativity of attacking midfielder James Maddison who was missing from a hip problem, has struggled to respond even though he has been putting up late late pressure.
Chelsea have been brisk since the season resumed after the coronavirus’ new hiatus, winning both Premier League games to consolidate fourth place and now have a cup semifinal to look forward to.
Leicester, on the other hand, has struggled to rediscover its rhythm, drawing twice in the league, and while still third, other teams are breathing down their necks.
“It was important to get the win and keep up the momentum,” said Barkley. “Halfway through, we said it wasn’t good enough to be vocal on the pitch, and we improved.”
It was the third of the England Cup quarter-finals this year to be won by the visiting team and how Leicester could have done with the noisy support they usually get at King Power Stadium.
They started the game well with Harvey Barnes having a half chance and Jonny Evans can’t connect with a header.
Chelsea goalkeeper Willy Caballero didn’t have much to do, though he managed to get rid of a shot by Youri Tielemans.
Lampard was unhappy and clearly told his team to “come alive” in the empty stadium.
The young Mason Mount trio, Billy Gilmour and Reece James all left in the middle of the shift with Barkley, Mateo Kovacic and Cesar Azpilicueta sent to add some experience.
Lampard was rewarded with a much improved display.
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