Chelsea are through to the FA Cup semi-final after dispatching Sheffield United by two goals, keeping a clean sheet once more – 12 in 14 matches in Tuchel’s reign.
The second goal of the night, thanks to a well-executed counterattack in the 92nd minute started by Hakim Ziyech, was Chelsea’s most well executed move of the afternoon.
Ziyech intercepted the ball from Jagielka before initiating the break from the centre of the field. Mateo Kovacic picked the ball, strided through the midfield and sent a pass across to Ben Chilwell. The left-back then lobbed in a cross in Ziyech’s path. The Moroccan managed to bring the ball down with a decent first touch and then slid the ball into the back of the net.
He made a vital contribution in only 17 minutes of his cameo appearance – scoring one goal, registering a 100% pass success rate with only 11 touches.
Ziyech entered in the 72nd minute for Billy Gilmour, who put in an impressive performance himself.
He has scored in two matches on the trot now, with the one against Atletico Madrid also coming from a counterattack. He has now scored four and assisted as much in 26 caps this season. (transfermarkt)
He has immense potential to make a difference in the final-third and shines brilliantly playing in an attacking formation and when there is space to exploit in quick counterattacks. Tuchel has used him regularly and will continue to do so, provided he is consistent enough, which he is now.
