ALFIE GILCHRIST stole the show in Chelsea’s thumping 4-00 win over Preston North End in the FA Cup.
The youngster made his first start for the Blues as he looked to put a claim in for more game time under Mauricio Pochettino.
Alfie Gilchrist looked solid for Chelsea[/caption] Mykhailo Mudryk failed to shine against Preston North End[/caption]On the flip side, Mykhailo Mudryk put in another anonymous display as he was subbed on the hour mark.
Few Chelsea players managed to impress during a drab first-half that ended goalless at Stamford Bridge.
The second half was much better for the hosts as Armando Broja headed them into the lead.
Thiago Silva and Raheem Sterling then got in on the act as they made it 3-0.
Enzo Fernandez wrapped up the scoring as he bagged in the 85th minute to help the club into the fourth round of the FA Cup.
SunSports’ Jon West has given his ratings of the Chelsea players.
Djordje Petrovic 7
Looks the part. Made saves look comfortable and excellent at coming out to catch. Spectator for much of the second period.
Alfie Gilchrist 7
Home fans sang youth product’s name in impressive first start. Calm on ball and almost set Raheem Sterling up for a goal too.
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Axel Disasi 6
Solid enough display at the back against a Championship forward pairing. Didn’t have much to do after the Preston dam finally broke.
Levi Colwill 6
Switched to the centre after Prem struggles on the left – and given armband. Looked happier there initially before being caught out a couple of times.
Malo Gusto 7
Malo Gusto bagged an assist[/caption]Chelsea’s Mr Versatile in defence was switched to the left and supplied the cross for Armando Broja’s headed opener. Might have scored himself too.
Moises Caicedo 5
How is this guy English football‘s most expensive player? Only stats chart he’s likely to top is most fouls committed. Bang average in possession too.
Enzo Fernandez 7
Tough tackles and defence-splitting passes from the World Cup winner. Saw first-half header saved and late offside goal given by VAR.
Raheem Sterling 7
Raheem Sterling scored a brilliant free kick[/caption]Threat from right in first outing since the loss at Wolves before Christmas. Had a few chances before the break – and took his free-kick goal superbly later on.
Cole Palmer 6
Laughed after missing sitter, which shows he’s not lacking in confidence. Not his most stellar display, not that it mattered in the end.
Mykhailo Mudryk 4
Another anonymous performance from the £88million man. Known as ‘Misha’ to his friends, ‘Missing’ to Chelsea supporters. Didn’t get a great deal of help though.
Armando Broja 7
Armando Broja netted the opener[/caption]Needed a goal – and got one. Worked hard with his back to goal mainly before the service he craved finally arrived. Great header and was a whisker away from a second too.
Subs
Thiago Silva (on for Gilchrist, 61) 7
Veteran defender scored with (probably) his first touch.
Noni Madueke (on for Mudryk, 61) 6
Quick feet on the right from England Under-21 man.
Deivid Washington (on for Broja, 76) 3
Almost scored right away but not much after that.
Conor Gallagher (on for Palmer, 76) 3
Not much for the England man to do apart from keep the ball moving.
Michael Golding (on for Fernandez,) 2
Midfielder, 17, on for late debut at 4-0. Could have scored too!