Chelsea Cruise to Fourth Round of FA Cup with Preston Demolition

Chelsea faced little resistance in securing their place in the fourth round of the 2023/2024 FA Cup. The Blues cruised to a commanding 4-0 victory against Preston North End at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, January 7, 2024.

Playing on their home turf, Chelsea immediately pressed Preston from the start. Raheem Sterling came close to giving the hosts the lead in the 17th minute, but his shot was right at Preston's goalkeeper, Freddie Woodman.

Preston also posed a threat through Will Keane, whose effort was stopped by Chelsea's goalkeeper, Dorde Petrovic.

In the remaining minutes of the first half, Chelsea continued to dominate Preston. Sterling had another opportunity, but this time, his shot was once again denied by Woodman.

Midfielder Enzo Fernandez also missed a chance to break the deadlock with a header that went straight to the opposition's goalkeeper. The score remained level at halftime.

Chelsea finally broke the deadlock in the 58th minute when Armando Broja found the back of the net with a header, capitalizing on a cross from right-back Malo Gusto.

Broja came close to adding a second goal just two minutes later, but this time, he was unlucky as his header hit the crossbar after a cross from Mykhailo Mudryk.

Chelsea's second goal came in the 66th minute when defender Thiago Silva's name appeared on the scoresheet. The former AC Milan player finished a pass from Cole Palmer.

Three minutes later, Chelsea extended their lead even further. Sterling finally managed to score, breaking through Preston's defense with a well-executed free-kick.

Chelsea's goal-scoring spree was sealed by Enzo Fernandez in the 85th minute when he pounced on a loose ball in the penalty area. Initially, the goal was disallowed by the referee but was later awarded by VAR after determining that there was no offside.

Chelsea Starting XI vs. Preston:

Chelsea: Petrovic, Gilchrist (Silva 61'), Disasi, Colwill, Gusto, Caicedo, Fernandez (Golding 89'), Sterling, Palmer (Gallagher 76'), Mudryk (Madueke 61'), Broja (Washington 76')

Preston North End: Woodman, Potts, Storey, Lindsay, Hughes (Best 74'), McCann (Ledson 88'), Browne, Whiteman (Holmes 88'), Millar, Keane (Evans 64'), Osmajic (Riis 64')

Chelsea's dominant performance in this FA Cup match showcased their strength and determination, making them a formidable contender as they progress in the tournament. The goals from Armando Broja, Thiago Silva, Raheem Sterling, and Enzo Fernandez highlighted their attacking prowess, leaving their fans eager to see what they can achieve in the next rounds of the competition.