On one hand, Thomas Tuchel was whining about being unable to be competitive due to a number of injured or Covid positive players but then, the German tactician brought in the ‘heavy artillery’ against poor Chesterfield. Lukaku, Werner, Pulisic, Hudson-Odoi, and Ziyech were all in the starting lineup against a fifth-tear Chesterfield. The visiting fans didn’t just have to pay a significant price to come to Stamford Bridge, they also had to witness their team being slaughtered by Lukaku and the crew for 90 minutes: Chelsea – Chesterfield 5:1.From the first minute, it was a lost match for Chesterfield and it was Werner who scored first, after only six minutes, before Hudson-Odoi, Lukaku, and Christensen made it 4-0 before half-time. Even when Chelsea players lowered down the tempo and aggression, in order to rest themselves, they were still scoring against the visitors. Heck, they are in the 5th league after all. The second half brought only two goals, as each side scored one: Ziyech from a penalty in the 55th minute and Asante in the 80th for the visitors.61 – There were just 61 seconds between Jan Bednarek’s own goal putting Swansea ahead, and Mohamed Elyounoussi equalising for Southampton. Lightning. #SWASOU— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 8, 2022 Other Premier League sides were not that convincing in the evening schedule of the Third Round of the FA Cup. Both Everton and Southampton were guests at Hull and Swansea, and both needed an extra-time to secure the win and advance to the next round. The Blues fell behind to Smith’s header inside the opening minute before Gray and Gomes turned the game on its head. However, Longman’s strike sent the tie into extra time before Townsend won it for the Blues. The Saints had an even tougher job, as their played 90 of tonight’s 120 minutes with ten men (Valery got the second yellow card after 30 minutes), but eventually, they made it through with goals from Redmond, Elyounoussi, and Shane Long.FA CUP – Third RoundFridaySwindon Town – Manchester City 1-4 (0-2)/McKidrey 78 – Silva 14, Jesus 28, Gundogan 59, Palmer 82/SaturdayMansfield – Middlesbrough 2-3Burnley- Huddersfield 1-2Hartlepool – Blackpool 2-1Coventry – Derby 1-0Bristol City – Fulham 0-1Millwall – Crystal Palace 1-2 Boreham Wood – Wimbledon 2-0Kidderminster – Reading 2-1Leicester – Watford 4-1Newcastle – Cambridge 0-1WBA – Brighton 1-2Port Vale – Brentford 1-4QPR – Rotherham 1-1Wigan – Blackburn 3-2Peterborough – Bristol Rovers 2-1Barnsley – Barrow 5-4Hull – Everton 2-3Chelsea – Chesterfield 5-1Birmingham- Plymouth 0-1Swansea – Southampton 2-3Yeovil – Bournemouth 1-3Sunday15.30: (1.40) Luton (4.50) Harrogate T. (8.50)17.00: (2.35) Cardiff (3.25) Preston (3.10)17.00: (4.20) Charlton (3.50) Norwich (1.90)17.00: (1.37) Stoke (4.70) Leyton (9.00)17.00: (1.08) Tottenham (12.0) Morecambe (23.0)17.00: (1.23) Liverpool (7.00) Shrewsbury (10.5)17.00: (1.70) Wolverhampton (3.70) Sheffield Utd (5.20)17.00: (1.87) West Ham (3.50) Leeds (4.30)20.10: (5.50) Nott.Forest (3.80) Arsenal (1.65)Monday22.55: (1.68) Man.Utd. (3.70) Aston Villa (5.30)***odds are subject to change
