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As it happenedended

Chelsea vs Sheffield United LIVE: Result and reaction from FA Cup fixture today

The Blues are looking for two cup victories this week after easing past Atletico Madrid in the Champions League

Michael Jones
Monday 29 March 2021 10:55 EDT
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Kai Havertz, Timo Werner and Reece James share a joke
Kai Havertz, Timo Werner and Reece James share a joke (Getty)

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Chelsea host Sheffield United with both teams targeting a place in the FA Cup semi-finals.

While the Blues have been riding high under Thomas Tuchel, with their unbeaten streak now stretching to 13 games after comfortably beating Atletico Madrid this week to advance to the quarter-final of the Champions League.

Blades have suffered a different experience, with Chris Wilder’s departure and relegation staring them in the face, but the FA Cup provides a welcome distraction after being thumped by Leicester last time out.

The Blues will likely shuffled the pack, as has been common under Tuchel so far, but despite the progress since Frank Lampard’s departure, the former PSG and Borussia Dortmund coach is aware he needs to find the right balance between defence and attack with more cutting edge in the final third: “We lack some precision in the final third and some goals, but we’ve never lacked the work-rate against the ball, touches in the box, shots.

“Maybe we lacked composure but that’s our fault because we work so hard against the ball. It’s about balance and I believe we have that balance in how the players feel.

“We’ll never stop to think about how to create chances, offensive solutions, where to create spaces and to accelerate our attacks. But we also think about counter-pressing.”

Follow live updates from Stamford Bridge, including build-up, analysis and reaction on a big day of football, with the final quarter-final, Leicester vs Manchester United, later on:

READ MORE:

Thomas Tuchel mocks Thiago Silva’s off-pitch celebrations during Chelsea’s win over Atletico Madrid

Is Chelsea vs Sheffield United on TV today? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch FA Cup fixture

Premier League top four race: Who has the best run-in? Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea or Leicester?

Premier League top four race: Who has the best run-in? Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea or Leicester?

Chelsea 1 - 0 Sheffield Utd

33 mins: Christian Pulisic is taking a bit of a beating out there. Twice now George Baldock has hacked him to ground in the middle of the pitch. Baldock gets a warning from the referee and nothing more for his latest tackle. The next one won’t be as lenient.

Michael Jones21 March 2021 14:07

Chelsea 1 - 0 Sheffield Utd

36 mins: Deary me. Sheffield United finally get time on the ball in Chelsea’s half. Norwood switches the play out to Baldock on the right who then completely miscues a pass and puts it straight out for a Chelsea throw in. He needs to do a lot better there.

Michael Jones21 March 2021 14:10

Chelsea 1 - 0 Sheffield Utd

39 mins: Sheffield United have had just seven wins all season, three of which have come in this competition but Chelsea aren’t letting them creat anything. The Blues press quickly and in numbers, closing down the forward men and winning back the ball.

Michael Jones21 March 2021 14:13

Chelsea 1 - 0 Sheffield Utd

42 mins: Massive error from Norwood again. He plays a blind pass back to his defensive line and Christian Pulisic reads it. He intercepts and knocks the ball into the box. As he chases down the loose ball Aaron Ramsdale comes off his line, just enough to block Pulisic’s effort and keep the Blades in the game. Big save!

Michael Jones21 March 2021 14:14

Chelsea 1 - 0 Sheffield Utd

45+1 mins: Half time. A confident, comfortable first 45 minutes for Chelsea. They’ll want to create more chances and truly kill off the game after the restart. Sheffield United have been decent in defence bar a mistake from Oli Norwood that cost them a goal. However, they’ve been seriously lacking in the final third.

Michael Jones21 March 2021 14:18

The official stats say that both Chelsea and Sheffield United have had three shots apiece which is quite surprising. There were two speculative ones from David McGoldrick but other than that it doesn’t feel as though the Blades are in the game.

Michael Jones21 March 2021 14:24

Up later Leicester City take on Manchester United for the final FA Cup semi-final place. Kick off for that one is at 5pm with the semi-final draw taking place at half time.

Southampton and Manchester City are already through to the next round and Chelsea have one foot in the semis with a one-goal lead over Sheffield United. Who else will be joining them?

Michael Jones21 March 2021 14:30

Chelsea 1 - 0 Sheffield Utd

Second half: Chelsea get the match back underway, they’re just 45 minutes away from another trip to Wembley. Can Sheffield United find a way back into this game?

Michael Jones21 March 2021 14:34

Chelsea 1 - 0 Sheffield Utd

48 mins: Save! Pulisic is denied by Ramsdale! It’s a lovely move from the Chelsea winger who shimmies the ball inbetween John Fleck and George Baldock before carrying it into the box. He goes for a gap at the near post but Ramsdale stays big and parries the ball over the goal.

Michael Jones21 March 2021 14:36

Chelsea 1 - 0 Sheffield Utd

50 mins: Baldock leans in on Pulisic again shoving the Chelsea man to ground on the inside left of the final third. Mason Mount lines up the free kick. He gets his effort up and over the wall but pulls it wide of the near post.

Michael Jones21 March 2021 14:38

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