Chelsea’s unbeaten start under Thomas Tuchel rolled on as Oliver Norwood’s own goal and a late Hakim Ziyech strike sent the Blues into the FA Cup semi-finals with a 2-0 win over Sheffield United.
Appearing in their 15th FA Cup quarter-final since the turn of the century on Sunday – the most of any side – Chelsea were not at their sharpest at Stamford Bridge.
Yet just as they have done in many of their 14 matches under new manager Tuchel so far, they still managed to grind out a result.
Norwood’s own goal put Chelsea ahead, with David McGoldrick missing a golden chance to restore parity when he headed wide from five yards out.
Chelsea made their fortune count, holding firm in rather nervy fashion before hitting the Blades on the break and securing their progression thanks to Ziyech, reaching the semi-finals for the fourth time in five seasons.
Playing at the end of a difficult week following the death of his brother, Phil Jagielka might have put United ahead early on but he failed to generate enough power on his header to trouble Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Yet after United’s bright start, Chelsea struck first when Norwood diverted Ben Chilwell’s effort beyond Aaron Ramsdale.
McGoldrick missed United’s best chance, heading wide of a gaping goal from point-blank range.
For all United’s pressure, Chelsea dealt the knockout blow when substitute Ziyech drilled in from close range at the end of a sweeping counter to ensure the Blues progressed.
The last quarter-final is later on Sunday between Leicester City and Manchester United, with Manchester City and Southampton both having reached the semis on Saturday.