Chelsea closed out another turbulent week in style, cruising into the FA Cup semifinals with a resounding 7-0 victory over Port Vale, offering Liam Rosenior some much-needed relief.
The Blues fielded a near full-strength lineup, with the exception of Enzo Fernández, who faced an internal suspension over reported interest from Real Madrid.
Fernández was present at Stamford Bridge to witness Chelsea secure a place at Wembley, but it was clear the spotlight was on the players on the pitch.
After consecutive Premier League losses and a humbling Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, this emphatic win provided a welcome boost, easing some of the pressure that has been mounting at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea set the tone early. Jorrel Hato, João Pedro, and Cole Palmer scored in the first half, while Tosin Adarabioyo, Andrey Santos, and Estêvão added three more after the break.
Alejandro Garnacho wrapped up the scoring with a stoppage-time penalty, keeping Chelsea’s hopes of silverware alive amid ongoing uncertainty about the club’s direction.
Marc Cucurella, like Fernández, had voiced his frustration publicly over Chelsea’s transfer policy, but he remained on the bench.
Rosenior emphasized that he would not punish Cucurella for his comments, and the defender is expected to return for next week’s Premier League clash with Manchester City, a potential precursor to a cup semi-final showdown later in April.
For Jon Brady’s Port Vale side, the season ends on a bitter note, with relegation to League Two all but certain.
Chelsea wasted little time in asserting control, taking the lead after just 64 seconds.
Vale goalkeeper Joe Gauci misjudged a corner twice, allowing Hato to volley the ball into the net amid a crowded penalty area.
By the midway point of the first half, the tie was effectively over. Pedro Neto won a battle for possession on the right flank and delivered a precise cross, which João Pedro expertly controlled and finished, despite the presence of Kyle John.
Moments later, Palmer added a third after reacting quickly to a saved shot from Malo Gusto.
Estevão returned to the starting XI following injury and narrowly missed adding his name to the scoresheet with an early second-half effort that rattled the post.
Chelsea’s fourth goal came courtesy of Tosin Adarabioyo, who rose above his marker to head Gusto’s clever cross into the corner. Estevão then found Santos to head in the fifth after a perfectly delivered corner.
Palmer capped off the rout before Garnacho converted a late penalty, sealing a 7-0 triumph and providing a morale boost for Chelsea as they look to steady their season.
