Chelsea’s qualification to the FA Cup quarter-finals was a classic knockout win. Secured via a disjointed performance with 10 changes to the side on a poor pitch.
Against Championship Barnsley, the Blues were second best but Tammy Abraham put in a hardworking man of the match display. The striker scored his second goal of the season against the Yorkshire side after a goal and two assists in their Carabao Cup encounter in September.
Chelsea would deliver a difficult 1-0 away win, the fourth victory in Thomas Tuchel’s five games in charge but definitely their worst showing under the German.
The Tykes had more chances than Chelsea with Abraham scoring their only effort on goal when he tapped in a Reece James cross.
The 23-year-old was Chelsea’s most reliable outlet on the ball on a very difficult playing surface at Oakwell. He also cleared the ball off the line including a couple of other crucial headers at defensive set-pieces.
A goal at one end and a goal-line clearance at the other!
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 11, 2021
You love to see it, @TammyAbraham! 👏 #BARCHE pic.twitter.com/PXX6bSp7lU
Number Nine presence
His manager was pleased with his match-winning efforts. “This was a very nice goal where he was at the end of a very good combination,” Tuchel said. “[Abraham] scores decisive goals in cup games and this was a very decisive goal and the stop on the line was crucial for us. It is good for him, for strikers it is most important to score.”
The first Chelsea striker to score under Tuchel, no one has scored more Chelsea goals than Abraham (30) since his first-team breakthrough last season. Abraham is also the highest goalscorer this season with 12 goals and six assists in 28 games, he performs whenever he starts and has built up a good partnership with Timo Werner.
Abraham has come a long way since being handed the dreaded number nine shirt by Frank Lampard, following a successful loan spell at Aston Villa. His confidence and willingness to work hard can only improve the marksman in the long run.
The England International’s importance off the pitch was also apparent as he spoke for the academy graduates in denying rumours of Antonio Rüdiger’s alleged involvement in Frank Lampard’s sacking last month.
Made in Chelsea
Many-a-time, Abraham’s combinations and understanding with Chelsea’s other academy graduates has proved decisive. As Abraham has combined with the likes of Callum Hudson-Odoi, Mason Mount and Reece James regularly for goals.
Against Barnsley, the decisive moment also came from Billy Gilmour releasing James with a nicely-weighted pass in behind for the fullback to square to Abraham. He is now responsible for Chelsea’s last four FA Cup goals following on from his hat-trick against Luton in Round Four.
Indeed, two of that treble were also assisted by his Cobham Academy counterparts.
Abraham’s crucial contributions in cup games could prove key in Chelsea’s hopes for silverware this season. His effectual attitude and total commitment to the cause are important in the dressing room, particularly for the academy graduates fighting for a place.
Pertinently, Abraham’s contributions for Chelsea with the number nine on his back have gone a long way to confine the demons of that jersey. Many top strikers have worn the shirt for Chelsea down the years and ludicrously underwhelmed in blue.
Gonzalo Higuaín, Álvaro Morata, Radamel Falcao, and Fernando Torres have all struggled to enjoy individual success wearing the number nine for Chelsea in recent years. Home-grown marksman Tammy Abraham is building his own legacy in it, quietly rendering the famous curse a forgotten tale.
