Chelsea vs Sheffield United player ratings: Into the FA Cup semifinals

Chelsea is through to the semifinals of the FA Cup after a 2-0 win against Sheffield United, another clean sheet and the continuation of the unbeaten run. The Blues weren’t very good Sunday afternoon, but once again managed to win and keep a clean sheet.

There was confusion from the start with a lack of clarity on who was even starting the game, which shouldn’t be a surprise with Thomas Tuchel and his ever-changing mind. I am all for rotation and giving players minutes who haven’t had many as of late, but Tuchel thought he could off put any line-up in this game and stroll to a comfortable win. I find this to be odd—and somewhat concerning—especially because it was a quarterfinal contest. Nonetheless, everyone got a chance to play with five substitutes being made. One of them, Hakim Ziyech, closed the game out in injury time, scoring a nice goal and continuing his good form as of late. Besides that, it was 90 minutes of pretty boring football where Sheffield United had chances to score and potentially win the tie or send it to extra time—but simply didn’t.

Here is how each Blues player performed in the 2-0 win over Sheffield United:

Kepa Arrizabalaga (Goalkeeper): 8/10

Kepa Arrizabalaga was between the sticks on Sunday and I thought he really did well. The Spaniard made some good saves and didn’t make any mistakes on the day. Let’s see if he gets the nod in semifinals or if this is the last time we see Arrizabalaga play this season. For that matter, it could’ve potentially been his farewell in Chelsea shirt, which is sad, but he went out on a high note regardless. Another clean sheet for Kepa.

Andreas Christensen (Centerback): 7/10

Andreas Christensen returned from illness and slotted back into the three in defense without a problem. You’re going to hear the same thing over and over again, but it really doesn’t matter who plays in this defense because confidence is so high that these defenders know what is coming.

Kurt Zouma (Centerback): 7.5/10

Kurt Zouma keeps his place in the starting XI and he continues his fine form, rarely making any mistakes and using his physicality to his advantage. I thought he was the best centerback on the pitch and that deserves more consistent playing time going forward.

Emerson (Centerback): 7/10

Emerson was rewarded with a place in starting XI after he showed his quality Wednesday night against Atletico Madrid. Although it wasn’t his preferred position of left wingback, I thought he did fine on the left side of a back three. In order to get Emerson more minutes, he going to have to play different positions, which is a shame, but it’s just the nature of the situation. A true jack of all trades, and master of none.

Cesar Azpilicueta (Centerback): N/A

Cesar Azpilicueta came on for Christensen in the 63′ to see the game out and try to stop the chances that Sheffield United was getting in the second half. Only one substitute deserves a rating and it’s not Azpilicueta, but that’s a knock on the captain, he didn’t do much during his time on the pitch.