FA Cup: Chelsea crush Chesterfield; Newcastle stunned
LONDON, Jan 9: Romelu Lukaku scored for Chelsea in a 5-1 FA Cup third-round victory over minor league Chesterfield on Saturday — his first goal since upsetting manager Thomas Tuchel in a television interview.
Lukaku struck in the 20th minute to put his side 3-0 up after goals by Timo Werner and Callum Hudson-Odoi had put the European champions in control at Stamford Bridge.
Andreas Christensen made it 4-0 before halftime and Hakim Ziyech scored from the spot in the second half before Chesterfield's travelling fans were rewarded with a consolation goal for Akwasi Asante.
Record signing Lukaku was dropped for last Sunday's Premier League draw with Liverpool after comments he made in an interview recorded three weeks ago, saying he was not happy with his role at the club and would like to return to Inter Milan.
After holding clear-the-air talks with Tuchel he returned for the League Cup semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday.
Tuchel made several changes to his Chelsea side as he juggled a hectic schedule and COVID-19 infections, giving debuts to keeper Marcus Bettinelli and youngster Lewis Hall.
But his side were still too strong for Chesterfield as Chelsea made it 24 wins in a row in the FA Cup third round.
Newcastle United suffered a humiliating 1-0 home defeat by third-tier Cambridge United but holders Leicester City began their defence of the FA Cup by trouncing Premier League rivals Watford 4-1 in the third round on Saturday.
Burnley became the first Premier League casualty of the third round when they lost 2-1 to Huddersfield Town for whom Matty Pearson headed a late winner.
Everton's under-pressure manager Rafa Benitez earned a little respite as his side edged out Hull City 3-2 having fallen behind in the opening minute — Andos Townsend securing only his side's second win in 13 matches in extra time.
Crystal Palace came from a goal to down to win 2-1 against London rivals Millwall with goals from Michael Olise and Jean-Philippe Mateta while Brentford enjoyed a comfortable 4-1 victory away to Port Vale thanks to a Bryan Mbeumo hat-trick.
Brighton & Hove Albion beat Championship promotion chasers West Bromwich Albion 2-1 after extra time at the Hawthorns.
Ten-man Southampton edged a 3-2 victory after extra time at second-tier Swansea City — a game played in an empty stadium because of COVID-19 restrictions in Wales.
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