Kepa Arrizabalaga bailed out Chelsea with a late penalty save in Saturday’s FA Cup win over Plymouth.
The League One side took a shock lead at Stamford Bridge through Macaulay Gillesphey after only eight minutes.
But the Blues kicked into gear and hit the woodwork three times before Cesar Azpilicueta’s leveller.
Still, Plymouth defended heroically and forced extra-time before Marcos Alonso put Chelsea ahead. Kepa then saved Ryan Hardie’s 117th-minute spot-kick to secure his side’s spot in the fifth round.
James Robson was in West London to deliver his verdicts on the Chelsea players...
Kepa Arrizabalaga - 8
The hero from the spot again. His late penalty save from Hardie denied Plymouth an equaliser. Earlier he had been out quickly to deny the same player in a one-on-one situation.
Cesar Azpilicueta - 7
A brilliant finish to get Chelsea back into the game and spent much of his time powering forward to keep Plymouth on the back foot.
Andreas Christensen - 5
Went off at half-time having watched Chelsea dominate possession high up the pitch for the majority of the first 45 minutes.
THE PENALTY IS SAVED!
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) February 5, 2022
Plymouth Argyle miss a glorious chance to equalise late in extra-time.
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Antonio Rudiger - 7
Handled Plymouth’s attempts to play the ball long to Jordon D'Andre Garrick in the first-half. Always looked in control at the back.
Malang Sarr - 5
Did not offer much by way of an attacking presence at full-back and then moved to the centre where he was largely untroubled until a reckless challenge on Hardie gifted Plymouth an extra time penalty.
Mason Mount - 7
His cross led to Azpilicueta’s equaliser and forced a brilliant save from Michael Cooper in the second-half.
Jorginho - 6
A comfortable afternoon for him as Plymouth were forced to defend in numbers to allow him to stroke and ball around the pitch under little pressure.
Mateo Kovacic - 7
Got into dangerous areas on numerous occasions – hitting the woodwork twice in the first-half and seeing other efforts blocked. Dominated in central areas.
Hakim Ziyech - 6
Playing as more of an orthodox winger, he had joy cutting in onto his left foot and shooting from distance and provided some dangerous crosses.
Chelsea are ahead!
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) February 5, 2022
Marcos Alonso rounds off a nice move.
Plymouth, who have been brilliant all afternoon, now need to find a response.
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Romelu Lukaku - 5
Should have done better when defending the free-kick for Plymouth’s shock opener and did not bully defenders in the manner you would expect when up against League One opposition.
Callum Hudson-Odoi - 5
Hit the bar with one effort and hurt Plymouth on the left. Did not get behind the Plymouth defence enough.
Substitutes
Marcos Alonso (Christensen, 46’) - 7
Made a difference when he came on by offering another option on the left with his positive runs. Got into the box to do what Chelsea’s forwards could not with his extra-time strike.
Kai Havertz (Hudson-Odoi, 64’) - 7
Instant impact when forcing a save from Cooper. Offered good penetration on the left and it was his cross that set up Alonso’s goal.
Timo Werner (Kovacic, 82’) - 6
Found good spaces and dragged Plymouth out of shape. Combined with Havertz’ for Alonso’s goal.
Saul (Mount, 97’) - N/A
Gave Chelsea extra legs after so long in control.
Trevoh Chalobah (Azpilicueta, 112’) - N/A
Brought on to see out the game as Plymouth pushed.
