Chelsea’s struggling form was once again on display despite securing a dramatic 4–2 extra-time victory over lower-league side Wrexham A.F.C. to book a place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup on Saturday.
The Premier League side endured a difficult night at the Racecourse Ground, needing extra time to overcome the spirited challenge from the second-tier hosts.
Goals from Alejandro Garnacho and João Pedro eventually secured the win, but the performance again highlighted concerns about Chelsea’s inconsistent displays this season.
Wrexham stunned the visitors in the 18th minute when Sam Smith latched onto a long pass from Callum Doyle before calmly finishing past Robert Sánchez.
Chelsea were fortunate to level the match shortly after when a shot from Garnacho deflected off defender George Thomason and bounced off goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo before rolling into the net.
The hosts restored their lead in the 78th minute.
After a corner caused chaos in the penalty area, Ryan Longman sent the ball back across goal and Doyle inadvertently turned it past his own goalkeeper.
Chelsea responded quickly as young defender Josh Acheampong fired a powerful shot into the roof of the net after George Dobson slipped while attempting to clear, forcing the match into extra time.
The contest took another twist when Dobson was sent off in the 93rd minute, leaving Wrexham to battle with ten men.
Chelsea finally took control in the 97th minute when Garnacho volleyed home from close range to give the visitors the lead for the first time in the match.
Wrexham thought they had forced another equaliser late in extra time when Lewis Brunt headed the ball into the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR check.
João Pedro eventually ended the contest deep into stoppage time of extra time, finishing from close range to secure Chelsea’s progress.
Despite advancing to the quarter-finals, the performance raised further questions about Chelsea’s struggling form, especially after the team required extra time to overcome determined lower-league opposition.
The post Chelsea’s Struggles Continue Despite Extra-Time Escape Against Wrexham first appeared on Africa Top Sports.
