Chelsea eventually overcame Wrexham in a dramatic FA Cup tie, but the Premier League side were pushed far harder than expected before securing a 4-2 victory after extra time.
The result sends Chelsea into the quarter-finals of the competition, though the performance left plenty for the coaching staff to analyse. Goals from Josh Acheampong, Alejandro Garnacho and João Pedro, along with an own goal from Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, ensured progression despite a spirited challenge from the hosts in north Wales.
Wrexham’s resistance was only broken in extra time after George Dobson’s late red card reduced the home side to ten men during the closing stages of normal time.
Chelsea defensive issues remain a concern
Despite advancing in the competition, Chelsea’s defensive display raised questions once again.
Wrexham’s opening goal arrived after a simple long pass bypassed the Chelsea back line, leaving Sam Smith clear to finish past Robert Sánchez and spark celebrations at the Racecourse Ground. The sequence exposed the positioning of centre-backs Benoît Badiashile and Tosin Adarabioyo, who were forced into a desperate recovery run.
A second Wrexham goal later in the match came from a corner situation, continuing a pattern of set-piece difficulties for Chelsea in recent weeks.
Having followed Chelsea’s matches closely this season, defensive organisation during transitions and set plays has been one of the recurring themes across several fixtures.
Although the attacking players ultimately secured victory, the defensive unit will likely remain an area of focus for the coaching staff moving forward.
Difficult return for Romeo Lavia
The match also marked Romeo Lavia’s first start for Chelsea in four months following a quad injury sustained during a European fixture in November.
After brief substitute appearances in recent matches and a short run-out with the club’s under-21 side, the midfielder was handed an opportunity to demonstrate his readiness for regular first-team football.
However, the 22-year-old struggled to impose himself during the opening stages.
Lavia was dispossessed under minimal pressure early in the match and appeared short of rhythm after his extended absence. His most notable moment came when he quickly recovered possession after losing the ball, though he later received a booking following a foul while attempting to recover defensive position.
He was eventually substituted after 64 minutes as Chelsea looked to increase control in midfield.
Liam Delap continues strong attacking contribution
While some performances raised concerns, striker Liam Delap once again demonstrated his value to Chelsea’s attacking play.
The forward impressed with his link-up play and physical presence throughout the match. Delap frequently dropped deeper to receive the ball, holding off defenders before releasing teammates into attacking spaces.
| Match Contributions | Liam Delap |
|---|---|
| Key passes | 3 |
| Successful hold-up actions | 7 |
| Chances created | 2 |
| Duels won | 9 |
source: sofascore match data – 7 March 2026
One such move allowed Delap to break through midfield and release Garnacho into space, an attack that eventually resulted in Okonkwo’s own goal that brought Chelsea back into the match.
His willingness to contribute defensively and link play in deeper areas also stood out during the contest.
Key Insights
- Chelsea defeated Wrexham 4-2 after extra time to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals.
- Defensive mistakes allowed Wrexham to remain competitive throughout the match.
- Romeo Lavia made his first start in four months following injury.
- Liam Delap impressed again with strong link-up and hold-up play.
- Chelsea only secured control after Wrexham were reduced to ten men.
What’s Next
Chelsea now advance to the FA Cup quarter-finals where the level of opposition will likely increase significantly. The draw could place them against stronger Premier League sides, meaning improvements in defensive organisation may become crucial.
The coaching staff will also continue assessing player fitness, particularly for those returning from injury such as Lavia. Managing squad rotation during the final months of the season will remain important as the team competes in multiple competitions.
Can Chelsea correct their defensive issues before the FA Cup quarter-finals arrive?
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