FA Cup: Chelsea overcome Plymouth scare as they come from behind to win 4th round tie

Chelsea avoided a shock early exit from FA Cup as they came back from behind to beat League One side Plymouth Argyle 2-1 on Saturday. Goals from Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso and a late penalty save from Kepa Arrizabalaga helped them emerge successful in their 4th-round match at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea were without their manager Thomas Tuchel who had tested positive for Covid-19 and the Blues conceded early in the match.

Plymouth shocked the Premier League side when defender Macaulay Gillesphey nodded the ball home from a free kick in the 8th minute, sparking wild celebration and a shower of green balloons from the travelling fans.

Chelse looked a bit rusty after a fortnight’s break but they kept creating chances on Saturday.

Chelsea hit the woodwork three times in the first half, twice through Mateo Kovacic and again through Callum Hudson-Odoi but Plymouth’s well drilled defence kept the European champions at bay until the 41st minute when quality told.

Captain Azpilicueta scored with a neat backheel from a low Mason Mount cross.

Plymouth absorbed waves of Chelsea attacks in the second half and extra time and last-ditch defending as well as inspired goalkeeping from Mike Cooper kept the hosts out until the 16th minute of extra time.

Alonso broke the deadlock when he got on the end of a pass from Kai Havertz and swept the ball in and with five minutes to go Kepa Arrizabalaga saved a penalty from Ryan Hardie.