Chelsea Dominate Morecambe to Seal Fourth-Round Spot

Chelsea eased into the FA Cup fourth round with a dominant win over League Two strugglers Morecambe at Stamford Bridge. Defender Tosin Adarabioyo was the unlikely star, scoring twice from outside the box including a deflected opener and a spectacular curling effort from 25 yards. Christopher Nkunku missed an early penalty saved by Harry Burgoyne after a handball by Morecambe’s Yann Songo’o but Chelsea eventually found their rhythm.

Nkunku added a second early in the second half, pouncing on a rebound after Burgoyne had denied Renato Veiga. Adarabioyo, who joined Chelsea in the summer but has struggled for starts, scored his second and Chelsea’s third in the 70th minute. Joao Felix capped the win with two late goals including a curling strike from a tight angle. Morecambe, one spot off the bottom of League Two, impressed early with Ben Tollitt and Marcus Dackers forcing saves from Filip Jorgensen.

Burgoyne shone, saving Nkunku’s penalty and a Felix shot. Despite their spirited start, Morecambe faded as Chelsea’s class showed. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca praised his team’s professionalism while Morecambe boss Derek Adams focused on the financial boost, estimating the tie earned his side £350,000. A late effort from Harvey Macadam cleared off the line by Axel Disasi was the closest the visitors came to a goal.

This victory ended Chelsea’s four-game winless run in all competitions and secured their place in the fourth-round draw. The Blues, fourth in the Premier League also recorded their third clean sheet since December, a positive sign after recent struggles. Meanwhile, Morecambe remain embroiled in a relegation fight, sitting five points adrift of safety in League Two.