We're undefeated in the FA Cup!
- Last year Chelsea were dumped out at home by a League One team. The side that lost featured a heavy dose of youth. No such risk was taken this year -- the FA Cup is about the only trophy we can reasonably aspire to, and Guus Hiddink decided to prioritise it with by using the first team. Whether or not that was a good idea with a Premier League game midweek is of course up for debate, but a win's a win.
- The youth did get a chance in the second half. Ruben Loftus-Cheek came on for Oscar at halftime, and although the Blues went into a shell a little bit right after the break he popped up to turn home the second goal. And yes, that's his first senior strike for the club. Congratulations, Ruben!
- Kenedy appeared for Pedro a little after it went to 2-0, and nearly won a penalty with a very nice backheel. I miss Kenedy. Bertrand Traore appeared late on. His contribution was fouling someone.
- Branislav Ivanovic cross assist alert! Chelsea's opener looked like it might have been an own goal off Jordan Clarke, but it probably was a deft flick by Diego Costa instead. Either way, the ball went in.
- Scunthorpe were extremely aggressive, especially when a Chelsea player was facing towards their own goal. The pressure was excellent, the execution (especially after winning the ball) was less so, even in the second half when they were starting to control midfield a little bit.
- Their strategy of putting about 15 players in the 6-yard box on corners was pretty funny though.
- Cesc Fabregas continued his strong form. After running the game at Selhurst Park, we saw him continue to try the stuff he was brought in for. His through ball for Pedro, even though nothing ended up coming of it, was magnificent stuff, and it wasn't the only time he scythed the visitors open. To the surprise of all, Ramires's attempts at similar passes were not nearly as successful.
- Speaking of Ramires, he got pretty lucky when he tripped Kevin van Veen on the edge the box without a foul being called. Best case there, if the referee sees it, is a very dangerous free kick. Worst and probably case is a penalty and a chance for the equaliser.
- Chelsea did that thing where they completely turned off in the second half. It was pretty worrying for a while. But fortunately, we were playing Scunthorpe.