Rare goal for Mikel as Chelsea go through

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Derby County 0 Chelsea 2

Second-half goals from John Mikel Obi and Oscar gave Chelsea a convincing FA Cup win.

Mikel marked his 300th appearance for the club by heading home Willian’s 66th-minute free-kick.

And Oscar’s struck five minutes later to seal victory for the Blues, who will be at home to Stoke in the fourth round.

In-form Championship side Derby caused them some problems, particularly during a lively spell in the first half.

Ashley Cole did well to clear a dangerous early cross from Jeff Hendrick before David Luiz blocked a driven shot from Rams midfielder John Eustace.

And Gary Cahill was called into action following a 28th-minute error by Luiz, who lost possession and was grateful to see his centre-back partner block Jamie Ward’s shot.

Seven minutes before the break Eustace had an effort saved by Mark Schwarzer after the ball was given away again, this time by Ramires.

But Chelsea were deserved winners, with Oscar their main threat before the deadlock was eventually broken.

The Brazilian playmaker sent a free-kick narrowly wide and went close with two other decent attempts in the first half.

Ramires also fired wide for the visitors and almost scored moments before the interval, when his shot clipped the post after deflecting off Hendrick.

Mikel’s goal – only his fourth for Chelsea, with three of those coming in the FA Cup – knocked the stuffing out of Steve McClaren’s team.

And the underdogs were dealt another blow when Oscar collected substitute Fernando Torres’ pass and unleashed a shot which keeper Lee Grant allowed to squirm through him at the near post.

Torres should have made it three but was dispossessed after rounding Grant, and Derby were also relieved to see another deflected Ramires shot hit the bar.

Chelsea: Schwarzer; Azpilicueta, Cahill, Luiz, Cole; Essien (Hazard 55), Mikel; Ramires, Oscar (Baker 89), Willian; Eto’o (Torres 64).
Subs not used: Cech, Kalas, Terry, Mata.

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