Tammy Abraham hat trick sends Chelsea through to FA Cup fifth round

Tammy Abraham scored a hat trick as Chelsea booked a place in the next round of the FA Cup with a 3-1 win over second division side Luton Town.  The Blues, who lost 2-0 away to Leicester in midweek in the Premier League were clear favorites going into the match, and they got the job done even though the visitors proved a formidable opponent. Frank Lampard made seven changes to the team that lost at the King Power Stadium, with Mason Mount handed the armband. Tammy Abraham and Timo Werner, who started from the bench were recalled, and there was a first start in 2021 for Andreas Christensen. The Blues started the match on a high, and it took them 10 minutes to find the opener, and it was Abraham who stuck it in. The goal was however controversial with two balls on the pitch just before the goal was scored, but with the referee not seeing the incident and there being no VAR, the goal was allowed to stand. It was 2-0 five minutes later as Reece James handed Tammy Abraham the simplest of tasks from close range with a delicious chip, and with the keeper beaten, the striker made no mistake as he grabbed his second of the night. Christian Pulisic should have scored a third just before the half-hour mark, but his effort went a few inches off the left post. They were meant to pay for the miss as the visitors halved the scores a minute later with a superb goal from great team play. Jordan Clark latched on to a perfect pass and fired an excellent low shot into the middle of the net, even though Kepa Arrizabalaga should have done better. The Blues dominated the second period but were culpable of missing a host of clear chances. Pulisic was once again guilty three minutes after the restart, failing to find the net after collecting a great pass inside the box from James, with his effort excellently blocked by the keeper. Mason Mount too missed another chance after he received a pass on the edge of the box and unleashed a shot, but the ball went by a whisker over the crossbar. Luton too had a chance of their own on the hour mark as Harry Cornick got on the end of a pass and produced a promising first-time shot towards the right side of the goal, but his effort was blocked by Arrizabalaga with a brilliant diving save. Callum Hudson-Odoi then stepped off the bench to ensure there was no nervy ending to the game as he showed great vision and sent a pass to Abraham who tapped in from close range to complete his hat trick. There was a chance to add a fourth late on, but Timo Werner missed a penalty with four minutes to go. Chelsea will now face Barnsley in the next round.