Chelsea Crushes Morecambe 6-1 in FA Cup Third Round

Chelsea delivered a dominant performance against Morecambe in the FA Cup third round, securing a 6-1 victory at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, January 11, 2025. The Blues, led by manager Enzo Maresca, fielded a rotated squad that included the return of key players Roméo Lavia and captain Reece James from injury.

Morecambe, currently struggling at the bottom of League Two, were no match for Chelsea’s attacking prowess. The home side took control early, with goals from João Félix, Christopher Nkunku, and Marc Guiu setting the tone. Morecambe managed a consolation goal, but Chelsea’s depth and quality proved too much for the visitors.

BBC Sport football expert Chris Sutton had predicted a 6-1 win for Chelsea, citing the team’s superior strength despite recent dips in Premier League form. Sutton recalled a humorous anecdote from his time as Lincoln manager, where he was humbled by Morecambe and even chastised by a linesman. “I had no comeback to that,” Sutton joked, reflecting on the gulf in class between the two sides.

Chelsea’s lineup featured a mix of youth and experience, with Jörgensen in goal and a midfield anchored by Lavia. The bench included high-profile names like Enzo Fernández and Jadon Sancho, highlighting the squad’s depth. Morecambe, led by captain Songo’o, fought valiantly but were ultimately outclassed.

The match was officiated by referee Andrew Kitchen, with no VAR in operation. Chelsea’s emphatic win sets them up for a potential deep run in the FA Cup, while Morecambe will refocus on their League Two survival battle.