Returning Romelu Lukaku struck as Chelsea cruised to a comfortable victory against non-League Chesterfield in a 5-1 FA Cup third-round canter at Stamford Bridge.
The Champions League holders flexed all their muscles of quality and depth to nullify any prospect of a cup upset.
Lukaku tapped in debutant Lewis Hall’s low cross and missed three gilt-edged chances before being withdrawn at half-time.
Academy product Hall, 17 impressed on his senior bow claiming that deserved assist for Lukaku, with Timo Werner, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Andreas Christensen and Hakim Ziyech all also finding the net.
The 91 league places between the two sides told throughout, with Chelsea still able to make seven changes despite a raft of injuries and Covid-19 absentees.
Akwasi Asante tapped in a late Chesterfield consolation to spark jubilant celebrations among their raucous travelling fans.
Last term’s beaten finalists, Chelsea would have been frustrated to surrender their clean sheet at the death, especially with Marcus Bettinelli making his debut in goal.
