Chelsea progressed into the next round of the FA Cup with a 4-0 scoreline over Portsmouth at Stamford Bridge which reflects unfairly on the performance of the Championship visitors. With a goalless scoreline at the break Chelsea scored four times in the second half, the home supporters nerves only be settled by three goals in the closing minutes as Portsmouth made the Blues work hard for their victory.
The last time these two sides met in the FA Cup was in the 2010 final when Chelsea were again the victors.
Portsmouth deservedly went in at the break level after making Chelsea look ordinary for most of the half with David Norris outstanding but when Juan Mata put the hosts ahead immediately after the restart it seemed as if the Blues would find their form.
But Portsmouth continued to restrict their Premier League opponents who struggled for any cutting edge and whilst the score remained at 1-0 there was always the possibility of Pompey springing a breakaway goal.
The three goals in the final six minutes ended Portsmouth's resistance and gave the scoreline an unfair sheen in the home side's favour.
Ramires scored twice and in added time Frank Lampard added number four but Chelsea will need to improve if they hope to contest a fourth cup final in six seasons.
Referee: Anthony Taylor
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Attendance: 41,529
Chelsea scorers: Mata 48, Ramires 85, 87, Lampard 90 Portsmouth scorers:
TRIBAL ASKS: Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas knows he needs better displays than this from his team
Yellow cards: Kitson (POR), Williams (POR), Pearce (POR), Halford (POR), Malouda (CHE), Terry (CHE), Meireles (CHE), Ramires (CHE)
