Barkley strike sends Chelsea into FA Cup semis

Tuesday, 30 June 2020 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Chelsea's Ross Barkley scores their first goal, as play resumes behind closed doors following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Tim Keeton/Pool via Reuters

Reuters: Eight-times FA Cup winners Chelsea reached the semi-finals on Sunday as midfielder Ross Barkley came off the bench to secure a deserved 1-0 victory at faltering Leicester City.

Barkley, one of the three changes manager Frank Lampard made at halftime, slid home the winner in the 63rd minute as the west London side set up a semi-final against Manchester United.

Leicester were the better side before the break and had the bulk of the chances against a lethargic Chelsea, but the visitors were a different proposition after the interval.

Tammy Abraham had a goal ruled out for offside and then Barkley found space in the area to clip Willian’s measured cross past goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel just past the hour.

Leicester, without the creativity of attacking midfielder James Maddison who was missing with a hip problem, struggled to respond although they did mount some belated late pressure.

Chelsea have been buoyant since the season resumed following the novel coronavirus stoppage, winning both of their Premier League games to consolidate fourth place and they now have a Cup semi-final to look forward to.