TAMMY ABRAHAM scored Chelsea’s winner against Barnsley but his man of the match gong was just as much down to his defending heroics.
Abraham’s late header off his own line kept Chelsea’s lead in tact and ultimately secured their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Tammy Abraham headed the ball over the bar with goalkeeper Kepa strandedCredit: Reuters
Abraham’s last-ditch defending denied spirited Barnsley an equaliserCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Abraham celebrates scoring the only goal of the gameCredit: AP:Associated Press
Thomas Tuchel’s men will host Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge and had the England striker to thank for his work at both ends of the field.
The 23-year-old revealed he grew up as a defender in his post-match interview and clearly hasn’t lost his touch.
Abraham told the BBC: “Well, I grew up being a defender so it was instinctive reactions, just getting in there.
“And I just said ‘I have to do this, I have to try something’ and it worked.”
Abraham’s tap-in from sub Reece James’ cross in the 64th minute was enough to secure a 1-0 win for an unconvincing Chelsea.
And the former Aston Villa loanee praised the Championship side for making things difficult for the Blues at Oakwell.
Abraham – who notched his fourth goal of the FA Cup campaign – added: “Give credit to them, they’re a good side.
“We knew it would be hard.
“I knew chances were going to come eventually and I just had to be in the right place at the right time.”
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Abraham tapped in the winner for the Blues at OakwellCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Former PSG boss Tuchel said he expected more of his team after they delivered a largely underwhelming performance.
The German said: “We scored the goal and I had the feeling that they increased the risk but we stepped down in the little decisions.
“Not enough courage and it was too deep for a long, long time.
‘We clearly can play better, so yes I expected more but not in terms that I am frustrated.
“If you lack a rhythm and a bit of self-confidence and you have to show on this pitch, against an opponent that takes all the risk and plays the game of his life, that is not easy.
“We can do better but I don’t want to be too hard on the players.”
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Thomas Tuchel reacts to Chelsea’s 1-0 win against Barnsley
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
