Chelsea player ratings vs Wrexham: Garnacho blows hot and cold as three 4/10s dire in win | Football | Sport

Chelsea needed extra time to see off Championship play-off hopefuls Wrexham in a scintillating FA Cup fifth-round tie at a fervent Racecourse Ground. Wrexham gave as good as they got for most of the contest and were the better team in spells, but their hopes of a Cup-set were dashed just before extra-time when George Dobson was shown a straight red card.

If the roof hadn’t already been blown off the stadium roof ahead of kick-off, it certainly was when Sam Smith netted the opening goal of the game after just 18 minutes. It was a throwback goal, with a searching long ball finding the striker in behind, with Smith tucking the ball past Robert Sanchez. Chelsea huffed and puffed after falling behind and were gifted an equaliser when George Thomason cannoned the ball back off goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo.

It didn’t stop Wrexham pushing forward though, and they were duly rewarded in the second half when a sublime Callum Doyle flick once again put the home side in front. But just like the first half, Wrexham’s lead wouldn’t last long, this time Josh Acheampong levelled things up with a tidy finish inside the box. It stayed that way up until the end of 90 minutes, but Alejandro Garnacho and Joao Pedro netted either side of the extra-time half-time break to see Chelsea through.

Was invisible for the Wrexham opener and continued to look shaky with the ball at his feet. There was a clear instruction to press the Spanish shot-stopper whenever he was in possession. Might not have been able to do much about the Wrexham second, but he continues to be a weaklink in the Chelsea team.

Spent a lot of his time on the pitch running towards his own goal as Wrexham launched balls in behind the Chelsea defence. Probably should’ve been tighter to Smith for the opening goal, but was otherwise fine when called upon.

Was given the runaround by both Wrexham strikers throughout the evening and never really settled into the game. One of several players on the peripheries of Chelsea’s squad who didn’t impress.

It’s probably safe to file this one under a ‘failed signing’, such has been his lack of quality in a blue shirt. Run ragged by the Wrexham forward line.

Was the best of the Chelsea defenders throughout the match, and popped up at the right moment with a striker’s finish to make it 2-2.

Had a big task on his hands without either Enzo Fernandez or Moises Caicedo beside him, and did cover plenty of ground.

Has had a horrible time with injuries, so will be content with the minutes. But the midfielder will have to up their game if he’s to leave an impact on the Chelsea boss. Subbed after 65 minutes.

Probably the best Chelsea player on the pitch, which is why eyebrows were raised when the young Dutchman was subbed off midway through the second half.

Thought he’d won the game in the dying embers when a thunderous effort rattled the crossbar. It was the most noticeable – and in truth, only – thing he did throughout the 90 minutes though.

Having impressed in mid-week, the ex-Manchester United ace would’ve been looking to build on his confidence-building performance. On the most part, he lacked quality and was easy to defend against. Had the last laugh though, albeit against a 10-man Championship defence.

His brightest moment came in the build-up to the first equaliser, when the Man City academy product turned his defender and created the chance that eventually led to the own-goal. Was otherwise anonymous on a night when he’d have been hoping to make a statement.

Looked lost at 11v11, but grew into the game when Chelsea had the extra man.

Barely any better than the striker he came off the bench to replace.

Added some much-needed intensity to a sluggish Chelsea side just after the hour mark.

Helped stitch the Chelsea attack together a little more after a disjointed start to proceedings and stuck the nail in Wrexham’s coffin late on.

Provided some much-needed width after the formation change.

A willing runner at both ends of the pitch.