Oscar scored a first-half hat-trick as Chelsea strolled past Championship strugglers MK Dons to reach the FA Cup last 16 courtesy of this afternoon’s 5-1 victory.
Eden Hazard and Bertrand Traore added to the Brazilian’s treble after the break, with Darren Potter’s deflected equaliser turning out to be a mere consolation come full time.
Here, CaughtOffside rates how Guus Hiddink’s side performed at Stadium MK…
SEE MORE:
Oscar hat-trick video v MK Dons: Loftus-Cheek supplies one but Brazilian needs no help for special third
Bertrand Traore goal video v MK Dons: Teenager’s strike proves Chelsea do have capable youngsters
(Video) Eden Hazard scores first Chelsea goal in 30+ games as dodgy penalty is converted in Milton Keynes
GK: Thibaut Courtois – 6/10
David Martin was far and away the busier of the two goalkeepers. Courtois, who had no chance with the wicked deflected goal, made one decent stop with his legs late on.
RB: Branislav Ivanovic – 7/10
The Serbian was a good attacking outlet, particularly during the first half.
CB: Gary Cahill – 6/10
Cahill’s first start since the last round of the competition was pretty incident free.
CB: John Terry – 7/10
The captain charged up the field to demand that Hazard be the one to take the penalty, relieving the Belgian of the 30-game goalscoring drought on his shoulders. Good leadership.
LB: Baba Rahman – 7/10
The summer signing got a rare chance to impress and did pretty well. He frequently got to the byline and yet did not abandon his defensive position to put Chelsea in any danger.
CM: Nemanja Matic – 6/10
His effort to block Potter’s shot for the Dons’ goal was a little bit lazy.
CM: Cesc Fabregas – 8/10
MK Dons gave the Spaniard the freedom of the middle of the park and he controlled the game.
AMR: Oscar – 9/10
The MK Dons defending was absolutely shocking, but you’ve still got to put the ball in the back of the net. His second and third goals were very good finishes. Hard not to give him man of the match!
AMC: Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 8/10
The youngster was given an overdue start and put in a good display. Was used in a more advanced role, so could show off his technical skill as well as his strength. Nice assist for Oscar’s second.
AML: Eden Hazard – 7/10
Finally, last season’s PFA Player of the Year has scored! It had been 30 games and nearly nine months since his previous one for Chelsea. His overall performance was decent too.
ST: Diego Costa – 7/10
Unselfishly teed up Oscar for the opener. Caused MK Dons plenty more problems, without getting on the scoresheet himself, before his 57th-minute withdrawal when the job was already done.
Substitutes
Bertrand Traore – 7/10
The 18-year-old staked a claim for more regular action with a well-taken goal – his first for the club. With Traore and Loftus-Cheek, have Chelsea finally got some youngsters who can make an impact?
Willian – 6/10
A concern for Chelsea was that their brilliant Brazilian picked up an injury late on.
Pedro – 6/10
Strived for a goal in his half-hour cameo on the pitch, but could not find one.
SEE ALSO:
Alexandre Pato squad number: Chelsea’s new signing to take precious jersey at Stamford Bridge
“FINALLY” – Which player are Chelsea fans thrilled to see get a start against MK Dons?
Picture: New signing Pato in full Chelsea gear as he prepares to train with RESERVES