Chelsea eased into the Fifth Round of the FA Cup with a clinical 3–0 victory over Arsenal at Drogba Arena, but the night’s subplot was the return of Abiola Hill, the young English goalkeeper recalled from loan to cover Chelsea’s mounting goalkeeping crisis.
The 21-year-old, who had been impressing on loan at Preston, was thrust straight into the starting lineup following injuries to Elias Jimenez and the ongoing international absence of Hasitha Mohamed. Calm, composed, and commanding, Abiola delivered a confident debut performance, making key saves early on to keep Arsenal at bay.
It was Chelsea’s Brazilian star Junior who stole the headlines once more. He opened the scoring by capitalising on a defensive mix-up, heading home from close range. Just before halftime, he doubled his tally with a fierce strike after seizing on a loose pass from Patrick Uzochukwu. Scott Crichton sealed the result on 50 minutes with a crisp low finish after a sweeping counterattack.
Argentina manager Ezequiel Ponce was in attendance, reportedly keeping an eye on Manuel Ordóñez, Mario Cardozo, and Facundo Peón, but it was Junior who reminded everyone why he’s one of world football’s deadliest forwards — now with 31 goals in 30 appearances this season.
Chelsea boss Dimario praised both his veteran stars and his stand-in goalkeeper after the match:
> “Junior was electric again, but I’m equally proud of Abiola. To step in at short notice and look that composed — that’s special. He’s earned his place.”
Chelsea, winners of four of the last five FA Cups, advance confidently to the next round and remain in contention for yet another domestic double.