Chelsea narrowly avoided a significant FA Cup upset, securing a 4-2 victory against 10-man Wrexham thanks to extra-time goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Joao Pedro.
Wrexham made it difficult for Chelsea, taking the lead twice, but a red card for George Dobson in the 93rd minute proved detrimental as Chelsea ultimately took control.
The Championship team surprised Chelsea in the 17th minute when Callum Doyle’s long ball was collected by Sam Smith. Smith took a touch and scored past Robert Sanchez, who hesitated in goal.
Chelsea pushed for an equalizer and got lucky just before halftime. Garnacho’s shot was initially cleared off the line by George Thomason, but the rebound hit Arthur Okonkwo and resulted in an own goal.
After halftime, Chelsea aimed to take the lead, but fell behind again in the 78th minute when Doyle deflected Josh Windass’ shot past Sanchez.
However, Josh Acheampong responded quickly for Chelsea, scoring just four minutes later by firing the ball into the roof of the net.
Wrexham’s situation worsened when Dobson was sent off in added time for a high challenge on Garnacho; his yellow card was upgraded after a VAR review.
Chelsea took advantage of the extra player six minutes into extra time when Dario Essugo’s accurate cross was volleyed in by Garnacho. Wrexham threatened in the 114th minute when Lewis Brunt headed the ball in after a corner, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Chelsea capitalized on that escape, and Joao Pedro sealed the win by scoring past Okonkwo in the 125th minute.