He doesn't score too many...and when he does, it's always special.
John Obi Mikel scored on his 300th Chelsea appearance as the Blues beat Derby 2-0 at Pride Park.
After a below-par first half performance, Mikel opened the scoring with a fine header. The goal seemed to spur Chelsea into life as Derby had to endure unrelenting pressure in the final stages - Oscar putting the game to bed with little less than 20 minutes remaining.
Jose Mourinho made six changes to the side that faced Southampton on New Year’s Day, but showed respect to the FA Cup by fielding a strong side led by Samuel Eto’o.
Despite the wealth of talent at Mourinho’s disposal, his Chelsea side struggled to break down the stubborn Derby defence and were, for the most part, forced into efforts from distance.
Cameroonian striker Eto’o – who has played on the biggest stages in world football – was making his FA Cup debut and should have had his side ahead after 20 minutes. Mikel’s clever reverse ball put him through on goal down the left, but instead of taking on the shot with his weaker foot, he opted to cut inside and was tackled in front of goal.
The best chance of the opening half came in injury time as Ramires gathered the ball on the right side of the penalty area, cutting inside to send a bobbling left-footed effort onto the base of the far post.
The visitors were much improved during the second half and, after a frustrating 20 minutes, broke the deadlock as Mikel rose highest in the penalty area to meet Willian’s wicked cross, heading home from six yards.
Six minutes later and the tie was over as Oscar linked with Eden Hazard on the edge of the area to shoot on goal. The dipping effort baffled keeper Lee Grant, who could only parry the ball into his own net. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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