Wrexham vs Chelsea Player Ratings: Blues Edge Thrilling FA Cup Tie 4-2 After Extra Time

What a classic cup tie we just witnessed. This FA Cup match at STōK Cae Ras had absolutely everything, a true rollercoaster of emotions from start to finish. From our perspective, Wrexham played with no fear whatsoever, taking the game to their Premier League opponents and deservedly going ahead twice. It felt like a proper giant-killing was on the cards.

Chelsea, on the other hand, looked rattled for large parts of the game. They needed a slice of luck with an own goal to get back into it the first time. Then, Josh Acheampong's late goal felt like a dagger to the hearts of the home fans, forcing a grueling period of extra time. The entire complexion of the match changed with the red card for George Dobson, a moment that swung the momentum decisively.

Ultimately, the extra man and superior fitness told in the end. Goals from the outstanding Alejandro Garnacho and João Pedro secured Chelsea's passage into the next round. But credit must go to Wrexham; they left everything on that pitch and can hold their heads high after an incredible effort.

Chelsea Player Ratings vs Wrexham

Goalkeeper

Robert Sánchez - 6.0: A somewhat nervy performance from the Chelsea shot-stopper. He made a couple of decent saves but was beaten twice. From our perspective, he could have perhaps done better for the first goal. His distribution was okay, completing most of his passes. However, he didn't command his area with the authority you'd expect.

Defenders

Tosin Adarabioyo - 7.0: A really composed performance in possession from the captain. He completed an impressive 142 passes throughout the 124 minutes. Defensively he was solid enough, making seven clearances and a couple of interceptions. He led the backline but being part of a defence that conceded twice to lower league opposition takes the shine off a little.

Benoît Badiashile - 7.0: Much like his partner, Badiashile was a class act on the ball. An incredible 95% pass accuracy shows his comfort in building from the back. He made some important tackles and interceptions. We noticed his reading of the game was excellent. He stood tall against Wrexham's physical forwards.

Mamadou Sarr - 6.0: A fairly quiet evening for the defender who was substituted before the hour mark. He didn't make any glaring mistakes but also failed to make a significant impact. He looked a little hesitant at times. It was an okay performance, but not one that will live long in the memory.

Midfielders

Andrey Santos - 7.5: What stood out to us was his relentless energy in the middle of the park. He was constantly buzzing around, making tackles and recovering the ball. He was tidy in possession and even had a shot on target. The yellow card was a result of his all-action style. A very promising display.

Jorrel Hato - 6.5: An industrious but ultimately frustrating outing. He showed some good touches and tried to drive forward. However, his end product was lacking, blazing two shots off target. He was subbed off after 65 minutes after a mixed performance. There's talent there, but it wasn't his night.

Josh Acheampong - 8.0: The youngster was one of Chelsea's heroes on the night. He scored the vital equaliser with a brilliant finish to send the game to extra time. He was a constant threat with his running and even contributed defensively. A goal and an all-around great performance.

Roméo Lavia - 6.0: We were a bit disappointed with his performance. He picked up a silly yellow card early on and never really settled. He was tidy enough in possession but looked slightly off the pace of the game. It was no surprise to see him substituted after 65 minutes.

Forwards

Pedro Neto - 7.5: He was Chelsea's creative spark for much of the game. Creating six chances for his teammates is a testament to his vision. He was desperately unlucky to see his shot cannon back off the woodwork. His dribbling caused Wrexham problems all evening. A very lively and inventive performance.

Liam Delap - 6.0: A thankless task leading the line for long periods. He worked tirelessly and drew a few fouls to relieve pressure. However, he was isolated and never got a clear sight of goal. His hold-up play was decent, but he couldn't provide the goal threat Chelsea needed.

Alejandro Garnacho - 9.0: Simply outstanding and the clear man of the match. He was a nightmare for the Wrexham defence from the first minute to the last. He scored the crucial go-ahead goal in extra time with a calm finish. With eight shots, he was always looking to make something happen. A truly game-winning performance.

Substitutes

Marc Guiu - 6.5: Came on and added a bit more of a physical presence up top.

Dário Essugo - 7.0: Provided a wonderful cross for Garnacho's winning goal. A key contribution.

Marc Cucurella - 6.5: Slotted in at the back and looked solid enough.

João Pedro - 7.5: Came off the bench to seal the victory with a well-taken goal.

Malo Gusto - 6.5: Offered fresh legs and energy down the right flank.

Jesse Derry - N/A: Came on too late to make an impact.

Manager

L. Rosenior - 7.0: He'll be relieved more than anything else. His team were pushed all the way and looked second best for long spells. However, his substitutions were spot on, with Essugo and João Pedro making decisive contributions. He got the win, but it was far from convincing.

Wrexham Player Ratings vs Chelsea

Goalkeeper

Arthur Okonkwo - 5.0: A nightmare evening for the Wrexham keeper. He was incredibly unfortunate with the own goal that deflected in off him. He made a few saves but conceding four always looks bad. His distribution was erratic, putting his team under pressure. A very tough day at the office.

Defenders

Callum Doyle - 8.5: An absolutely colossal performance. He scored a fantastic goal to put his team 2-1 up and even grabbed an assist. Defensively he was a warrior, making tackles and crucial clearances. He was everywhere for his team. He did not deserve to be on the losing side.

Max Cleworth - 6.5: A really battling display from the defender. He made five important clearances and was composed on the ball when he had it. He fought for every ball and stood up to the challenge of facing top attackers. A performance full of heart.

Dominic Hyam - 6.0: The captain led by example with his commitment, making an incredible 12 clearances. He put his body on the line time and time again. However, he was caught out for a couple of the goals and committed a few fouls. A tireless but ultimately difficult night.

Midfielders

George Thomason - 7.0: A true midfield warrior. He made a crucial goal-line clearance and was a disruptive force throughout. He never shied away from a tackle, picking up a deserved yellow card. He ran his heart out for the badge. A very committed performance.

George Dobson - 5.0: For 90 minutes, he was excellent. He was breaking up play and protecting his defence. But his red card completely changed the game. It was a rush of blood that cost his team dearly in extra time. A moment of madness that overshadowed a good performance.

Zak Vyner - 6.5: A really solid and disciplined 76 minutes. He read the game brilliantly, making four interceptions. He provided a great screen for the back four. Wrexham looked more vulnerable after he was substituted. He did his job very well.

Ryan Longman - 6.0: A hard-working shift on the wing. He tracked back diligently to help his full-back. He didn't offer a huge amount going forward, but his defensive work was vital. A disciplined and selfless performance for the team.

Forwards

Ollie Rathbone - 6.0: It just wasn't his night. He was full of running but struggled to get into the game. The Chelsea defence managed him well. He was substituted after 66 minutes. A frustrating evening where he couldn't showcase his talent.

Lewis O'Brien - 7.5: An unbelievable display of energy and desire. Winning 12 duels and making 8 tackles is just staggering. He was the engine room of the team. He covered every blade of grass and never gave the Chelsea players a moment's peace. A truly heroic effort.

Sam Smith - 7.5: He took his goal brilliantly to give Wrexham the lead. It was a fantastic finish that set the tone for his team. He was a real handful with his movement. His performance gave his team genuine belief they could win. An excellent contribution.

Substitutes

Kieffer Moore - 6.5: His physical presence caused problems and he was unlucky to have an assist for a disallowed goal.

Josh Windass - 7.0: Made a great impact, providing the assist for Doyle's goal with a smart delivery.

Nathan Broadhead - 6.0: Ran hard but couldn't really get into the flow of the game.

Ryan Barnett - 6.0: Brought on for fresh legs at a difficult time in the match.

Lewis Brunt - 6.5: Had a goal cruelly disallowed by VAR that would have been an iconic moment.

Davis Keillor-Dunn - N/A: Didn't have enough time to influence the game.

Manager

P. Parkinson - 8.0: He should be immensely proud of his team. His game plan was nearly perfect, and his players executed it with passion and courage. They went toe-to-toe with a Premier League giant and were arguably the better team for 90 minutes. The red card was out of his hands, but his tactical setup was superb.