Credit: Imago

Chelsea player ratings vs Port Vale: Joao Pedro at his best, Liam Delap completely invisible

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on:

04 Apr 2026, 1:39 pm

Chelsea put League Two-bound Port Vale to the sword as Liam Rosenior's side progressed to the FA Cup semi-finals at Stamford Bridge.

The visitors' plans went straight out the window as Jorrel Hato fired home the opener in the second minute, with Joao Pedro and a Jordan Gabriel own goal hitting the back of the net before half-time.

Tosin Adarabioyo added a fourth for the Premier League giants, before Andrey Santos, Estevao, and Alejandro Garnacho all got in on the action to make it 7-0.

Chelsea could face Man City, Southampton, Arsenal, West Ham or Leeds United in the semi-finals, and while it was a routine win from Rosenior's players, much more will be needed in the next round.

TO WEMBLEY WE GO! 👊#CFC | #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/c8nrCs8G0b
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 4, 2026

Joao Pedro nets his 22nd goal of the season

Pedro has been in sensational form for Chelsea this season, with only Erling Haaland, Igor Thiago and Antoine Semenyo above him in the race for the Premier League Golden Boot, without penalties too.

Having also scored against Wrexham in the previous round, the Brazilian added to his record once again, crushing any hopes of a fairytale result for the Valiants.

Liam Delap goes missing at Stamford Bridge

Although Liam Delap only got the final 30 minutes at Stamford Bridge, it was a rather worrying cameo from the striker, who is being continuously linked with an exit ahead of the summer.

Liam Delap vs Port Vale	Stats [FotMob]
Minutes played	29
Chances created	0
Passing accuracy	100% (3/3)
Touches	4
Passes into the final third	1

He barely got a touch on the ball, let alone have a sniff at goal, struggling to get into positions quickly enough to get onto the final pass.

The game seemed to completely pass him by, and that might be one of the last times we see Delap in a Chelsea shirt if transfer rumours are to be believed.