SAME OLD STORY AS BLUES STRUGGLE THROUGH

AS Chelsea's disgruntled players walked across the pitch at the Racecourse Ground at halftime on Saturday evening to get to the tunnel, it was a case of the same old story for the Blues.

- BY BOBBY VINCENT

Too often this season, they have made wholesale changes to their side for a domestic cup match but have then disappointed on the pitch, especially in the first half. It happened against Cardiff, Lincoln and Charlton. This time it was Wrexham's turn.

Chelsea ended up getting the job done, requiring extra-time, and as the old adage goes: the result is more important than the performance in the cup.

The Blues are into the last eight of the FA Cup after a thrilling, yet concerning, 4-2 win.

But these victories over lower-league opposition have rarely been convincing for Chelsea. It does not quite feel sustainable.

Too often have either Liam Rosenior or Enzo Maresca been forced to call upon the big guns.