CHELSEA squeezed into the fifth round of the FA Cup this afternoon, but it was far from convincing.

Without absent manager Thomas Tuchel after the German tested positive for Covid-19, the Blues were made to work hard against League One Plymouth Argyle.

What the Pilgrims lacked in star names, they made up for in tactical nous and hard work.

And this started with rookie boss Steven Schumacher identifying the perfect plan to nullify Jorginho.

The Italian was fielded at the base of midfield, as the Blues stuck with the 4-1-4-1 formation that served them well against Tottenham prior to the winter break.

Tuchel and Co would have wanted Jorginho to run the game from in front of the back four, to dictate tempo with smart, quick passing.

But Argyle saw this coming.

Forward Luke Jephcott was instructed to sit on the Euro 2020 winner when Argyle were out of possession, not allowing him any space to comfortably pick up possession and make Chelsea tick.

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And just like that, the man that came third in last year's Ballon d'Or was non-entity in the game.

If a League One team can do it, it's safe to assume that Premier League or Champions League sides could cotton on.

For in this system if you stop Jorginho, you stop Chelsea.

And what top managers may realise with increasing regularity, is that the 30-year-old can be got at.

Today, Chelsea's quality eventually told and they were able to overcome Argyle's commendable effort in extra time.

But in the long run, this midfield issue will cost the Blues a chance at winning the Premier League title, even under the brilliant management of Tuchel.

The 48-year-old's predecessor Frank Lampard wanted West Ham star Declan Rice before receiving the axe 13 months ago.

And it appears Tuchel would like the England ace too – so it might be about time that Chelsea's board listen to their coach and secure the signature of the Hammers' hottest property.

It may be that Tuchel has wanted to field a back four this entire time at Chelsea, even before his recent dalliance with it.

But for it to flourish properly, he may need a player with Rice's thrust on the ball.

This season's Prem title is gone… but Blues fans will be praying that they can sign a difference maker in order to try and win next year's.

Rice is that man.

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