Chelsea ensured their passage into the fourth round of the FA Cup after securing a 0-2 away victory against Derby County.
Interestingly in a week that the winner of the 2013 African footballer of the year award would be announced,John Obi Mikel who made the final three shortlist put in a good display to further underlie his credentials.
Chelsea endured a difficult first 45 minutes,failing to break Derby down to score a goal,though Ramires came close by hitting the bar.
Jose Mourinho made substitutions in the second half,throwing on Eden Hazard in place of Michael Essien,trying to avoid a replay.
Essien handed Mikel the captain's armband,which seemed as though it gave the Nigerian an added motivation.
Surprisingly it was Mikel who opened the scores for Chelsea,rising up to head in Willian's free-kick on the 66th minute to put Chelsea 1-0 up.
The goal was the second of the season for Mikel who was making his 300th appearance for the club.
Oscar put the game beyond doubt,firing in from the edge of the box to make the scores 2-0,with Chelsea qualifying for the fourth round of the competition.
They will now meet Stoke City at Stamford Bridge on January 25.
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