Paul Merson described Tosin Adarabioyo’s opening goal for Chelsea in their FA Cup third-round match against Morecambe FC as a ‘fluke.’ The defender scored in the 39th minute of Chelsea’s commanding 5-0 victory at Stamford Bridge, taking advantage of a huge slice of luck.
Adarabioyo’s long-range shot from outside the box deflected off Morecambe defender Callum Jones, completely wrong-footing goalkeeper Harry Burgoyne.
Up until then, Burgoyne had been solid, diving to his right and seemingly set to save the effort. However, the deflection sent the ball into the far post, breaking the deadlock in a tough moment for the underdogs.
Paul Merson, an Arsenal legend and now a football pundit, reacted live on Sky Sports News. “Chelsea are ahead, but it’s pure luck. Tosin hits it from 25 yards out, it takes a massive deflection, and Burgoyne has no chance—it’s a cruel moment for Morecambe.”
Adarabioyo added a second goal after halftime, this time a stunning effort that showcased his quality. Merson referred to it as a ‘worldie.’ The goals brought Adarabioyo’s tally for Chelsea to three since joining as a free agent last summer.
Earlier in the match, Chelsea star Christopher Nkunku had a dramatic moment when his penalty was saved by Burgoyne. Despite being ‘well off his line,’ as Merson observed, the lack of VAR allowed the save to stand. Nkunku redeemed himself in the second half by scoring, contributing to Chelsea’s emphatic win over the League Two side.