Tosin Adarabioyo delivered a career-defining performance as Chelsea crushed Morecambe 5-0 in a commanding FA Cup tie, Soccernet.football reports.
The 27-year-old centre-back, who has become a vital figure under manager Enzo Maresca, netted his first career brace in style.
Adarabioyo opened the scoring in the 39th minute with a long-range strike that deflected off a defender and wrongfooted Morecambe goalkeeper Harry Burgoyne.
The deflection, however, did little to diminish the quality of the goal, as the Nigerian defender showed his attacking instincts.
The highlight of the night came in the 70th minute when Adarabioyo added a second—a goal that will undoubtedly live long in memory.
After a clever assist from fellow London-born Nigerian Tyrique George, Adarabioyo controlled the ball at the edge of the box and unleashed a curling shot into the top left corner. It was a goal that underlined his confidence and marked his third of the season.
Christopher Nkunku, who had earlier missed a penalty, doubled Chelsea’s lead in the 50th minute by reacting quickly to a parried save from Burgoyne. João Félix added the final gloss to the performance with two goals in as many minutes in the closing stages.
Tyrique George, making an impression in the first team, provided two assists and was pivotal in Chelsea’s fluid attacking display. The 18-year-old is quickly becoming one to watch under Maresca’s tutelage.
Adarabioyo, who has stepped up in the absence of the injured Wesley Fofana, has now made 17 appearances across all competitions this season.
His commanding performance against Morecambe is expected to further cement his place in the starting lineup.