Liam Delap played a key role in Chelsea’s first equalising goal in the FA Cup fifth round against Wrexham, although Wayne Rooney still wants to see more from the striker.
Things were nowhere near comfortable for Liam Rosenior against the Championship side, however he saw his side make their way into the next round with a 4-2 win.
Alejandro Garnacho and Joao Pedro sealed the deal in extra-time, after the Argentine played a key part in their first equaliser following great work from Delap.
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Wrexham v Chelsea - Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round
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Wayne Rooney tells Liam Delap he needs to be stronger for Chelsea
While Rooney admitted he was impressed with Delap in the build up to Chelsea’s fortunate first goal, he told the BBC that the strength he showed has to be on display far more often.
He said: “The Wrexham defenders have done really well against Liam Delap. He needs to be stronger, and this is the first time really he used his strength.
Wrexham v Chelsea - Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round
Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
“I think Delap does really well here, we need to see more of this from Delap. Every time the ball’s come into him, he’s lost it too easily. You see the difference when he does keep hold of the ball, they score.”
Delap has found opportunities in the starting XI very hard to come by due to the electric form in front of goal of Pedro, and his future chances will have been done no favours after the Brazil international was required to get past Wrexham.
Pedro instantly showed a level of class that was way beyond any of his teammates, helping them to successfully, if nervily, see out the game.
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FBL-ENG-FACUP-WREXHAM-CHELSEA
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Doubts creeping in about Delap
When looking at pure facts, Delap has scored just three goals since joining Chelsea, and two in the 2025/26 season.
This is not a tally good enough with decision makers as cutthroat as those at Stamford Bridge, and with Emanuel Emegha on the way there are worrying signs.
There is already internal concern around Delap, and he is not likely to be handed the chance to amend this from the start when the Blues return to Champions League action against PSG this week.
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