One could only imagine the scene in Thomas Tuchel’s living room. An agitated and expressive man at the best of times, the German would have been in a state of sheer frenzy in this match.
At home having tested positive for Covid, hopes for a relaxed afternoon in front of the television were soon dashed as he watched his side given a seismic scare by little old Plymouth Argyle.
For 33 minutes the League One side led the European champions and they remained level until the clock ticked into three figures, 106 minutes.
Marcos Alonso scored Chelsea’s winner deep into extra time as they saw off the spirited challenge of League One Plymouth
Relief was the overwhelming sensation for Chelsea as they were pushed hard and into extra time by their lower league visitors
Plymouth had a golden opportunity to take the contest to penalties but Ryan Hardie saw his late penalty saved by Kepa
Hardie was disconsolate at the final whistle after seeing his penalty late in extra time kept out to confirm Plymouth’s defeat
Whether ahead, level or behind, the underdogs never sat back and continued to create genuine chances to spark a monumental upset.
Striker Ryan Hardie missed a 115th-minute penalty in front of a packed Shed End. ‘It just wasn’t meant to be, it wasn’t our day,’ said boss Steven Schumacher. But what a monumental effort this was from his side.
In Tuchel-like agitated fashion, Schumacher – just his 10th match as a manager – metaphorically kicked every ball on the touchline. He wasn’t here just to enjoy the day out, he was here to win.
‘Schuey’s at the wheel,’ sang the away end, 6,000 of them, of their boss, whose fearless team grew in confidence with every passing minute.
Those away fans were excellent, by the way. A sea of green in the shed end – some in fancy dress, some shirtless, comedian Josh Widdicombe among them.
They celebrated every block, tackle and clearance as if a goal and never stopped singing. ‘Champions of Europe, you’re having a laugh,’ they joked.
Plymouth stunned Stamford Bridge by taking an early lead when Macaulay Gillesphey flicked home a glancing header
It was the dream start for Plymouth, who sent 6,000 travelling supporters at Stamford Bridge into delirium with the opener
But this was no joke and as the second half grew older, thoughts of a shock got stronger, as did anxiety in the Chelsea ranks.
Macaulay Gillesphey, once of Newcastle’s academy, put Argyle ahead after eight minutes, a glancing header to convert the free-kick of Jordan Houghton, a former FA Youth Cup winner at Chelsea.
‘The Youth Cup is like the World Cup for an academy player… the pinnacle,’ he said last week. His story was just one of many fairytale subplots in the Plymouth team, a lot of them cast-offs who couldn’t quite make it at the top level.
So they all had a point to prove and they fought for this match like their lives depended on it. Goalkeeper Michael Cooper, a Devon-born 22-year-old, was the pick of the bunch.
‘This is something my players can look back on at the end of their career and say, ‘That day at Chelsea when we took the European champions right to the wire’,’ added Schumacher. ‘They should be so proud.
Cesar Azpilicueta managed to draw Chelsea level just before half-time after they’d spurned a hatful of chances to equalise
Captain Azpilicueta flicked home with the inside of his boot to restore parity for Chelsea just before half-time
‘Each and every one of them stuck to the task, gave everything they’ve got and showed glimpses of quality.’
Yes, they rode their luck in parts, with Chelsea hitting the woodwork three times before Cesar Azplilicueta’s equaliser. But they didn’t let that goal deflate their confidence and the Pilgrims took it in turns to make game-saving interventions.
Captain Joe Edwards denied Kai Havertz with a last-ditch block and then Cooper acrobatically denied Mason Mount’s shot, which was bound for the top corner.
Chelsea, led here by Arno Michels in the dugout, continued to bang on Plymouth’s door but it was slammed shut and they were forced into extra time.
Schumacher wisely used his five substitutions to add fresh legs, while Chelsea threw on £150million of talent in Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, Marcos Alonso and Saul Niguez.
‘There has been ongoing communication with Thomas, I was in touch with him all game,’ said stand-in boss Michels. ‘Everything was clear. It was different without Thomas by our side but I enjoyed it and it felt good.’
His substitutes changed little until one of them, Alonso, scored from close range with the last kick of the first period of extra time.
Often when teams go behind in extra time they give up or capitulate. Not Plymouth. They continued to attack and nearly, so very nearly, scored a famous equaliser.
Hardie nicked the ball from Malang Sarr, charged through on goal and was felled by the defender. In front of 6,000 of his fans, Hardie’s penalty was poor, weak and an easy save for Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Again, if only one could be a fly on the wall in the living room of the Tuchel household. His team got through but only by the skin of their teeth.
But as Tuchel’s assistant said, the result is all that matters. ‘In the FA Cup, the most important thing is to go through and that’s what we did,’ said Michels.
Schumacher added: ‘The emotion I’m most feeling is pride. I asked the players to give us everything and not leave anything in the tank and they did – they should be really proud of themselves.’
SCROLL DOWN TO RE-LIVE HOW THE ACTION UNFOLDED WITH ADAM SHERGOLD
Extra time in those two matches has pushed us right into the 3pm kick-offs in the FA Cup with Manchester City and Fulham already trading goals.
CLICK HERE to follow all the goals as they go in. Thanks for joining me.
Kidderminster left absolutely stunned, they couldn’t have given any more today and what a way to be knocked out. West Ham through by the skin of their teeth.
The whole stadium applauds the efforts of the non-league side as they walk off the pitch at Aggborough.
Thanks to that Jarrod Bowen winner in the final seconds, it’s West Ham who advance to the next round.
All over at Stamford Bridge and the Plymouth players sink to their knees, not quite believing they haven’t forced penalties against the European champions.
Not sure if Ryan Hardie would be taking one after that poor spot-kick in the dying moments of extra time there.
They took the lead against Chelsea but top-flight class eventually prevailed – just about – thanks to those goals by Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso.
So it’s Chelsea who push through to round five but massive credit to Plymouth, who were formidable opponents today.
Now that is really cruel on Kidderminster Harriers.
Seconds away from taking this cup tie to penalties and West Ham have scored what will surely be the winner. Jarrod Bowen taps home at the back stick after Cresswell had played the ball across the face of goal.
West Ham have saved their skins at the death here.
Into stoppage time at the end of extra time at Stamford Bridge and Plymouth pushing desperately for an equaliser.
Oh no! That’s not a good penalty at all. Ryan Hardie dusted himself down to take it but doesn’t get enough power and Kepa dives low to his left to clutch the ball. Plymouth waste their golden chance!
Looks like we’ll have a late twist! Plymouth have been awarded a penalty by referee Simon Hooper after Malang Sarr brought down Hardie
Chelsea looking for that game-killing third goal at the Bridge. Werner sees a shot blocked and then Ziyech’s attempted cross doesn’t find Lukaku. In the end, Ziyech shoots wastefully wide.
Kurt Zouma is down and looks in quite a bit of pain. He trod on the ball and then stretched his leg before going to the turf. He’ll need some treatment.
West Ham put the ball in the net but celebrations are cut short by an offside flag. It was a through ball into Yarmolenko in the build up and the Ukrainian was beyond the last defender prior to squaring for Bowen to tap home. No goal. Sighs of relief all around Kidderminster!
Plymouth throwing everything at Chelsea in the opening minutes of this second period. The ball sits up nicely for Ryan Broom on the edge of the box and his shot hits Sarr on the shoulder.
West Ham now shooting towards their travelling fans again and already on the offensive with Pablo Fornals seeing an early shot well blocked.
Amari Morgan-Smith is taken off for Kidderminster at the beginning of the second period of extra time. Isaiah Martin comes on. Can the non-league club see it through to penalties?
Back playing again also at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea now leading Plymouth 2-1.
Not too many scares for Kidderminster in that first 15 minutes of extra time.
A hammer blow there for Plymouth Argyle as Chelsea take the lead just before half time in extra time.
It’s Marcos Alonso, rolling the ball home from 10 yards after the ball was cut back by Kai Havertz.
Is that the goal that kills off Plymouth’s spirited challenge? They will check for offside on VAR, however. But the goal stands, there is no let off for Argyle.
Kai Havertz appealing forlornly for a Chelsea penalty. He felt he was held back by Wilson as he ran into the Plymouth box. Nothing doing.
Good football by West Ham with Benrahma receiving the ball on the left side of the box, looking to cross into Bowen in the centre. Vital interception by Richards in the middle to deny Bowen.
Chelsea making a change as Mason Mount is replaced by Saul Niguez seven minutes into extra time.
West Ham win a corner early on in extra time after Yarmolenko’s shot was deflected wide. Jarrod Bowen gets space to shoot on his right foot but it ripples the side-netting to ironic cheers from the home fans behind that goal.
Chelsea straight on the offensive and Mason Mount flashes a shot across goal and wide after breaching Plymouth lines.
30 extra minutes at both Stamford Bridge and Aggborough getting underway. Penalties could follow.
I imagine you don’t have to be a Kidderminster fan to feel just a little gutted for the sixth-tier side when Declan Rice rescued West Ham there. Into extra time at Aggborough too and Kidderminster will need to dig deep.
The full time whistle sounds at Stamford Bridge and we will go into extra time. Chelsea just unable to take their many chances during the second half.
Oh what a heartbreaker!
Kidderminster were seconds away from seeing out this game. But West Ham’s England international midfielder Declan Rice has saved the blushes of the Premier League side.
All Rice’s own work, twisting inside the box as the one last chance West Ham had prayed for came their way, lashing the ball high into the net and celebrating with the away fans.
The Hammers live to fight another day and we’re bound for extra time.
Chelsea’s Timo Werner is sprung clear by Romelu Lukaku, just the keeper to beat but the German doesn’t seem to react and James Wilson slides in to make the intervention for Plymouth.
Two minutes of stoppage time for Plymouth to see out for extra time.
Simpson in the Kidderminster goal hasn’t had much to do in all honesty but he’s done well there, getting a crucial hand in the way of Benrahma’s effort from almost point blank range.
Goodness me, Kidderminster almost scored a second there. Amari Morgan-Smith tries to direct Hemmings’ pinged long ball towards goal but a difficult chance and he can only direct it over.
The home fans daring to sing about going to Wembley..
Another opening for Chelsea, another piece of heroic defending. Ziyech cuts inside and shoots, with two Plymouth defenders sliding in to block. Under five minutes remain of normal time.
Kidderminster just mangling to keep the ball for a spell, even winning a corner to wind down the clock. None of their players moving especially quickly to do anything and who can blame them!
All West Ham pressure now as you’d imagine at Aggborough. The home fans trying to keep their players going for one final effort. They’re managing to defend soundly at the moment. 10 minutes plus stoppage time left.
Yarmolenko throws himself to the ground in search of a penalty. The referee isn’t sold and that’s embarrassing from the Ukrainian to be honest.
Timo Werner coming on for Chelsea, with Mateo Kovacic going off, as they push for that late winner.
Approaching the final 10 minutes at Stamford Bridge and Chelsea forcing a succession of corners. Plymouth defending gamely as they repeatedly scramble the ball clear. Can they see it through to extra time?
Then another stupendous save by Cooper, sticking out a hand to deny Kai Havertz at the near post.
West Ham very tedious in their build-up play at times, passing for the sake of passing.
It falls to Declan Rice about 25 yards out, the ball sitting up nicely, and he lashes a shot high and wide.
Into the final 15 minutes…
What a stunning save! Michael Cooper yet again for Plymouth, this time a fingertip save to keep out Mason Mount’s goalbound strike. What a superb afternoon the Plymouth keeper is having.
Chelsea ramping up the pressure again as Azpilicueta is given licence to run into the Plymouth box and take Ziyech’s through pass. Again, Cooper is equal to it with the block.
From the next move, Malang Sarr blazes the ball high into the Matthew Harding Stand from a good position.
A quarter of each match remaining…
Chelsea being held still by Plymouth Argyle at 1-1 and we would be heading into extra time as it stands.
And Kidderminster now 23 minutes away from a very famous win over West Ham.
Oh, Chelsea simply have score there. Kai Havertz is set clean through thanks to a long ball but as he prepares to shoot, a tremendous slide tackle by Joe Edwards denies him.
Chelsea making a sub as Kai Havertz comes on for Callum Hudson-Odoi.
And West Ham are making two changes – Mark Noble taken off for Tomas Soucek as Aaron Cresswell comes on for Ben Johnson.
That’s a brilliant save by Kidderminster’s Luke Simpson to deny Jarrod Bowen at his near post. Yarmolenko was able to work space inside the Harriers box to tee Bowen up and his shot was dealt with well.
Just a few signs that West Ham are growing into the game as they increase the pressure.
Chelsea getting closer and closer and Plymouth are again indebted to their keeper Michael Cooper, who gets down to smother a shot.
Cesar Azpilicueta then has the ball in the net once again but the flag is up for offside.
Nathan Cameron with a potentially crucial block there for Kidderminster as Said Benrahma tries to turn the ball home for West Ham.
Down the other end and Matt Preston meets a Harriers corner with a header and sends the ball up and over the bar.
Romelu Lukaku inches away there from sliding Chelsea in front. Some near passing inside the Plymouth box works space for Ziyech to roll the ball across the six yard box. Lukaku stretches and can’t quite connect as it flies through.
Kidderminster no doubt will tick off this second half in five minute intervals. The home fans behind the goal appealing for handball as it strikes Craig Dawson. Nothing doing.
Andriy Yarmolenko not happy there. He takes a reducer of a challenge in the centre circle, nothing given by the referee, he is goaded by the Kidderminster fans and then gets the ball while hobbling on one leg. He just about does enough to keep West Ham in possession and will have to run off the knock.
Chelsea straight onto the offensive in the opening stages of the second half as Mateo Kovacic gets a sniff of goal after Hakim Ziyech prodded the ball through. Just too much pace on it and Cooper claims for Plymouth.
Are the National League North side 45 minutes away from a sensational upset? Or can West Ham claw their way back into the game?
Two changes at the break for the Hammers – Declan Rice and Craig Dawson have come on for Alex Kral and Issa Diop.
Plymouth back out early for the second-half, closely followed by Chelsea. The game nicely poised at 1-1 and there has been a sub for the home side with Marcos Alonso replacing Andreas Christensen.
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Huge cheers and applause for Kidderminster as they leave the field. They have been absolutely majestic and we could be on course for a very memorable FA Cup upset here.
West Ham have been dreadful, creating little of note, and the non-leaguers punished them through Alex Penny’s 19th-minute goal.
David Moyes’s side must improve in the second half otherwise humiliation awaits them here.
Chelsea really turning the screw as the first-half ends. They got back on level terms through Cesar Azpilicueta having previously hit the woodwork three times after Macaulay Gillesphey had headed League One Plymouth into the lead early on.
The European champions very much the favourites to go on and win from here you’d imagine but this is the FA Cup.
Vlasic’s attempted run forward is brought to a crunching halt but West Ham have the chance to finish the half on a high. Mark Noble floats up a ball to the edge of the Harriers box but it’s comfortably dealt with. Not happening for the Hammers.
And Plymouth couldn’t hold out… Chelsea’s pressure was mounting and it’s their captain Cesar Azpilicueta, with a very cute flick finish, who has drawn them level. He met Mason Mount’s ball in from the right flank and beat Cooper with a neat near post finish. 1-1.
West Ham force a corner that Mark Noble will take short. Said Benrahma gives it back and they take ages getting the ball into the box before Johnson’s attempted cross-field pass sails out of play.
And that just about sums it up for the Premier League side.
Goodness me, that Plymouth goal is leading a charmed life today!
This time Chelsea hit the inside of the post through Mateo Kovacic’s shot from the edge of the box after Lukaku teed him up. The ball bounces back out and to safety.
The third time the home side have hit the woodwork.
West Ham have been pretty lifeless in this opening half-an-hour at Kidderminster. David Moyes stood on the edge of his technical area, trying to figure out how they can inject some energy into their performance. An equaliser doesn’t exactly appear imminent.
Another good save by Cooper in the Plymouth goal, getting down well at his near post to turn aside a 20-yard strike by Cesar Azpilicueta that threatened to sneak in.
Chelsea strike the woodwork once again! Callum Hudson-Odoi this time, with a header at the back spot that bounces back off the crossbar. Plymouth using up a few lives.
Approaching the half hour mark in west London and Chelsea win themselves another corner. Romelu Lukaku briefly looks interested but Plymouth clear the danger.
They get the subsequent corner away as well then a snapshot by Ziyech is well held by Plymouth keeper Cooper.
That wasn’t too far away at all… Omari Sterling-James bends a free-kick on the edge of the box around the West Ham wall and just past the post as Kidderminster look to inflict further damage.
Great scenes at Kidderminster. A red smoke flare was set off during the celebrations in the home end. ‘1-0 on your big day out,’ the home faithful taunt those travelling West Ham fans, who would rather be anywhere else right now.
Oh my, there’s something in the water today!
Non-league Kidderminster have taken the lead against Premier League West Ham – can you believe it!?
Harriers win a free-kick wide on the left and keeper Areola comes out and fails to collect, dropping the ball at the feet of Alex Penny off a couple of deflections with defender Issa Diop unable to get it clear. Penny has the composure to place his shot into the net.
And Aggborough has just gone wild…
What moments to savour these are for the Argyle fans. They’re loud and proud at the moment with the rest of Stamford Bridge eerily silent.
Meanwhile, Kidderminster giving as good as they get against West Ham.
Kidderminster are holding their own in the opening 10 minutes against West Ham. Sam Austin and Ashley Hemmings have cracks at goal in quick succession that Alphonse Areola has to deal with.
West Ham United's Andriy Yarmolenko (left) and Kidderminster Harriers' Ashley Hemmings
Chelsea not looking too shell-shocked as they seek an immediate equaliser and they rattle the crossbar through Mateo Kovacic! Is that a sign that Plymouth’s luck is in today?
Oh wow! Could we be on course for a seismic cup upset here?
There is delirium in the away end at Stamford Bridge because Plymouth have broken the deadlock. A glancing header from Macaulay Gillesphey from a free-kick out on the left-hand touchline.
Chelsea just didn’t deal with the danger, Gillesphey maybe with a little nudge on his marker but VAR saw nothing the matter and he was onside too.
What a game we have on our hands now.
Neat passing down the right side by Chelsea leads to an opportunity for Hakim Ziyech, whose curling shot is easy enough for Michael Cooper in the Plymouth goal to deal with.
‘Is this a library?’ Sing the travelling fans behind that goal. Classic.
Chelsea have made a very bright start as they look to seize the initiative against their League One opponents. Jorginho pings an early shot not too far wide of the post.
The action underway at Stamford Bridge, where there is a fine atmosphere. Chelsea in their familiar blue home strip, Plymouth in their change colours of white.
Slightly later but we’re also playing at Aggborough, where Kidderminster are in their red home colours and West Ham are in white with a blue tinge on the sleeves. The Hammers kick us off.
First-team coaches Arno Michels and Zsolt Low took charge for Chelsea in Tuchel’s absence.
The Blues manager’s trusted long-term assistants would run the game from the touchline, but
Michels revealed the Chelsea bench would keep in touch with Tuchel throughout the match.
“First of all he cannot come today because he tested positive, so he has to follow the government guidelines and restrictions and we will see what happens in the next few days,” Michels told Chelsea’s website.
“He was fully in charge throughout the whole week with the preparation for the game, so he knows exactly what’s going on today and we will stay in touch with him during the game also, so it’s all good.”
It’s time for the action to get underway as the teams emerge both at Stamford Bridge and Aggborough.
Two very contrasting venues, it’s fair to say, but we hope for engrossing FA Cup ties at both this lunchtime.
Kidderminster’s home completely packed to the rafters as you’d imagine, not a ticket to be had. Plymouth, meanwhile, backed by a huge 6,000-strong following from Devon filling all of the Shed End at Stamford Bridge.
David Moyes, speaking on BBC One: ‘We need to play well, look after how we play, they had a great result to get through to this and we need to respect that.
‘We always take the cups strongly, we respect the competition and we want a good run in the cup.
‘I’ve seen the lower leagues and I know exactly what this means to the people of Kidderminster.’
All four sets of players are out on their respective pitches warming up with just under 30 minutes until kick off.
KIERAN JACKSON: For a club with the financial might of Chelsea, flexing their financial muscles has usually been no problem in the transfer market.
Yet after a £100million-plus outlay last summer and with squad depth only bettered by Man City in the in the Premier League, manager Thomas Tuchel opted not to sign any new senior players last month.
Despite that, focus is turning towards the summer. With some first-team stars yet to renew their contracts, who is being linked to replace them? Sportsmail takes a look at the likely ins and outs at Stamford Bridge.
READ THE FULL STORY BELOW
Andreas Christensen is the sole change to a strong Chelsea starting XI to face the Pilgrims, with Thiago Silva unavailable after international duty.
Chelsea have kept the back four that underpinned the 2-0 win over Tottenham on January 23, with Malang Sarr again starting at left-back.
Brazilian defender Kenedy is on the bench following his return from a loan spell at Flamengo.
Plymouth have made three changes to face the Blues, with a likely 3-5-2 set-up to be employed.
Danny Mayor, Panutche Camara and Jordon Garrick all start for the visitors from League One.
Chelsea: Arrizabalaga, Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger, Sarr, Mount, Jorginho, Kovacic, Ziyech, Lukaku, Hudson-Odoi.
Subs: Kenedy, Alonso, Werner, Bettinelli, Chalobah, Saul, Barkley, Havertz, Sharman-Lowe.
Plymouth: Michael Cooper, Edwards, Wilson, Scarr, Gillesphey, Grant, Camara, Houghton, Mayor, Jephcott, Garrick.
Subs: Bolton, Broom, Hardie, Ennis, Lewis, Randell, Burton, Law, Craske.
West Ham boss David Moyes has named a strong side to face Kidderminster in the FA Cup.
Mark Noble captains the Hammers with Kurt Zouma, Jarrod Bowen, Said Benrahma and Andriy Yarmolenko also starting.
Declan Rice is among the substitutes at Aggborough with the Hammers looking to avoid a fourth-round upset against the National League North hosts.
Kidderminster: Simpson, Penny, Cameron, Bajrami, Richards, Preston, Carrington, Hemmings, Austin, Sterling-James, Morgan-Smith.
Subs: Redmond, Lowe, Montrose, Foulkes, Martin, Lissimore, White, Emery, Bastable.
West Ham: Areola, Fredericks, Zouma, Diop, Johnson, Kral, Noble, Bowen, Vlasic, Yarmolenko, Benrahma.
Subs: Cresswell, Coufal, Fornals, Dawson, Soucek, Randolph, Okoflex, Rice, Alese.
Some breaking news to give you now…
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has tested positive for Covid-19 ahead of the game.
Tuchel will therefore be absent when the Blues take on Steven Schumacher’s League One outfit at Stamford Bridge as he begins a period of self-isolation.
The German is hoping to join up with his side in Abu Dhabi later next week, where they will be contesting this year’s Club World Cup.
After their FA Cup meeting with Plymouth, Chelsea stars will make their way to the Middle East for the annual competition.
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Hello and welcome to Sportsmail’s live coverage of Chelsea’s FA Cup fourth round clash with League One Plymouth Argyle.
After Middlesbrough stunned Manchester United at Old Trafford last night, are we about to see a second huge upset?
We’ll also be providing all the latest from the day’s other lunchtime kick off where West Ham travel to the Midlands to take on sixth-tier Kidderminster Harriers.
Adam Shergold
Host commentator