LONDON: Chelsea wrapped up a dramatic day in their modern history by narrowly avoiding an FA Cup shock as they recovered from a goal down to beat Luton 3-2 at Kenilworth Road.

Romelu Lukaku tapped home Timo Werner’s cross late on to thwart the Hatters’ dreams of a first quarter-final since 1994, on the day when Roman Abramovich signalled the impending end of his Blues reign.

Werner scored and made both Chelsea’s other goals on a solid night for the Germany forward, with Saul Niguez also clipping home.

But any notions of a nice and easy night were scotched as soon as the unchallenged Reece Burke thumped in a second-minute header for the second-tier hosts.

Harry Cornick’s collected finish put Luton 2-1 up at half-time and dreaming of a major upset over last season’s beaten FA Cup finalists. In vain.

Saints through

Romain Perraud’s stunning first-half rocket lit up St Mary’s as Southampton marched into the FA Cup quarter-finals by dispatching Premier League rivals West Ham 3-1.

French full-back Perraud stylishly set Saints on course for victory with his first goal for the club, lashing home a swerving strike from more than 25 yards.

Michail Antonio briefly levelled for the Hammers but James Ward-Prowse’s penalty – awarded following VAR intervention – and a late Armando Broja goal sent the hosts through.

Ward-Prowse coolly converted from 12 yards with just over 20 minutes remaining after Craig Dawson was adjudged to have brought down substitute Broja as he bore down on goal.

Liverpool eye all four

A brace from Takumi Minamino was enough to see Jurgen Klopp’s Reds progress to the quarter-finals in the FA Cup against Norwich at Anfield.

Klopp made 10 changes to the side that beat Chelsea in the League Cup final, with Diogo Jota retaining his place in the starting XI.

Dean Smith’s side threatened to come back late in the game after Lukas Rupp made it 2-1 from distance.

Ultimately, it wasn’t enough as Klopp’s side took a small step towards a potential quadruple season on home soil.

###