Barnsley boss Valerien Ismael states that his strategy was designed “to make Chelsea make mistakes” in the Emirates FA Cup clash on Thursday night.

Tammy Abraham’s second-half goal helped Thomas Tuchel’s side squeeze through in a match that Barnsley were superb and gallant in defeat, with Alex Mowatt and Callum Brittain dictating play for the hosts.

Barnsley boss Valerien Ismael to BBC Sport: “It’s exactly the game we wanted, we made a great performance. We could see how far we can bring our principles, to make Chelsea make mistakes, we did it perfect in the first half but we had to score.

“It was a change in the second half, Chelsea made a change of shape and had more control. We were punished for one moment which was a shame. But we kept fighting to the end, we are proud of the performance.

“We know that we can compete at that level. Chelsea could have had a penalty, the goal could have been offside, they are 50/50. Tonight we go to bed with a good feeling.”

(On there being no VAR for tonight’s game) ” I saw Sheffield United v Bristol City and I saw the VAR (being used) and I was delighted against Chelsea we would have it, but it didn’t happen.

“We had to score in the first half, this was the most important thing, if we scored it could’ve been a different game.

“We were very delighted with the performance, less with the result but we improved and tonight it was the next step for the guys to see how far we can bring our principles against a side like Chelsea and I think we saw that tonight.”

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