Chelsea defeated Championship team Preston at Stamford Bridge thanks to four goals in the second half, securing their spot in the FA Cup fourth round.
Just before the hour, Armando Broja scored the first goal with a fantastic glancing header from Malo Gusto's left-wing cross. Eight minutes later, Thiago Silva scored from a corner, going unmarked.
Raheem Sterling's diving free kick from 20 yards out beat Freddie Woodman in the Preston goal for his third goal in 11 minutes.
After being first marked offside, Enzo Fernandez added a fourth late in the game from close range after being checked by the video assistance referee.
Preston, who was aggressive in the first half and tried to assault Chelsea at every chance, was harshly punished by the score, even though the hosts had the better opportunities.
Fernandez's exquisite pass over the top set Cole Palmer up for the best opportunity of the group, but Palmer dinked wide after heading straight at Woodman from six yards out.
After the half, Mauricio Pochettino's team was much more clinical and took the game away from Preston as the visitors wore thin.
Chelsea's focus will now shift to Tuesday's first leg of their Carabao Cup semifinal match against Middlesbrough.