“Big brother” Raheem Sterling is defended by Carney Chukwuemeka as the Chelsea player raises Cole Palmer’s point.Despite the various reactions Raheem Sterling received during the Blues’ FA Cup victory against Leicester, young Chelsea star Carney Chukwuemeka has complimented Sterling and called him his “big brother”.

Cheers and jeers met Sterling’s departure off the field late in the match, with several supporters near the Stamford Bridge dugout pleading with manager Mauricio Pochettino to replace him. He had already squandered two excellent chances to help Chelsea win the game, which they did 4-2 in the end with to goals from substitutes Chukwuemeka and Noni Madueke in the closing seconds.

Some home fans chastised Sterling for stealing the ball from Cole Palmer, the team’s customary penalty taker, following Sterling’s first-half penalty win. Jakub Stolarczyk of Leicester saved the penalty. More anger was expressed when he curtailed play and delivered a 20-yard free kick high into the stand behind the goal. Pochettino was roundly jeered when he substituted Mykhailo Mudryk, who had performed admirably, for Sterling in the 78th minute.

It took four minutes for the 29-year-old Englishman to finally be replaced in the game. Two minutes into extra time, Chukwuemeka, who scored his first goal at Stamford Bridge to tie the game at three, vehemently backed Sterling, citing his importance as a role model for Chelsea’s younger players.

“Raheem is an experienced player, he’s had an amazing career,” he stated. “His skill as a football player is well known. This season, he has helped the squad win a ton of penalties and contributed goals and assists.

“It occurs. He is a person. Players blow opportunities and have a bad day. We remain in his wake. Even so, he was given an assist on Cole’s goal, which gave Chelsea a 2-0 lead.

He’s been a huge help to us kids since we came, especially to me, Noni, and Cole. He’s continuously criticizing us and pointing out areas where we can get better, both within and outside of football. He plays a significant role. He resembles my older brother.”

Chukwuemeka had only scored twice for Chelsea since moving from Aston Villa in August 2022. The 20-year-old only made a comeback to play in February after undergoing surgery in August for a knee issue.

Palmer, who was outstanding once more, set him up with a fantastic flick that allowed him to score the goal that effectively ended the match against Leicester. Chukwuemeka remarked, “(Palmer) makes a massive difference.”