Chelsea stepped into the last 16 of the FA Cup after eliminating Aston Villa with a score of 1-3 in the fourth-round match, at Villa Park, on Thursday (8/2) at midnight IST. This is a positive result for the Blues after the previous three matches swallowed two defeats and one draw.
Chelsea and Aston Villa must play a replay after the previous meeting between the two teams played equally strong with a score of 0-0. At that time, Chelsea acted as the host.
In this duel, Chelsea’s sharpness was more evident. Mauricio Pochettino’s squad won three goals in advance
Chelsea’s first goal came in the 11th minute. Conor Gallagher got his name on the scoreboard.
The goal started with an attack from the left side. Then, Callagher who was not well guarded fired a hard shot right in front of Villa’s goal.
Nicolas Jackson put Chelsea away 2-0 in the 21st minute. Getting a pass from Malo Gusto, the striker’s header struck the right side of the goal.
In the 54th minute, Enzo Fernandez silenced the home crowd. The Argentine midfielder scored a beautiful goal from a free kick.
Despite the distance, the free-kick was accurate. The ball flew into the right corner of the net, which Emiliano Martinez couldn’t reach.
Aston Villa only scored in the 90+1 minute. Moussa Diaby’s long-range shot along the ground broke into the Blues’ goal. However, the goal was not enough to stem Chelsea’s victory that was in sight.
Finally, the match ended with a score of 3-1 for Chelsea’s victory. Chelsea will challenge Leeds United in the round of 16 held on 29 February 2024.
Starting Lineups
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Moreno, Lenglet, Carlos, Cash; Luiz, Kamara (87′ Iroegbunam); McGinn (72′ Diaby), Bailey (88′ Zaniolo), Tielemans (71′ Ramsey); Watkins.
Coach: Unai Emery
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Petrovic; Chilwell, Badiashile (87′ Gilchrist), Disasi, Gusto; Enzo, Caicedo; Jackson (87′ Nkunku), Gallagher, Madueke (75′ Sterling); Palmer (81′ Thiago).
Coach: Mauricio Pochettino