Chelsea blew away Aston Villa to reach the fifth round of the FA Cup on Wednesday evening, winning 3-1. The Blues were shut out at Stamford Bridge, resulting in the replay, but they came alive at Villa Park.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side hadn’t managed a goal in their two meetings against Villa this season, so they wanted revenge. Unai Emery’s side were favourites among many to win the replay, but they put in an uncharacteristic poor home performance.
Blues started fast at Villa Park
Chelsea took the lead with a well-worked goal after 10 minutes, opening the scoring through Conor Gallagher. Villa lost possession in the middle of the park and the Blues passed their way into the box.
Ben Chilwell intercepted and Enzo Fernandez found Gallagher who fed Nicolas Jackson down the left flank. Jackson squared the ball to Noni Madueke who teed up Gallagher to strike first-time into the back of the net.
Villa came close to an equaliser minutes later, but Ollie Watkins’ volley from close range was tipped over the bar. And after 20 minutes, Chelsea doubled their advantage through Jackson, with Malo Gusto bagging a nice assist.
Gusto was picked out on the right flank and whipped in a cross that Jackson headed home. John McGinn nearly pulled one back for the hosts, but his effort inside the box was saved.
Chelsea maintained their two-goal cushion into the break and bagged a spectacular third not long after the restart. Enzo Fernandez whipped a free-kick into the top corner to put the game beyond doubt after 51 minutes.
Villa would pull a goal back in added time through Moussa Diaby, but it was scant consolation.
How far can Chelsea go in the FA Cup?
Chelsea are already in the final of the EFL Cup and could go far in the FA Cup too. They face Leeds United in the fifth round on February 28 and have a good chance of reaching the quarter-finals.
Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City are the biggest sides left in the competition and are expected to progress. United face Nottingham Forest, Liverpool have Southampton, and City face Luton Town.
Pochettino’s men will hope to avoid the big three if they beat Leeds, but this is a big opportunity for silverware.
