In the FA Cup, Chelsea pulled off a stunning victory against Aston Villa, while Nottingham Forest managed to overcome Bristol City, securing their spots in the fifth round.
Birmingham, Feb 8 (IANS):Â
Chelsea unleashed their charm to clinch victory over Aston Villa with a 3-1 triumph in their FA Cup fourth-round replay, paving the way for an enticing fifth-round clash against Leeds United at home.
Conor Gallagher, Nicolas Jackson, and Enzo Fernandez showcased their prowess as the Blues surged ahead, displaying a rejuvenated spirit on the field.
Initially under pressure, Chelsea swiftly reversed the momentum and seized the lead in the 11th minute courtesy of Gallagher. Noni Madueke’s precise delivery found Gallagher in an opportune position, from where he unleashed a sublime strike to breach the net.
Following that, Chelsea dominated proceedings, swiftly doubling their lead when Jackson nodded in a superb cross from Malo Gusto. The momentum firmly in their favor, Cole Palmer aimed for goal from the edge of the box, forcing Emiliano Martinez into action to keep Chelsea at bay.
After halftime, Enzo Fernandez stole the show with a magnificent free-kick, bending it around his international teammate Martinez to extend Chelsea’s lead further. Although Aston Villa managed a consolation goal through Moussa Diaby in injury time, it was not enough to halt Chelsea’s advance to a home clash against Leeds in the fifth round.
In the evening’s other fixture, Nottingham Forest dashed Bristol City’s hopes, prevailing on penalties at the City Ground and setting up a fifth-round encounter with Manchester United at home.
Forest took the lead just eight minutes into the game courtesy of Divock Origi, who pounced on a flick-on by Felipe from Morgan Gibbs-White’s corner. However, Bristol City’s captain, Jason Knight, swiftly equalized six minutes later with a close-range prod.
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Despite both teams’ efforts, the deadlock persisted throughout the regulation time. In extra-time, Nakhi Wells and Matty James squandered promising opportunities for Bristol City, leading the match into a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.
The shootout tilted in Forest’s favor when Matt Turner saved Sam Bell’s penalty. Taiwo Awoniyi, who recently made a comeback after a 10-week absence, confidently converted the decisive spot-kick, securing a 5-3 shootout victory for Forest.
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