Aston Villa vs Chelsea LIVE! FA Cup result, match stream and latest updates today – Evening Standard
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Aston Villa vs Chelsea LIVE!
Chelsea are into the last 16 of the FA Cup after producing arguably their best performance of the season so far at a crucial time for under-fire boss Mauricio Pochettino. The former Tottenham head coach had come under more mounting pressure after dreadful back-to-back losses against Liverpool and Wolves amid growing criticism from fans and pundits alike, not to mention Thiago Silva’s outspoken wife Belle.
But the Blues stood up and fought for their manager at Villa Park, stunning Unai Emery’s high-flying side with a dominant display in the fourth-round replay that followed a tame goalless draw at Stamford Bridge last month. Stand-in captain Conor Gallagher scored his first goal of the season to give the visitors an early lead that was quickly doubled when Nicolas Jackson headed in a cross from Malo Gusto.
Enzo Fernandez notched a sublime free-kick shortly after half-time, with Moussa Diaby’s effort only a late consolation for the Villains as Chelsea teed up a fifth-round meeting with Leeds. Follow Aston Villa vs Chelsea reaction live below, featuring expert analysis from Standard Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella at Villa Park!
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What a win and what a performance from dominant Chelsea to ease the pressure on Pochettino, with Villa’s spirited rally there coming way too late.
The Blues step up to fight for their under-fire boss after two wretched displays and will face Leeds at home in round five on February 28.
Next up is a Premier League London derby against struggling Crystal Palace on Monday night, with Villa looking to bounce back against Manchester United on Sunday.
93 mins: A late rally from Villa here, but surely it’s too little, too late.
After Gallagher’s shot is saved, Cash sees an effort blocked before Iroegbunam’s header is repelled by Petrovic.
At the other end, Caicedo is denied by Martinez.
91 mins: Villa have a consolation in stoppage time!
Ramsey’s cut back from the byline is swept in off the post by Diaby from just outside the box.
Petrovic no doubt furious that his clean sheet is gone.
87 mins: Kamara and Bailey off for Villa now.
The fit-again Nicolo Zaniolo and young midfielder Tim Iroegbunam enter the fray.
86 mins: Badiashile has picked up a late knock for Chelsea here and is replaced by young Alfie Gilchrist.
Nkunku also replaces Jackson.
82 mins: Now we are seeing the back three from Chelsea that many expected from the start tonight.
81 mins: Hang on a moment, Silva is on for Palmer, but Caicedo is back up and wanting to come back on.
He’s going to as well – Nkunku not coming on for now.
80 mins: Caicedo is going off, as is Palmer.
Thiago Silva and Christopher Nkunku are both coming on.
78 mins: Chelsea are very eager to exploit the huge gaps being left in behind by Villa as the hosts push to make the last few minutes at least somewhat interesting.
Caicedo is now down on the side of the pitch. Pochettino is preparing to send on Thiago Silva.
76 mins: Close for Villa as Moreno lands a header on the roof of the net at the back post!
Chelsea can’t afford to get too comfortable here…
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