Chelsea secured their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup after a dramatic 3-2 win over Aston Villa at Villa Park on Wednesday night. The visitors came from behind twice to snatch a late victory, thanks to a stunning free kick from Enzo in the 89th minute.
Villa take early lead
The hosts started the game brightly and took the lead in the 12th minute, when Ollie Watkins headed in a cross from Matty Cash. Watkins, who has been in superb form this season, scored his 11th goal in 23 appearances for Villa.
Chelsea struggled to create clear chances in the first half, as Villa’s high-pressing and compact defence frustrated them. The closest they came was a long-range shot from Nicolas Jackson that was tipped over by Emiliano Martinez.
Chelsea level through Palmer
The second half saw a different Chelsea, as they increased their intensity and tempo. They equalized in the 53rd minute, when Cole Palmer finished off a slick move involving Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner. Palmer, who was making his first start for the Blues, showed his composure and quality with a low shot into the bottom corner.
However, Villa did not give up and restored their lead in the 67th minute, when John McGinn unleashed a powerful volley from the edge of the box that left Edouard Mendy with no chance. It was a stunning strike from the Scottish midfielder, who celebrated his 100th appearance for Villa with a memorable goal.
Chelsea fight back with Enzo’s brilliance
Chelsea refused to accept defeat and pushed for an equalizer. They got it in the 77th minute, when Ziyech curled in a cross from the right and Werner headed it in from close range. It was a rare goal for the German striker, who has been struggling for confidence and form this season.
The game looked set for extra time, but Chelsea had other ideas. In the 89th minute, they won a free kick 25 yards from goal, after Tyrone Mings fouled Werner. Enzo, who had come on as a substitute, stepped up and bent a superb shot over the wall and into the top corner, leaving Martinez rooted to the spot. It was a sensational goal from the young Frenchman, who had scored a similar free kick in the previous round against Wolves.
Chelsea advance to face Leeds
The final whistle sparked jubilant scenes among the Chelsea players and staff, who celebrated their hard-fought win. They will now face Leeds United in the fifth round, in what promises to be another exciting clash.
Villa, on the other hand, will be disappointed to exit the competition, but they can take pride in their performance and focus on their Premier League campaign, where they are currently eighth in the table.
