Men’s domestic English football has an annual knockout competition called the Football Association Challenge Cup, or FA Cup for short. Chelsea will play Leeds in the FA Cup fifth round. Enzo Fernandez scored a spectacular free kick in the second half. Following the win at Villa Park on Wednesday, the fifth round will take place at home against Leeds starting the week of February 26.
Enzo Fernandez gave the spectators a show after winning a spectacular free-kick by removing his shirt and displaying his number. Although the logic is murky, Chelsea clearly improved on the whole in this game.
However, the Blues controlled the first half against a lackluster Villa team, leading 2-0 at the interval thanks to goals from Conor Gallagher (11), who scored his first of the year, and Nicolas Jackson (21).
The best of the goals, though, was Fernandez’s incredible free kick in the 54th minute. Although Moussa Diaby’s late consolation made the visitors nervous, Aston Villa failed to pull off an incredible comeback.
Chelsea quickly seized a decisive 2-0 lead. Jackson was unmarked as he nodded past Emi Martinez to head home after Malo Gusto handed in a peach of a delivery.
The closest opportunity for Aston Villa came just before halftime. The hosts were awarded their own, which they promptly took thanks to a Ben Chilwell foul throw. But the opening move was in vain as John McGinn launched a strike into the bleachers.
Fernandez added Chelsea’s third goal ten minutes into the second half with an incredible free kick. Following Youri Tielemans’ foul just beyond the area, he curled a brilliant effort via Martinez’s outstretched fingertips to win it.
From that point on, Aston Villa did perform better, although a little too little, too late. While Alex Moreno missed a few opportunities and McGinn had several openings, they did receive a late relief through Diaby.
His shot went past several legs and nestled into the net through the goalpost. But even with a suspenseful finish, Aston Villa’s FA Cup run ended there as extra time was not necessary.
On Super Sunday, Aston Villa’s next Premier League matchup is at home against Manchester United; kickoff is at 4.30 p.m.
Monday Night Football will broadcast Chelsea’s upcoming Premier League matchup against Crystal Palace, with a kickoff at 8 p.m.
