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      Glamorous female football star Gabby Howell cheers on Tottenham during FA Cup win over Portsmouth

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      GLAMOUROUS Football star Gabby Howell joined supporters in the stands as Tottenham took on Portsmouth in the FA Cup. Howell, who turns out for Sutton United Women, used her downtime to go and cheer on Spurs.
      Gabby Howell took in a game at her beloved TottenhamCredit: Instagram / @_gabbyhowell
      She regularly posts glamourous pics to her Instagram pageCredit: Instagram / @_gabbyhowell
      Howell turns out for Sutton UnitedCredit: Instagram / @_gabbyhowell
      Taking to Instagram, she was snapped in pairing light blue jeans and a jacket, accompanied by a black handbag and black boots.
      She captioned her post: “U ARMY.”
      And fortunately for Tottenham, talisman Harry Kane stepped up with a special finish to help the North Londoners progress past Portsmouth, who proved a tough nut to crack.
      Thanks to Kane’s stunning goal, Tottenham have now set up an away tie at Preston in the fourth round.
      READ MORE ON THE BEAUTIFUL GAME
      The 22-year-old, who plays as both a midfielder and a defender for Sutton, has a following of 235,000 on the social media platform.
      Howell regularly shares glamourous pics to her Instagram page.
      Recently she posted a photo of her in a blue bikini as she enjoyed a holiday in Ibiza.
      Howell has previously opened up on vile abuse she has received from trolls, revealing that she wants to be a source of inspiration for young girls.
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      She said: “You can be both – you can play football and like wearing high heels…
      “I like to keep (the hateful comments) on my profiles and I don’t delete them.
      “Young girls think they want to be an influencer but they don’t see the downsides. I like to make people aware.
      “Not everyone’s going to like you. I repeat that to myself when I see these comments.”
      Howell shared snaps of her holiday to IbizaCredit: Instagram / @_gabbyhowell
      She has 235,000 followers on InstagramCredit: https://www.instagram.com/_gabbyhowell/ More

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      Graham Potter admits Man City drubbing was ‘painful’ as Pep Guardiola urges Todd Boehly not to sack Chelsea manager

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      PEP GUARDIOLA is urging Chelsea not to sack Graham Potter.Guardiola’s Manchester City inflicted what Potter admitted was a “tough, painful” 4-0 FA Cup defeat.
      Cesar Azpilicueta shows the misery of Chelsea’s 4-0 FA Cup lossCredit: AFP
      Graham Potter says criticism and handling a poor run are all ‘part of the challenge’ and he’s been backed by rival boss Pep GuardiolaCredit: AFP
      But despite Chelsea’s fifth loss in seven games, the City chief told Stamford Bridge co-owner Todd Boehly his manager “needs more time”.
      Visiting fans chanted for old boss Thomas Tuchel after a three-goal blitz destroyed their men before half-time.
      Riyad Mahrez’s brilliant free-kick, a Julian Alvarez penalty and a neat Phil Foden finish on 38 minutes killed off dismal Chelsea.
      Midfielder Mahrez, who hit the only goal in Thursday’s Premier League clash between the same sides, then tucked home a late spot-kick.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      Injury-hit Chelsea were booed off at both the interval and full-time as City outclassed them – just three days after their much tighter game.
      Potter said: “The first half was painful and tough for us all. We were second best to a very, very good side. 
      “We are not in a great moment and even though it was a cagey first 20 minutes we couldn’t attack the backline well enough.
      “Manchester City are very good at stopping you doing that but at the same time we struggled.”
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      And of Chelsea’s poor run, he added: “You can make excuses and look for reasons or say it isn’t good enough. Both of those answers are correct. 
      We have to keep improving and stick together because clearly we are suffering as a football club and it’s not nice at all.”
      “You understand the supporters’ frustration, we respect that.
      “There are always other opinions and negativity and criticism because the results haven’t been positive.
      “That’s part of the job and part of the challenge.”
      Englishman Potter believes Chelsea should be patient in the same way City were with Guardiola in his first season at City.
      And the Spaniard agrees.
      Guardiola said: “I would say to Todd Boehly, ‘Give him time’. I know in the big clubs the results are important but I would say give him time. 
      “What he has done in Brighton was outstanding, but all managers need time. We needed time in my first season.” More

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      I once snuck into Old Trafford dressed as a steward… now I’m back as Charlton boss, says Man Utd superfan Dean Holden

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S biggest fan will arguably be sitting in the Charlton dugout at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.For Addicks boss Dean Holden is a ‘forever Red’, a proud season ticket holder for 30 years.
      Ardent Man Utd supporter Dean Holden is hoping to leave Old Trafford with a shock Carabao Cup victory for his Charlton sideCredit: Rex
      Erik ten Hag is keen for the Red Devils to win silverware in his first seasonCredit: Rex
      And someone who also played for the club at junior level.
      But that deep connection will not stop Greater Manchester-born Holden from wanting to oust his heroes from the Carabao Cup.
      The two clubs meet in a quarter-final clash — and this time Holden will not have to disguise himself as a fake steward to watch the tie, either.
      Instead, he will proudly walk out from the tunnel where he once “worked” at a Champions League semi-final second leg clash with Borussia Dortmund.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      Holden, 43, recalled: “My dad, uncle and brother-in-law were all stewards at Old Trafford.
      “I got let down once with a ticket for the Champions League game with Borussia Dortmund in 1997.
      “However, one of the stewards didn’t turn up for the game.
      “So, there was a spare hi-vis jacket and radio. I wore them and went and sat next to my old man by the tunnel.
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      “God knows what I would’ve done had there been a pitch invasion!”
      Holden has used that light touch and sense of adventure to help Charlton recover from a poor season following his appointment last month.
      Now after two successive wins in League One, including the 2-1 defeat of Lincoln on Saturday which moved them up to 12th place in the table, the club are starting to believe.
      So can they really KO United? Holden said: “I’ve told my players, ‘if you don’t believe it can happen, it won’t happen’.
      “I’m not just talking about beating Man United, either. It applies to everything.
      “My old man has been a United supporter all his life.
      “So it will be special for him also to see me coming out of the tunnel.
      “Old Trafford is the best stadium in the world, and we’re playing one of the best clubs in the world. My Charlton players can enjoy it, though — it’s a free hit for them.”
      Holden’s United dream came true when he also played for United’s junior teams before joining Bolton as a teenager.
      United are in my blood. If we don’t beat them on Tuesday, I hope they win the competition.
      He recalled: “I played alongside Wes Brown and current Leyton Orient boss, Richie Wellens.
      “United are in my blood. If we don’t beat them on Tuesday, I hope they win the competition.
      “I shall definitely try for a chat with Erik ten Hag, United’s manager. He has changed the culture at the club.
      “You can see that by the way he handled Ronaldo and also dropped Marcus Rashford for a disciplinary reason.
      “He’s put standards in place, and he’s got the team playing with confidence. He’s the right man for the job.”
      Holden is not the only Charlton figure with a United connection.
      Winger Corey Blackett-Taylor, who scored the club’s second goal after Scott Fraser’s opener against Lincoln at the Valley, has known first-hand about red-hot United striker Rashford since he was a kid.
      Blackett-Taylor, 25, said: “When I was nine or 10 in Aston Villa’s academy, we used to play against Rashford and Manchester United.

      “We all knew he was going to be a player. In those days, he played more as a No 10 or in centre midfield.”
      He added: “The game at Old Trafford is definitely winnable. I’ve never played there before and we’re going to enjoy it and express ourselves.” More

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      Chelsea legend Frank Leboeuf calls for Graham Potter to be SACKED after Man City drubbing as he slams ‘shameful’ stars

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      CHELSEA legend Frank Leboeuf has called for boss Graham Potter to be sacked after just four months at the helm.The Blues were battered 4-0 by Manchester City in the FA Cup this afternoon.
      Graham Potter has endured a tough start to life at ChelseaCredit: Getty
      Blues legend Frank Leboeuf was furious with his old side’s performanceCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      Potter’s men were three down by half-time, delivering a limp performance miles off their third round opponents.
      Appearing on ESPN after the game, Leboeuf claimed that “enough is enough”.
      The Frenchman, 54, cried: “Mr Potter, enough is enough now, something needs to be changed.
      “That’s not the club I know. You are so far away from being a Champion of Europe.
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      “I’m very upset with what I see. I think it’s really disrespectful.
      “They don’t do anything to at least make people proud. Fight! Go for it!”
      The former defender, who played 201 times for the Blues between 1996 and 2001, claimed that he’d never seen his old side in a worse state.
      He continued: “I’ve never seen Chelsea so low.
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      “The players don’t have the will, they don’t have the guts, they don’t have the courage to fight for their colours. They don’t have pride.”
      While taking shots at Potter, Leboeuf also savaged the lack of commitment he felt was shown by certain players during the match.
      Kai Havertz was hooked at half-time after bafflingly PUNCHING the ball in his own box to gift City a penalty.
      The German was among those to be blasted by Leboeuf, who added: “The players who are forming the spine, they are shameful. They do nothing.
      I don’t know what Jorginho is doing on the pitch stillFrank Leboeuf
      “I don’t know what Kai Havertz is doing. Mason (Mount), I love you, but come on!
      “I don’t know what Jorginho is doing on the pitch still.”
      Chelsea sit tenth in the Premier League after enduring a run of one win in eight in the competition.
      They have also crashed out of both domestic cups, and no Blues boss has endured a worse Prem start than Potter’s over 11 games in the last 30 years.
      Despite Chelsea’s current woes, City boss Pep Guardiola believes that the Blues need to stick with the ex-Brighton boss in order to see improvements.
      ‘GIVE HIM TIME’
      After the match, the Spaniard said: “I would say to Todd Boehly: Give him time.
      “I know in big clubs, results are important but I’d say give him time.
      “What he’s done at Brighton is outstanding, but he’s right, we need time in the first season. I had [Lionel] Messi in Barcelona my first season so I didn’t need two seasons because Messi was there.
      “Everyone needs it. To play against City, when we are at this level, it’s not easy for any team.”
      During the game, Chelsea fans in the away end chanted the name of Potter’s predecessor Thomas Tuchel.
      We understand the supporters’ frustration, we respect thatGraham Potter
      Asked about the chants after the match, Potter said: “We can’t do anything apart from do our jobs better.
      “We understand the supporters’ frustration, we respect that. But we have to keep working. There are always other opinions and negative opinions because the results aren’t positive.
      “I understand their frustration and when you look at the results and team performance today it is so far away from Manchester City. That is clear.

      “We have to focus on the next match and stay together as a group and I am sure we will get the support of the supporters when they see good performances and good results.”
      Chelsea next make the short trip to West London neighbours Fulham on Thursday, with the Cottagers going into the match three points ABOVE their rivals.
      Pep Guardiola has called on Potter to be given time at ChelseaCredit: AFP More

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      Unai Emery has beaten Bayern & Juventus in knockout games in last year.. but even he can’t halt Villa’s awful FA Cup run

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      UNAI EMERY stunned Bayern Munich and Juventus on the way to firing Villarreal to the Champions League semi-finals less than 12 months ago.But even the mastermind knockout manager and four-time Europa League winner is not immune from a huge FA Cup upset – or Aston Villa’s woeful run in the competition.
      Unai Emery stunned Juventus and Bayern Munich with Villarreal last seasonCredit: Getty
      He saw his Aston Villa side crash out of the FA Cup to League Two StevenageCredit: Reuters
      Emery’s side, including former £145million man Philippe Coutinho, looked to be in total control at home against League Two Stevenage in their third-round clash.
      But Leander Dendoncker’s moment of madness sparked a red card, penalty and Stevenage equaliser with two minutes to go.
      And the stunning turnaround was complete in the 90th minute as Dean Campbell caught Villa’s defence napping and Robin Olsen out at his near post to fire the Boro through.
      It means the West Midlands side have lost to a fourth-tier side in the FA Cup while playing in the top tier once again – just as they did in 1964 against Aldershot.
      READ MORE ON ASTON VILLA
      More worryingly and painfully for the fans, the defeat also extended a truly wretched stretch of results for the Villans, who have now lost EIGHT FA Cup matches in a row.
      The club reached the final in 2015 when they lost to Arsenal.
      The following season, Remi Garde’s men needed a replay to scrape past Wycombe then were stuffed by Manchester City in round four.
      Since then, they have crashed out in round three in seven successive seasons.
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      That includes exits to Tottenham Peterborough, Swansea, Fulham, Liverpool, Manchester United and now Stevenage.
      Emery – who declared his ambition was “winning the FA Cup” this season – apologised to supporters.
      The former Arsenal boss, 51, said: “I’m upset, disappointed and sorry for our supporters. We have lost a very good opportunity to do something in the FA Cup.
      “It is a process and I will continue to be demanding. Maybe now, I need to be more demanding.
      “I’m very shocked. But it can happen when you have good chances to score but don’t take them.
      “They had chances as well. Our mistake was a big mistake and they scored. After that, the last five minutes, we were a little upset and did not control our minds.”
      Stevenage celebrate on the Villa Park pitch after their famous winCredit: Getty
      Villa’s last FA Cup win was way back in January 2016 against WycombeCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Stevenage brutally troll Philippe Coutinho on Twitter… BEFORE League Two side’s incredible last-gasp FA Cup comeback win

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      STEVENAGE gambled by slating Aston Villa’s Philippe Coutinho on social media – minutes BEFORE their incredible last-gasp FA Cup giant-killing.The League Two side taunted the ex-Liverpool and Barcelona playmaker online when he was taken off as Premier League Villa led 1-0.
      Philippe Coutinho was sunk by a Stevenage tweet as Prem side Aston Villa crashed out of the FA Cup to their League Two visitorsCredit: Rex
      Big-name Villa midfielder Coutinho was replaced by Emiliano Buendia on 66 minutes as the first of five Villa substitutionsCredit: Rex
      66′ – Philippe Coutinho comes off.The substitution took longer than usual as they had to dig him out of Luther James-Wildin’s back pocket.#AVFC 1-0 #SFC ⚪️🔵— Stevenage FC 🔴⚪ (@StevenageFC) January 8, 2023

      Fans waded in to warn the “embarrassing tweet” could backfire – but instead Stevenage struck twice in the final three minutes to triumph 2-1.
      The minnows had posted on their official account: “66′ – Philippe Coutinho comes off. The substitution took longer than usual as they had to dig him out of Luther James-Wildin’s back pocket.”
      And at first Stevenage were deluged with comments criticising their timing and judgement.
      One poster said: “This is the most cringe and forced tweet I think I’ve ever seen, not to mention you’re losing.”
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      Similar points included: “Be cocky when you’re winning” … “you’re losing fellas” … and “Oh dear, this type of tweet does not work when you’re losing”.
      Some fans, however, applauded Stevenage’s boldness.
      One said: “Savagery mid game you gotta love it.”
      Another added: “I hate Stevenage but that’s funny.”
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      And when the Hertfordshire outsiders pulled off their amazing turnaround success, the tone changed online too.
      Fans feasted on Villa’s misfortune with jibes like: “Few people deleting tweets now” and “look at the comments hahaha”.
      Some Villa fans, though, applauded Stevenage – for their victory and even for spotlighting Coutinho.”
      One said: “Fair play. He was poor for us today… and last week… and last year.”
      Stevenage cheekily hailed their former non-League right-back Luther James-Wildin for keeping Coutinho at bayCredit: Rex More

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      FA Cup 4th round draw LIVE REACTION: Arsenal could face Man City, Man Utd vs Reading, Spurs visit Preston

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      THE FA Cup fourth round draw has thrown up some mouth-watering fixtures!Should Arsenal defeat Oxford on Monday night, then it is a huge trip to Manchester City – who have thrashed Chelsea 4-0.
      While Manchester United will host former star Paul Ince’s Reading and Tottenham travel to Preston North End.

      FA Cup fourth round ties taking place Jan 27-30

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      Follow ALL of the latest updates from the draw below…
      Leboeuf calls for Potter to be sacked
      Chelsea legend Frank Leboeuf has called for boss Graham Potter to be sacked after just four months at the helm.
      The Blues were battered 4-0 by Manchester City in the FA Cup on Sunday.
      After the game, Leboeuf said on ESPN: “Mr Potter, enough is enough now, something needs to be changed.
      “That’s not the club I know. You are so far away from being a Champion of Europe.
      “I’m very upset with what I see. I think it’s really disrespectful.
      “They don’t do anything to at least make people proud. Fight! Go for it!”
      The former defender, who played 201 times for the Blues between 1996 and 2001, claimed that he’d never seen his old side in a worse state.
      He continued: “I’ve never seen Chelsea so low.
      “The players don’t have the will, they don’t have the guts, they don’t have the courage to fight for their colours. They don’t have pride.”

      The Apprentice
      Will the apprentice meet the master in the FA Cup fourth round?After disposing of Chelsea in a 4-0 thrashing – Man City will now face off against either Oxford United or Arsenal next.

      With the two Premier League sides battling it out for league supremacy, it promises to be an intriguing encounter – should it happen.
      But, Oxford United will have something to say about that on Monday night.
      Stevenage Coutinho taunt
      Stevenage gambled by slating Aston Villa’s Philippe Coutinho on social media – minutes BEFORE their incredible last-gasp FA Cup giant- killing.
      The League Two side taunted the ex-Liverpool and Barcelona playmaker online when he was taken off as Premier League Villa led 1-0.
      Fans waded in to warn the “embarrassing tweet” could backfire – but instead Stevenage struck twice in the final three minutes to triumph 2-1.
      The minnows had posted on their official account: “66′ – Philippe Coutinho comes off. The substitution took longer than usual as they had to dig him out of Luther James-Wildin’s back pocket.”
      Shearer slams Blues
      Alan Shearer slammed Chelsea’s lack of character after their “embarrassing” first-half display at Manchester City.
      The Blues trailed 3-0 at the break in the FA Cup third-round tie thanks to goals from Riyad Mahrez, Julian Alvarez and Phil Foden.
      He said: “From a Chelsea point of view, that is not acceptable that performance.
      “I said they needed some energy, character, all of those things.
      “I don’t care how many injuries you’ve got in your team, you can still go out and put a shift in. They haven’t and it’s embarrassing from their point of view.
      “Going forward it’s been so bad. They’ve been nothing short of pathetic in forward positions. Where’s the movement? They’ve had nothing up front at all. Everything has been sideways or even backwards.
      “They’ve got to give the fans something now, show they care about this football club, because that 45 minutes was not acceptable.”
      Stewart tribute
      Fans have been thrilled after spotting Karen Bardsley recreate Rod Stewart’s iconic FA Cup draw.
      The former England goalkeeper was part of the FA Cup draw for the fourth round when she made the tribute to Stewart.

      The singer and songwriter caught attention in 2017 during the Scottish Cup draw.
      Stewart was over-enthusiastic when removing the balls from the pot and left fans in stitches.
      And Bardsley had promised Steve Crossman and Nedum Onouha to pay tribute to the singer when it was her turn.
      FA Cup stat
      This crazy FA Cup third round has seen eight Premier League teams knocked out ALREADY.
      Liverpool and Woles are set to play each other again in a replay, so that will be make nine all together when something gives there.
      And don’t forget Leeds still have to play Cardiff City again too.
      So far, it’s the most since 2007-08 and joint highest since 1992.
      City fact
      Julian Alvarez was on target for City against Chelsea in the 4-0 thumping of the Blues.
      And now he has completed a phenomenal stat.
      The Argie forward has now scored for Pep Guardiola’s side in the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Champions League and Charity Shield.
      Amazing.
      City have done there bit
      So, for all the purists, Man City have done their bit.
      They have battered Chelsea 4-0 to set up a potential fourth round tie against Arsenal.
      All the Gunners need to do is beat Oxford United on Monday.
      Should be possible, but remember Arsenal slipped up against Nottingham Forest last season. Anything can happen in the cup.
      What a turn up
      Forget what we said about Villa.
      Incredibly, Stevenage equalised in the 88th minute and won it in the 90th minute.
      They will play Stoke City.
      What a massive result.
      Chelsea fans chant
      It hasn’t been pretty watching for Chelsea fans in their game against City.
      They trailed 3-0 at half-time in the first half, and are now 4-0 down.
      Worse still, Blues fans are letting Potter know their thoughts.
      They’ve been chanting: “We want super Tommy Tuchel” – their former sacked manager. Ouch.
      Villa lead
      With Aston Villa leading Stevenage, it looks like they’re setting themselves up for a cold, wet day in Stoke.
      Still only 1-0, mind.
      Plenty of time to change.
      Looks like City v Arsenal
      With Man City 3-0 up, it seems certain they’re through to next round.
      Arsenal play Oxford United on Monday – and will be hot favourites.
      First against second then in the fourth round.
      Who is your money on?
      Draw recap
      Preston North End vs Tottenham
      Southampton vs Blackpool
      Wrexham vs Sheffield United
      Ipswich Town vs Burnley
      Manchester United vs Reading
      Luton Town/Wigan vs Grimsby Town
      Derby County vs West Ham United
      Stoke City vs Aston Villa/Stevenage
      Balckburn Rovers vs Forest Green Rovers/ Birmingham City
      Walsall vs Leicester City
      Sheffield Wednesday vs Fleetwood Town
      Manchester City/Chelsea vs Oxford/Arsenal
      Bristol City/Swansea City vs Chesterfield/West Brom
      Brighton and Hove Albion vs Liverpool/Wolves
      Fulham vs Sunderland
      Boreham Wood/Accrington Stanley vs Cardiff City/Leeds United
      Another new clash
      Sheffield Wednesday and Fleetwood Town have been drawn together for the first time in the FA Cup.
      The tie means that there will be a League One side in the fifth round of the competition.
      It is the first time Fleetwood have made it to the fourth round.
      Oxford’s glamorous draw
      League One side Oxford United have not had the best of luck during this season’s tournament.
      If they are able to overcome Premier League leaders Arsenal tomorrow, they will have to face a trip to either Manchester City or Chelsea.
      Credit: Reuters
      HT Manchester City 3 Chelsea 0
      Pep Guardiola’s side have been clinical in the first half as they have raced into a three-goal lead.
      Surely they are through to the next round and will be awaiting the result of Arsenal’s clash with Oxford to find out their next opponent.
      Chelsea will be hoping for some of that FA Cup magic to come their way if they are to get back into this.
      A historical fixture
      West Ham will travel to Derby in the next round of the FA Cup, a fixture that has only happened in the competition once before.
      That game took place a century ago, in 1923, in the Hammers’ run to the final at Wembley.
      West Ham ran out 5-2 winners but eventually lost the final to Bolton Wanderers 2-0.
      Manchester City 3 Chelsea 0
      GOALLLL! Phil Foden.
      Manchester City are in cruise control. Foden fires home from Kyle Walker’s cutback.
      A big job for Chelsea now if they are to come back.
      Credit: Getty
      A NEW fixture
      For the first time in the history of the FA Cup Ipswich Town will face Burnley.
      It has been 16 years since the Tractor Boys made it to the fifth round.
      While Burnley has appeared there once in the last five years.
      Manchester City 2 Chelsea 0
      GOALLLL!!!! Julian Alvarez.
      The Argentine nets from the spot to put Manchester City in control.
      Kepa got a touch to the ball but it was not enough to keep it out.
      The penalty was given after VAR deemed Kai Havertz to have handled the ball in the box.
      Wrexham living the dream
      Non-league side Wrexham will have the opportunity to reach the fifth round for the first time in 26 years when they take on Sheffield United at the Racecourse.
      The two teams have faced each other once in the competition before, the Blades came out as 5-1 winners in the 1983/84 season.
      Manchester City 1 Chelsea 0
      GOALLLLLL!!!!! Mahrez.
      Riyad Mahrez has fired Manchester City ahead at the Etihad Stadium with a beautiful free-kick.
      More pressure on Chelsea boss Graham Potter.
      Seasiders battle
      It is the seventh time Southampton have been drawn against Blackpool in the history of the competition.
      The Premier League relegation battlers have won four of the six previous ties between the teams.
      Blackpool were last in the 5th round 11 years ago, while the Saints have made that stage in each of the last two seasons.
      Spurs fans feeling confident
      Tottenham supporters are counting their lucky stars after been draw against Preston North End in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
      Due to the draw pairing the winner of Chelsea and Manchester City against Arsenal or Oxford at least two of the favourites will be knocked out of the tournament.
      One Spurs fan said: “We have luck of draw must take FA Cup seriously.
      “Best hope of a trophy while Manchester City/Chelsea vs Oxford/Woolwich Arsenal.”
      Ince set for Old Trafford return
      Reading manager Paul Ince will be back at his old stomping ground following their fourth-round draw against Manchester United.
      Ince won the FA Cup with the Red Devils twice during his playing career.
      It is also the third time in seven seasons that the two have been drawn against each other
      Credit: PA
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      Alan Shearer tears into ‘PATHETIC’ Chelsea after FA Cup humiliation at Man City which saw some fans leave after 39 mins

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      ALAN SHEARER slammed Chelsea’s lack of character after their “embarrassing” first-half display at Manchester City.The Blues trailed 3-0 at the break in the FA Cup third-round tie thanks to goals from Riyad Mahrez, Julian Alvarez and Phil Foden.
      Alan Shearer was scathing of Chelsea’s performance at the EtihadCredit: BBC
      Graham Potter has his work cut out to turn things aroundCredit: Getty
      That led BBC pundit Shearer to launch a scathing assessment of Graham Potter’s side, questioning their lack of energy and commitment.
      He said: “From a Chelsea point of view, that is not acceptable that performance.
      “I said they needed some energy, character, all of those things.
      “I don’t care how many injuries you’ve got in your team, you can still go out and put a shift in. They haven’t and it’s embarrassing from their point of view.
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      “Going forward it’s been so bad. They’ve been nothing short of pathetic in forward positions. Where’s the movement? They’ve had nothing up front at all. Everything has been sideways or even backwards.
      “They’ve got to give the fans something now, show they care about this football club, because that 45 minutes was not acceptable.”
      The fans got little response after half-time as the game ended 4-0 to City.
      Some supporters even left before the half-time whistle as they could not bear to watch Chelsea’s insipid display.
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      There was no positive note for Chelsea at all with Mateo Kovacic, Kalidou Koulibaly and Jorginho all performing badly.
      Potter now has his work cut out to turn things around as the Blues have just one win in nine games. More