More stories

  • in

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

    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.
    Read More Football Stories
    “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.
    Most read in FA Cup
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST OFFERS FOR EXISTING CUSTOMERS
    “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

  • in

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

    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.
    Most read in FA Cup
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    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

  • in

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

    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.”
    READ MORE FOOTBALL STORIES
    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.”
    Most read in FA Cup
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
    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

  • in

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

    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

    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
    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
    Load more entries… More

  • in

    Alan Shearer tears into ‘PATHETIC’ Chelsea after FA Cup humiliation at Man City which saw some fans leave after 39 mins

    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.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    “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.
    Most read in FA Cup
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST OFFERS FOR EXISTING CUSTOMERS
    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

  • in

    Fans spot amazing Rod Stewart tribute during the FA Cup fourth round draw in honour of the rockstar’s hilarious antics

    FANS were thrilled after spotting Karen Bardsley ‘do a Rod Stewart’ in the FA Cup draw.The former England goalkeeper was pulling names out of the hat for the fourth round when she mimicked rock legend Stewart.

    Karen Bardsley recreated Rod Stewart’s iconic Scottish Cup drawCredit: BBC
    The former England goalkeeper paid tribute to it during the FA Cup fourth-round drawCredit: BBC
    Stewart’s antics in 2017 have become iconicCredit: PA:Press Association
    The Maggie May singer, 77, became and internet sensation 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.
    BBC 5 Live Sport tweeted revealing the tribute saying: “She promised Nedum Onouha and Steve Crossman a a Rod Stewart/Peter Crouch tribute for the FA Cup fourth round draw.
    READ MORE ON THE FA CUP
    “And she delivered. Great work Karen Bardsley.”
    And she didn’t hold back, drawing balls out of the pot with a flourish.
    One tweeted: “Karen Bardsley doing her best Rod Stewart impression at the start of the FA Cup draw.”
    A second added: “Did Karen Bardsley just do the Rod Stewart draw? Love to see it.”
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
    A third wrote: “She said she would, on the radio.”
    And the draw was worthwhile as some mouth-watering ties were drawn.
    Manchester City will face either Arsenal or Oxford United at the Etihad in the fourth round.
    While there were brand new fixtures in the competition’s history made as Sheffield Wednesday face Fleetwood Town as well as Ipswich Town and Burnley.
    Non-league side Wrexham were also handed a good tie as they will play Championship side Sheffield United at The Racecourse. More

  • in

    Chelsea fans chant Thomas Tuchel’s name in away end during Man City FA Cup drubbing as pressure mounts on Graham Potter

    CHELSEA fans chanted ex-boss Thomas Tuchel’s name as pressure rose on Graham Potter with Sunday’s 4-0 FA Cup drubbing at Manchester City.Potter’s men have dropped to tenth in the Premier League since he took over in September and a weakened side was humiliated at the Etihad as they lost in the third round for the first time this millennium.
    Ex-Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel got plenty of support from fansCredit: Getty
    Current manager Graham Potter commiserates with new signing David Datro Fofana after Chelsea were humbled 4-0 at the EtihadCredit: Getty
    Supporters in the away end made their feelings loud and clear during and following the third-round exit.
    Riyahd Mahrez, Julian Alvarez’s penalty and Phil Foden struck in a rapid first-half burst to spark discontent from Chelsea fans.
    And Mahrez notched a late spot-kick that underlined City’s domination.
    Chelsea fans chanted “We’ve got Super Tommy Tuchel”.
    And many supporters streamed out of the away end once the Londoners fell 3-0 down in the 39th minute.
    Pro-Tuchel shouts became more raucous in the second period.
    And there were even some chants for former club owner Roman Abramovich, the Russian oligarch.
    Support for Tuchel also flooded in on social media.
    Most read in FA Cup
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
    One observer posted: “Love this!!!!! Boehly sacked Tuchel’s for he’s own reason and imagination towards football which he’s doesn’t know about. Bring back Tuchel. He’s the only one who can get this club going.”
    Another said: “You only value something after you lose it.”
    And many believe Potter is already doomed.
    One supporter tweeted: “It’s kicking off the beginning of the end.”
    And another was even more direct over Potter’s future.
    He tweeted: “Luis Enrique and Zidane are available. They should approach one of them seriously.” More

  • in

    Chelsea verdict: Potter must be sick of Man City but at least woeful Blues won’t face more cup final heartache this year

    THE only consolation for Chelsea was that they know only too well it could have been worse.Four years ago, they shipped six goals here at the Etihad – and maybe if Erling Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne had played it could have been similarly embarrassing here.  
    Graham Potter has plenty to reflect on after another humblingCredit: AFP
    Chelsea new boy David Datro Fofana played the second half but could do little as Man City won easilyCredit: Getty
    Mason Mount shows the pain of Chelsea’s FA Cup maulingCredit: Reuters
    At least it was only four this time.
    But the sight of Chelsea fans streaming out of the exits in the 39th minute told you everything about where Graham Potter’s reign is right now.
    Maybe some were looking to beat the queues for the toilets or to get their half-time pie in early.
    However, the fact their team were 3-0 down to a rampant Manchester City and many of the seats were unoccupied when the second half resumed suggested some were already heading home.
    Potter must have almost wished he could join them too – he must be sick of the sight of the champions and their boss Pep Guardiola.
    The former Brighton boss now has only two wins in his last 10 matches – yet three of those have been against City.
    That is one of the mitigating factors which Potter must hope spares him the same fate as many of his predecessors.
    Even when they are not quite at their brilliant best, nobody wants to face Guardiola’s side three times in the space of six matches.
    Most read in FA Cup
    Phil Foden completed Man City’s burst of three quick goalsCredit: Getty
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
    And when you are going in without a whole team of absent first teamers it becomes an even more daunting assignment.
    Yet they still had nine senior players in their starting line-up and the way heads dropped after Chelsea went behind will be a huge concern for Potter.
    The fact that some of the travelling fans sang the name of Thomas Tuchel – the man who Potter replaced in September – during the second half felt quite telling.
    The word from the Stamford Bridge board room before the game was the manager still has their backing despite the face they are in 10th place in the table.
    Well now they are out of both domestic cups too – at least their fans are spared the pain of losing in the final – as they experienced in both last season.
    To be Chelsea did OK for the first quarter here – keeping the ball for long periods without ever really opening the home side up.
    But the way the visitors seemed to fold after Riyad Mahrez’s stunning free-kick on 23 minutes shows this is a team with real problem.
    Fifteen minutes later it was 3-0 and the tie was over.
    Read More on The Sun
    Potter now has to rally his troops for a West London derby at Fulham – who currently sit three places and three points above them in the table.
    Lose that and the calls for Potter’s head will be deafening.
    Kai Havertz struggled as an out-of-out striker as Chelsea slumpedCredit: Getty
    Man City scorers Julian Alvarez and Phil Foden celebrateCredit: Getty More