More stories

  • in

    Chelsea ratings: Experienced Mateo Kovacic fails to lead young Blues but Conor Gallagher shows flashes of finding form

    CHELSEA’S week went from bad to worse as they suffered a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Manchester City.Jorginho and Kai Havertz had games to forget as Chelsea exited the FA Cup in the third round for the first time since 1998.
    Kai Havertz senselessly gave a penalty away by punching a corner awayCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic were poor with the latter subbed at half-timeCredit: EPA
    Kalidou Koulibaly also conceded a penalty with a clumsy foul on Phil FodenCredit: PA
    Julian Alvarez and Phil Foden both got on the scoresheetCredit: Reuters
    City showed their quality and tore Chelsea apart in a scintillating first-half display.
    Riyad Mahrez scored a free-kick and Phil Foden scored from close range either side of a Julian Alvarez penalty as a youthful Blues side trailed 3-0 at half-time.
    Graham Potter wrung the changes for the second half including Havertz, who once again was awful and gave away a very silly penalty.
    Chelsea prevented the scoreline from becoming embarrassing but it was another day to forget for the West Londoners.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Here is how SunSport rated the Chelsea display.
    Kepa Arrizabalaga – 5
    Could do nothing about Mahrez’s inch-perfect free-kick.
    Mind-games didn’t work on Julian Alvarez for City’s first penalty, although he did come close to saving.
    Conceded twice more on a frustrating evening.
    Most read in FA Cup
    Trevoh Chalobah – 4
    Found life difficult up against Cole Palmer and Foden in an unfamiliar right-back role.
    Looked more assured when Chelsea switched to a back five mid-way through the second half.
    Bashir Humphreys – 5
    Was caught out by City forwards running in behind on a couple of occasions but should be cut some slack given it was his debut.
    Kalidou Koulibaly – 3
    Was supposed to be the experienced head in a youthful backline but he did not organise the defence well or lead by example.
    Dived in recklessly to foul Foden and concede a penalty which allowed City to make it 4-0.
    Lewis Hall – 6
    Built on his two impressive performances against City over the last few weeks with another solid display.
    The youngster was very positive on the ball but Mahrez did get the better of him on a few occasions, though that is probably to be expected.
    Jorginho – 3
    Anonymous first half as the hosts dominated the ball – Chelsea barely got a touch and could not even get their counter-attack going.
    His awful display was summed up when he passed the ball out of play for a City corner under no pressure at all.
    Mateo Kovacic – 3
    Should have helped out Hall in the build-up to City’s third as Kyle Walker found far too much space to assist Phil Foden’s goal.
    He looked leggy throughout the first half and lacked his usual sharpness on the ball so was unsurprisingly taken off at half-time.
    Conor Gallagher – 5
    Provided energy in midfield as he did after coming off the bench against City on Thursday.
    But he lacked a little quality at times and his final ball let him down.
    Hakim Ziyech – 4
    Some nice touches in and around the area but lacked bite up-front, though he also lacked support from his team-mates.
    Mason Mount – 4
    Quiet game from the England star as he struggled to impact play from the left flank.
    Mount has now only scored one goal in his last 11 games and Potter is struggling to get a tune out of him.
    Kai Havertz – 3
    Stupidly gave away a penalty by punching clear a Foden corner, which was converted by Alvarez.
    Offered little up-front in terms of link-up play or holding the ball up and was hooked at the break.
    Subs
    Denis Zakaria (for Kovacic, 45mins) – 6
    Shored up Chelsea’s midfield and offered some much-needed protection. Should have started.
    David Fofana (for Havertz, 45mins) – 5
    Difficult game to make his debut in but he was bright and showed glimpses of quality.
    Cesar Azpilicueta (for Jorginho, 63 mins) – 6
    Added some much-needed energy and fight and helped give his side a foothold in the game – though City did take their foot of the gas.
    Read More on The Sun
    Omari Hutchinson (for Ziyech, 63mins) – 5
    Some sloppy touches from the youngster but he did at least try to make things happen.
    Carney Chukwuemeka (for Mount, 73 mins) – 4
    Struggled to get into the game with Chelsea accepting defeat by the time he came on. More

  • in

    Man City 4-0 Chelsea LIVE RESULT: City thrash Chelsea to set up potential Arsenal FA Cup clash – latest

    MANCHESTER CITY have thrashed Chelsea 4-0 in their FA Cup third round clash.And they could now face Arsenal in the fourth-round, with the draw taking place just before the match.
    Riyad Mahrez, Julian Alvarez and Phil Foden scored for the hosts as beat the Blues again 72 hours after the last fixture between the two.

    Kick-off: 4.30pm UK
    TV channel: BBC One
    Live stream: BBC iPlayer
    Man City XI: Ortega Moreno, Walker, Akanji, Laporte, Gomez, Rodrigo, Bernardo, Palmer, Mahrez, Alvarez, Foden
    Chelsea XI: Kepa; Chalobah, Humphreys, Koulibaly, Hall; Kovacic, Jorginho; Gallagher, Mount; Ziyech, Havertz

    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
    Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
    Stand up and deliver
    Graham Potter will leave The Etihad with his pride severely dented after the hiding they have received today.
    They need to focus back on the Premier League and working towards getting back into those Champions League positions.
    Despite being tenth in the table, the 10 point gap between themselves and fourth place is not unreachable.
    Chelsea need to get back to winning ways and put a run of results together and they will see their league position improve.
    Algerian maestro gets just deserts
    Riyad Mahrez got the man of the match award today and it was well deserved from the winger.
    His free kick was pure sublime beauty and technical perfection but he constantly caused Chelsea problems down the right-hand side.
    It will give Guardiola confidence that when asked to step up, his squad players duly deliver.

    Potter left scratching his head
    At Brighton, chemistry and the bond between his players was something that allowed Graham Potter to get more out of his side than their abilities should maybe allow.
    You cannot deny at Chelsea he far more quality at his disposal, but he cannot get these players to gel at all.
    Some of them have been at the club for some time but still look like they have never met any of the players in the starting line-up before.
    This may be the biggest task in his football career, to find a solution to the Chelsea problem.
    FT: Man City 4-0 Chelsea
    As comfortable a performance as could be.
    Pep Guardiola will be happy as his side produced everything he asked for today.
    It may be a quiet bus ride back to London for Chelsea.

    FT: Man City 4-0 Chelsea
    The referee brings the game to a close.
    Rampant Man City progress to the fourth round.
    They are making a habit of dumping the Londoners out of cups this season.
    Man City 4-0 Chelsea
    90. The Chelsea fans still sing from the visiting end.
    Kudos to them after such a drubbing here.
    Although it may be alcohol-induced pride.
    The fourth official decides on two more minutes of Chelsea pain.
    Man City 4-0 Chelsea
    88. This has been a sterling performance by Man City.
    Once they got their first goal, there was only one side in this game.
    The lack of hunger in his Chelsea players should be a big concern for Graham Potter.
    Man City 4-0 Chelsea
    86. Rico Lewis comes on for Bernardo Silva.
    Joao Cancelo receives a yellow card for a silly challenge.
    Chalobah was going nowhere then.
    Man City 4-0 Chelsea
    84. Mahrez sends the keeper the wrong way.
    The ball goes into the roof of the net.
    Icing on the top of the cake time for City.
    Credit: Getty
    Goal – Riyad Mahrez (Man City)
    Penalty to Man City
    Man City 3-0 Chelsea
    82. We now have a rendition of ‘Blue Moon’ from the home faithful.
    You cannot begrudge them, their side’s performance has deserved it.
    City are trying to manage the game now, passing it around, running the clock down.
    Man City 3-0 Chelsea
    80. We often see some crazy hairstyles on footballers but Chalobah’s latest offering looks like he’s fallen asleep at a house party and his friends have done it.
    City are having to work harder to get the ball now.
    Chelsea are actually offering something in terms of resistance.
    Man City 3-0 Chelsea
    78. In the last five minutes, Chelsea have created more than they have in the rest of the game.
    Some good movement and passing.
    Zakiria shoots from outside the box but it deflects over the bar for a corner.
    Man City 3-0 Chelsea
    76. Chukwuemeka has come on for Mason Mount.
    There seems a bit more spring in Chelsea’s step with the fresh legs brought on.
    City are still trying to pass their way through the visitors.
    Man City 3-0 Chelsea
    74. Chelsea have a rare attack and the ball is worked to Hutchinson on the edge of the box.
    It seems his effort is a shot at goal but it also disguises itself as a very dangerous ball across the six yard box.
    Nothing comes of it but it does upset the Chelsea stats somewhat.
    Credit: Getty
    Man City 3-0 Chelsea
    72. City fans will be disappointed that they have not turned the screw on their opponents in this half.
    They have still been dominant with Chelsea struggling to get the ball from them.
    While in total control, Kepa has not been tested much if at all so far.
    Man City 3-0 Chelsea
    70. Fofana is trying to give the City defenders something to think about up front.
    He is just having to chase down and put pressure on them when in possession of the ball.
    Not the introduction to his new club he would have been hoping for.
    Bernardo Silva is shown a yellow card for a trip on Gallagher.
    Man City 3-0 Chelsea
    68. The home fans try and lift things here.
    They want to see more goals.
    What is the point in having somebody on the ropes if you don’t plan on sending them crashing to the canvas.
    Man City 3-0 Chelsea
    66. City are trying to pick holes in this Chelsea defence.
    Like a boxer exchanging jabs trying to work that knockout punch in.
    Chelsea are just chasing shadows.
    Credit: Getty
    Man City 3-0 Chelsea
    64. Gallagher is having to play a right wing-back position in this second half and he does not look comfortable.
    Having received that yellow card, there could be another one to follow with him playing out of position.
    Evanesco Conor Gallagher.
    Potter may well say.
    Man City 3-0 Chelsea
    62. Chelsea are looking to make some changes themselves.
    Cancelo is bodychecked by Gallagher is shown a yellow card for that challenge.
    He does get a lot of silly booking the Chelsea midfielder.
    Ziyech and Jorginho come off for Chelsea for Azpilicueta and Hutchinson.
    Man City 3-0 Chelsea
    60. Erling Haaland has just started to warm up on the touchline.
    That really is like being a turkey catching Bernard Matthews grinning at you.
    It might be time to start thinking about that trip down south for the travelling fans.
    Man City 3-0 Chelsea
    58. City bring on Kalvin Phillips and Joao Cancelo.
    Rodri and Sergio Gomez are the players to make way.
    Some fresh legs to cause the visitors some problems here.
    Credit: Reuters
    Man City 3-0 Chelsea
    56. In the three games they have played each other this season, City have scored six goals and conceded none.
    I suppose you do need to have shots to stand any chance of registering any goals.
    The visiting fans begin to sing from the away end but it just seems like the band playing on the Titanic as it sinks into the icy waters.
    Load more entries… More

  • in

    Man City 4 Chelsea 0: Injury-ravaged Blues humiliated by second-string hosts in FA Cup nightmare as fans turn on Potter

    TEN points off the Champions League places, one win in seven and now knocked out of both domestic cup competitions. Sure, Chelsea are ravaged by injuries just now but the way in which a much-changed Manchester City side waltzed into a 3-0 half-time lead must be a cause of grave concern for Graham Potter. 
    Riyad Mahrez curls home a brilliant free-kickCredit: Reuters
    The City star celebrates his stunning goalCredit: AP
    The Blues boss is currently without TEN senior players yet there should surely still have been enough experience and quality on show here to at least give City a game. 
    A stunning Riyad Mahrez free-kick, a Julian Alvarez penalty and an outstanding passing move finished off by Phil Foden buried Chelsea by half-time to secure Pep Guardiola’s men a likely fourth-round home tie against Premier League leaders Arsenal, who face Oxford on Monday night.
    Mahrez netted a late penalty – his third goal against Chelsea in less than three days – rounded off the thumping but most Blues fans were heading back down the motorway by then. 
    Chelsea were a shambles – with too many luxury players hardly breaking a sweat as City humiliated them with three goals in 15 minutes. 
    READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
    Potter’s injury list is savage but World Cup players of the class of Kai Havertz, Kalidou Koulibaly and Hakim Ziyech should be embarrassed by their contributions to this debacle. 
    It begs the question of whether Chelsea’s players have downed tools on Potter, just four months after his arrival from Brighton. 
    Chelsea reached the last three FA Cup Finals – losing all three – but this year their involvement is over in early January and the Champions League now represents their final, unlikely, chance for silverware this season. 
    Travelling Blues fans – who honoured their former player and manager Gianluca Vialli throughout – also chanted for Potter’s predecessor, Champions League winner Thomas Tuchel.
    Most read in FA Cup
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER SIGN UP DEALS
    Julian Alvarez converts from the penalty spotCredit: Getty
    Alvarez is congratulated by Phil FodenCredit: Reuters
    And they mockingly celebrated whenever their team managed a second-half shot.
    It is reckoned that new owner Todd Boehly is more patient than Roman Abramovich but Chelsea cannot go on being this poor every game.
    It is beginning to feel as though Potter is out of his depth. 
    Chelsea travel the mile to Fulham on Thursday, three points behind the in-form neighbours they are too big to even regard as rivals. If Potter is beaten at Craven Cottage, then his job will surely be in peril.  
    There were, unsurprisingly, a glut of changes from City’s 1-0 league win at Stamford Bridge on Thursday. 
    Potter, unable to rotate to the usual extent, handed a debut to centre-half Bashir Humphreys and a start to another kid, left-back Lewis Hall, while welcoming Mason Mount back from injury.
    Alvarez was given his first start since the World Cup Final – and the ensuing Buenos Aires fiesta – and Guardiola also gave a rare start to England Under-21 forward Cole Palmer. 
    It was Palmer who had the first clear sight of goal, released by a lofted through-ball from Aymeric Laporte but shooting into the side-netting.
    Foden makes it 3-0 from close rangeCredit: Getty
    The England ace shows his glee after making it threeCredit: Getty
    Still, City did not have to wait long and it was Thursday’s night matchwinner Mahrez who inflicted the damage again. 
    The Algerian won a free-kick almost 30 yards out and with Chelsea prepared for a cross, he curled it inside the near post with power and precision, a flick off the head of Conor Gallagher not looking as if it would make much difference. 
    If the first goal was a belter, the second was a brainstorm.
    Foden delivered a corner from the left and the dozy Havertz raised his arm to claw the ball away from the head of Laporte. 
    It took VAR John Brooks to spot it and although Alvarez’s spot-kick was far from convincing, Kepa plunged to his right but could only push it on off the inside of the post. 
    Chelsea were crestfallen, dishevelled and shadow-chasing after that and City’s third was a classic Guardiola goal.
    A sweeping passing move from left to right ended with Kyle Walker cutting back and Foden side-footing home from close range, Chelsea stretched to breaking point. 
    Potter made two changes at half-time – though in truth he could have used all five subs – Ivorian striker David Fofana on for a debut in place of the insipid Havertz and Denis Zakaria replacing Mateo Kovacic. 
    Kalvin Phillips – fat-shamed by Guardiola after his return from the World Cup – was given a trot in place of Rodri early in the second half and it felt as if the City boss had declared. 
    Mahrez whistled one just wide but Guardiola wasn’t in the mood to rub in any salt, leaving Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne on the bench. 
    Read More on The Sun
    Late on, the clumsy Koulibaly floored Foden in the box and Mahrez cracked home the penalty. 
    What a breeze for City; what a mess for Chelsea. 
    Erling Haaland started the match on the benchCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Man City face potential Arsenal showdown in pick of FA Cup fourth round action while Man Utd hose Reading

    MAN CITY’s reward for thumping Chelsea is a potential showdown with Arsenal in the FA Cup fourth round.Meanwhile Manchester United were handed a kind draw at home to Reading.
    Man United kicked off third round weekend by bating EvertonCredit: Getty
    Pep Guardiola could face old pal Mikel Arteta in round fourCredit: PA
    Erik ten Hag’s side are aiming to end a silverware drought dating back to 2017 by lifting the famous old trophy.
    Man United overcame Everton 3-1 at Old Trafford under the lights on Friday night, while Reading beat Watford 2-0.
    The clash will see Royals boss Paul Ince return to Old Trafford, where he became a legendary figure as a player.
    Manchester City, who easily overcame a poor Chelsea at the Etihad could have to play Premier League leaders Arsenal in round four.
    READ MORE FA CUP NEWS
    The Gunners don’t play their third round tie until Monday night, when they travel to League One Oxford United.
    Their North London rivals Tottenham will head to Preston in round four.
    Antonio Conte’s side are aiming to win the FA Cup for the first time since 1991, having previously claimed it eight times.
    Southampton will host Blackpool, while non-league Wrexham will welcome Championship Sheffield United.
    Most read in FA Cup
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    Should they prevail in a replay at Wolves, Liverpool will travel to Brighton in the next round in another tricky all-Prem clash.
    West Ham will head to Pride Park to face League One Derby County, while Leicester will go to fourth tier Walsall.
    Fulham are set to host Championship Sunderland, while Sheffield Wednesday’s reward for dumping out Newcastle is a home tie with Fleetwood Town.
    Stevenage’s reward for stunning Aston Villa is an away tie at Stoke City.
    Should they win their replay against Accrington Stanley, Boreham Wood will host the winners of Cardiff and Leeds’ rematch.
    Ipswich have been drawn at home to Vincent Kompany’s Burnley, and Luton will play the winners of the replay between Wigan and Grimsby.
    After winning at Norwich earlier today, Blackburn will welcome Forest Green or Birmingham to Ewood Park.
    Bristol City or Swansea City will play Chesterfield or West Brom – with the non-league side having been denied a win over the Baggies by Brandon Thomas-Asante’s stoppage time equaliser in their 3-3 draw yesterday.

    DRAW IN FULL
    Preston North End vs Tottenham HotspurSouthampton vs BlackpoolWrexham vs Sheffield UnitedIpswich Town vs BurnleyManchester United vs ReadingLuton Town or Wigan Athletic vs Grimsby TownDerby County vs West Ham UnitedStoke vs StevenageBlackburn Rovers vs Forest Green Rovers or Birmingham CityWalsall vs Leicester CitySheffield Wednesday vs Fleetwood TownManchester City vs Oxford United or ArsenalBristol City or Swansea City vs Chesterfield or West BromBrighton & Hove Albion vs Liverpool or WolvesFulham vs SunderlandBoreham Wood or Accrington Stanley vs Cardiff City or Leeds

    It’s been a busy weekend in the FA Cup third round.
    The upsets began yesterday, with League One Sheffield Wednesday taking out Champions League chasing Newcastle 2-1.
    Non-league Wrexham kept their cup dreams alive with a dramatic 4-3 win at second-tier Coventry – while fellow National League side Chesterfield earned a replay with West Brom after a 3-3 draw.
    Burnley won 4-2 at Premier League Bournemouth – while Tottenham edged past League One Portsmouth 1-0 thanks to Harry Kane’s rocket from range.
    Liverpool, meanwhile, will require a replay after drawing 2-2 with Wolves at Anfield in all Premier League tie.
    Struggling West Ham won 1-0 at Brentford, with Bees old boy Said Benrahma coming back to haunt his former side by scoring the winner 11 minutes from time.
    Blackpool battered Prem new boys Nottingham Forest 4-1, with CJ Hamilton scoring the pick of the goals.
    League One Fleetwood took out Championship QPR 2-1, and non-league Boreham Wood grabbed a replay against League One Accrington.
    Earlier today, Leeds clung on to a place in the draw via a last-gasp Sonny Perkins equaliser to draw 2-2 at Cardiff.
    Read More on The Sun
    FA CUP THIRD-ROUND RESULTS
    Sunday:Bristol City 1-1 Swansea CityDerby County 3-0 BarnsleyCardiff City 2-2 Leeds UnitedHartlepool United 0-3 Stoke CityNorwich City 0-1 Blackburn RoversStockport County 1-2 Walsall
    Previous results:Manchester United 3-1 EvertonCrystal Palace 1-2 SouthamptonForest Green Rovers P-P Birmingham CityGillingham 0-1 Leicester CityPreston North End 3-1 Huddersfield TownReading 2-0 WatfordTottenham Hotspur 1-0 PortsmouthBlackpool 4-1 Nottingham ForestBoreham Wood 1-1 Accrington StanleyBournemouth 2-4 BurnleyChesterfield 3-3 West Bromwich AlbionFleetwood Town 2-1 Queens Park RangersHull City 0-2 FulhamIpswich Town 4-1 Rotherham UnitedMiddlesbrough 1-5 Brighton & Hove AlbionMillwall 0-2 Sheffield UnitedShrewsbury Town 1-2 SunderlandBrentford 0-1 West HamCoventry 3-4 WrexhamGrimsby 1-0 BurtonLuton 1-1 WiganSheffield Wednesday 2-1 NewcastleLiverpool 2-2 Wolves
    Harry Kane fired Tottenham to victory over PortsmouthCredit: Getty
    Wrexham celebrate at second tier CoventryCredit: Getty
    Sheffield Wednesday dumped Prem high flyers Newcastle outCredit: Getty More

  • in

    FA Cup viewers in stitches at Gary Lineker’s hilarious put-down of Chelsea keeper Kepa after penalty antics vs Man City

    GARY LINEKER had FA Cup viewers in stitches with his hilarious dig at Kepa Arrizabalaga. The Chelsea goalkeeper tried his best to put off Julian Alvarez before the Manchester City forward’s penalty at the Etihad.
    Kepa Arrizabalaga was shredded by Gary Lineker for his pre-penalty anticsCredit: Getty
    Julian Alvarez refused to be sucked into the mind gamesCredit: Getty

    City were gifted the spot-kick when Kai Havertz inexplicably punched the ball clear from a corner.
    And as Alvarez prepared for his effort, Arrizabalaga came out of his goal to have a long chat with the striker.
    The pair – who both speak Spanish – appeared to engage in a light-hearted conversation as the goalkeeper tried to play the mind games.
    It didn’t work, though, as Alvarez squeezed the ball beyond the Blues stopper into the bottom corner to make it 2-0.
    READ MORE ON CHELSEA
    And Match of the Day presenter Lineker could not resist a cheeky swipe at Kepa, branding him the “Poundland Emi Martinez” live on air at half-time.
    Alvarez’s Argentina team-mate and wind-up merchant Martinez psyched out plenty of opponents with his antics during the World Cup, including during the shootout in the final.
    But the world champion City striker refused to be distracted – although supporters watching the game at home could not contain their laughter.
    One said: “Gary Lineker just called Kepa a ‘Poundland Emi Martinez’ they’re violating him on big BBC One omds.”
    Most read in FA Cup
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
    Another wrote: “They’re calling their £72m goalkeeper a Poundland Emi Martinez live on BBC this can’t get more humiliating.”
    And a third added: “Gary Lineker just called Kepa “the Poundshop Emi Martinez!” Do you know how s*** you have to be to be the pound version of that bloke?”
    It was a torrid opening 45 minutes for Arrizabalaga in the Chelsea goal.
    He was beaten by an inch-perfect Riyad Mahrez free-kick before the brainless conceding of the penalty which left Graham Potter furious.
    Phil Foden rounded off a fine team move to make it 3-0 to City before the break.
    City took their foot off the gas in the second half, but a late Mahrez penalty made it four after Kalidou Koulibaly brought down Foden.
    Pep Guardiola’s side now face a fourth-round clash with either Arsenal or Oxford.
    The Blues goalkeeper went the right way but could not save itCredit: AP
    Lineker made the quip on presenting duties live on the BBCCredit: PA
    Emi Martinez caused a stir with his behaviour at the World CupCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Fans in hysterics at Graham Potter’s reaction to watching replay of Kai Havertz’s handball in FA Cup tie with Man City

    FANS were left in hysterics by Graham Potter’s reaction to Kai Havertz’s baffling handball against Manchester City.Chelsea faced City for the third time of Potter’s short tenure in the FA Cup third round… and got off to a nightmare start.
    Graham Potter reacted to watching a replay of the incidentCredit: BBC
    Kai Havertz bafflingly punched a Man City cornerCredit: BBC Sport
    Riyad Mahrez gave Pep Guardiola’s side the lead after just 23 minutes with a brilliant free-kick.
    And things went from bad to worse just seven minutes later, after a moment of madness by Havertz.
    When a corner was swung into the box, the German PUNCHED the ball away to safety.
    His indiscretion was initially missed by officials, but a penalty was later awarded after a VAR check.
    Read More Football Stories
    Cameras picked up Potter’s immediately response to viewing the incident – with fans convinced that he said: “F*** me.”
    One tweeted, followed by a laughing emoji: “Graham Potter after seeing Havertz’ handball: “F*** me”.
    A second wrote: “Haha. Say what you think Potter. ‘F*** Me’.”
    And a City fan chortled: “Graham Potter saw the replay and said, simply: ‘f*** me’.”
    Most read in FA Cup
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    Potter’s woes grew even greater just eight minutes later, when Phil Foden tapped home from close range to make it 3-0.
    Man City completed a 4-0 win when Mahrez converted from the spot late in the second half.
    The former Brighton boss has endured a difficult start to life at Stamford Bridge.
    No Blues boss has recorded a worse points tally from their first 11 Prem games in the last 30 years.
    Potter’s side have won just one of their last eight matches in the Premier League.
    Their wretched form has seen them fall to tenth in the table. More

  • in

    Chelsea pay touching tribute to Gianluca Vialli after death by wearing iconic No9 on training kit and minute’s applause

    CHELSEA fans paid an emotional tribute to Gianluca Vialla before facing Manchester City.The legendary Italian passed away on Friday aged 58 following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
    Players and supporters joined together in a minute’s applause for Gianluca VialliCredit: AFP
    Chelsea’s warm-up tops had the No9 printed on the backCredit: Getty
    Vialli passed away on Friday aged 58Credit: EPA
    And in their first match since his tragic death, former club Chelsea honoured him in a touching way.
    The Blues stars warmed up for their FA Cup third-round clash at the Etihad all wearing Vialli’s No9 on the back of their tops.
    Chelsea’s players, staff and fans were then joined by their City counterparts before kick-off with a minute’s applause for the striker.
    Supporters in the stands held up banners and sang Vialli’s name to honour the popular figure.
    The 59-cap international moved to Stamford Bridge in 1996 and was immediately adored by fans, scoring 40 goals in 88 appearances.
    He helped the team win the FA Cup in his first season in England and took on the role as player-manager in 1998 when Ruud Gullit was sacked.
    Vialli led Chelsea to the Cup Winners’ Cup and the League Cup in the season he took over.
    When the sad news was announced this week, the football world mourned a “gentle soul” and “universally-loved guy”.
    Most read in FA Cup
    Chelsea tweeted: “You’ll be missed by so many. A legend to us and to all of football.
    “Rest in peace, Gianluca Vialli.”
    Vialli won the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1998 with ChelseaCredit: Alamy
    Blues fans held up banners and Italian flags in the away endCredit: AFP More

  • in

    FA Cup 4th round draw LIVE: Stream FREE, start time, ball numbers, TV channel – draw UNDERWAY right now

    THE FA Cup fourth round draw is taking place RIGHT NOW!Then following the draw, it’s a clash of the titans as Chelsea travel to Manchester City, just days after playing them in the Premier League.
    The third round of the competition got underway on Friday night as Manchester United beat Everton 3-1 at Old Trafford.
    And Tottenham, Sheffield Wednesday, Wrexham and Brighton join them in the next round
    The final game of the round will be played between Arsenal and Oxford on Monday.

    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
    Follow ALL of the latest updates from the draw below…
    Here we go
    The FA Cup draw is about to begin…
    Ball numbers continued…
    21. Leicester City
    22. Forest Green Rovers or Birmingham City
    23. Bristol City or Swansea City
    24. Stoke City
    25. Fulham
    Ball numbers continued…
    16. Oxford United or Arsenal
    17. Fleetwood Town
    18. Liverpool or Wolverhampton Wanderers
    19. Grimsby Town
    20. Blackpool
    Ball numbers continued…
    11. Burnley
    12. Wrexham
    13. Blackburn Rovers
    14. Aston Villa or Stevenage
    15. Luton Town or Wigan Athletic
    Ball numbers continued…
    6. Boreham Wood or Accrington Stanley
    7. Tottenham Hotspur
    8. Derby County
    9. Cardiff City or Leeds United
    10. West Ham United
    Here are the ball numbers for each team
    1. Preston North End
    2. Brighton & Hove Albion
    3. Chesterfield or West Bromwich Albion
    4. Manchester City or Chelsea
    5. Walsall
    Today’s latest results
    Cardiff City 2 Leeds United 2
    Stockport 1 Walsall 2
    Hartlepool 0 Stoke City 3
    Norwich City 0 Blackburn Rovers 1
    Stockport 1 Walsall 2
    Drama at the death as Walsall’s Andy Williams nets from the spot.
    And with that Stockport have been knocked out of the FA Cup and Walsall will go into the hat for the fourth round.
    Cardiff City 2 Leeds 2
    OH WOW!
    Leeds have equalised in added-time and it’s young star Sonny Perkins with the goal.
    Perkins left the West Ham academy for Elland Road in the summer and was highly rated in East London.
    Both teams will be in the draw.
    Cardiff City 2 Leeds 1
    Rodrigo has pulled a goal back for Leeds and has also had a penalty saved!
    Joel Bagan has also received his marching orders for the home side.
    Nervy end to the game for Cardiff.
    FA Cup top scorer
    Wrexham’s Paul Mullin is the FA Cup’s top scorer so far.
    His last game came in the third round 4-3 win over Coventry.
    Wrexham – owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney – are ball No12.

    Today’s scores

    FT: Derby 3 Barnsley 0
    FT: Bristol City 1 Swansea 1
    64′ Cardiff City 2 Leeds 0
    64′ Stockport 0 Walsall 0
    64′ Hartlepool 0 Stoke City 3
    64′ Norwich City 0 Blackburn Rovers 1

    There’s three third round fixtures yet to be played.
    Two get underway at 4.30pm on Sunday, with the last taking place on Monday.

    4.30pm: Man City vs Chelsea
    4.30pm: Aston villa vs Stevenage
    Monday: Oxford United vs Arsenal

    Cup holders in the draw… JUST
    FA Cup holders Liverpool ARE in the draw, but aren’t guaranteed a spot in the fourth round.
    The Reds were held to a 2-2 draw at Anfield by Wolves, and the game will go to a third round replay.
    However, Wolves believed they had snatched it late on with Toti Gomes flicking home.
    The defender ripped his shirt off and wheeled away in celebration, pulling off a Thierry Henry-like kneeslide before being mobbed by his Wolves team-mates.
    But after a lengthy VAR check, in which no camera angle showed a hint of an offside, the decision stood and the goal was chalked off.
    VAR wasn’t the only thing that left fans furious.
    Gomes somehow escaped a booking despite his “unsporting” celebration.
    Credit: Getty
    When will the FA Cup fourth round take place?
    The FA Cup fourth round will take place between January 27-30.
    This is after the replays have been played.
    Arsenal in third round action
    Premier League leaders Arsenal complete the FA Cup third round (before replays) tomorrow night when they travel to League One Oxford United.
    The Gunners were knocked out at the third round stage last year, losing 1-0 to then-Championship Nottingham Forest.
    Will lightning strike twice?
    Cardiff stunning Leeds
    On team who looks to be in the hat is Cardiff City.
    The Championship side are currently beating Premier League Leeds 2-0.
    The match kicked off at 2pm.
    Credit: Getty
    How many teams are in the hat?
    There will be 32 teams in the hat for the FA Cup fourth round draw.
    Some teams will have to wait a little longer to find out their true fourth round fate, however, because of potential replays.
    Replays, in the event of a draw, are back this season up until, and including, the fourth round.
    Credit: Getty
    Ball numbers continued
    21 Leicester City
    22 Forest Green Rovers or Birmingham City
    23 Bristol City or Swansea City
    24 Hartlepool United or Stoke City
    25 Fulham
    26 Southampton
    27 Sheffield United
    28 Sunderland
    29 Sheffield Wednesday
    30 Manchester United
    31 Reading 
    32 Ipswich Town
    Ball numbers continued
    11 Burnley
    12 Wrexham
    13 Norwich City or Blackburn Rovers
    14 Aston Villa or Stevenage
    15 Luton Town or Wigan Athletic
    16 Oxford United or Arsenal
    17 Fleetwood Town
    18 Liverpool or Wolverhampton Wanderers
    19 Grimsby Town
    20 Blackpool
    What are the ball numbers?
    Here are those all-important ball numbers for the fourth round.
    1 Preston North End
    2 Brighton & Hove Albion
    3 Chesterfield or West Bromwich Albion
    4 Manchester City or Chelsea
    5 Stockport County or Walsall
    6 Boreham Wood or Accrington Stanley
    7 Tottenham Hotspur
    8 Derby County
    9 Cardiff City or Leeds United
    10 West Ham United
    FA Cup fourth round draw is here
    Hello and welcome to coverage of the FA Cup fourth round draw!
    The huge draw is taking place right before Manchester City host Chelsea in the third round, and is expected to get under way from around 4.05pm.
    Manchester United booked their place in the draw with a 2-1 win over Everton on Friday night.
    Though fellow in-form Premier League side Newcastle won’t be joining them.
    The Magpies lost 2-1 at Sheffield Wednesday and have exited at the third round.
    Prem table toppers Arsenal – who were knocked out at the third round to Nottingham Forest last year – take on Oxford United in the final third round tie tomorrow night.
    So sit back as we bring you all of the latest updates and reaction to the big draw. Here we go!
    Load more entries… More