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      Fernandez and Caicedo branded ‘absolutely outstanding’ by Keane as stats show how Chelsea’s £222m pair bossed Villa

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      ROY KEANE branded Chelsea midfield duo Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo “absolutely outstanding” after the pair pulled the strings against Aston Villa.And looking at their stats from last night’s FA Cup win, it’s easy to see why the hard-to-please Irishman was full of praise for the £222million superstars.
      Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo were hailed as ‘absolutely outstanding’ against Aston VillaCredit: Reuters
      Roy Keane was full of praise for the Chelsea midfielders… and the stats prove he was rightCredit: Getty
      Caicedo and Fernandez were on fire as a resurgent Chelsea battered Villa 3-1 to book their spot in the fifth round.
      Caicedo finally stepped into the boots of predecessor N’Golo Kante as he held the line between midfield and defence.
      While Fernandez’s non-stop passing and movement split Villa apart on multiple occasions and eased the pressure on Mauricio Pochettino.
      The Argentina World Cup winner even got on the score sheet with a world-class free-kick, which was pinged into the top corner of Emi Martinez’s net.
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      And legendary former Manchester United midfielder Keane produced a rare piece of praise for the duo.
      He said: “Absolutely outstanding, the two of them dominated that midfield.
      “They looked strong, they looked aggressive. Their passing was short, decision making was excellent.
      “They looked strong, physical. Outstanding.”
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      Looking at Fernandez and Caicedo’s stats, it becomes clear as to why Keane was singing their praises.
      Both men’s heat maps make for impressive reading, with the duo clearly unafraid to huff and puff their way around the pitch.
      Chelsea fans turn on each other as Mauricio Pochettino is booed while arriving at Villa Park

      They have equally fine passing maps too, with Caicedo’s deep presence helping Chelsea build from the back and Fernandez being more influential in the final third.
      Caicedo certainly put in the ground work as he formed a triangle with centre-backs Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile.
      The Ecuador star made three tackles and recovered the ball twice while also drawing four fouls from frustrated opponents.
      But Caicedo also showed off his technical side, making 58 passes and touching the ball 76 times while even having two shots on goal.

      As for Fernandez, he enjoyed more freedom going forward despite also doing the dirty work.

      He won the ball back four times while getting involved with two tackles.
      Fernandez got on the ball 62 times and fired off 47 passes.
      And one of his two shots did register as a goal, with Fernandez ripping off his shirt in delight as he celebrated with jubilant Chelsea fans.
      Supporters were also full of praise for the duo on social media.
      One said: “Finally Caicedo and Enzo PR. I used to pray for times like this.”
      Another declared: “Outstanding performance from Caicedo and Enzo today.”
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      One noted: “They dropped a masterclass. More to come.”
      Another added: “Enzo and Caicedo cooked.” More

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      Chelsea fans spot Conor Gallagher’s ‘priceless’ reaction to Enzo Fernandez’s stunning free-kick goal against Aston Villa

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      CHELSEA fans loved Conor Gallagher’s “priceless” reaction to Enzo Fernandez’s stunning free-kick against Aston Villa.The Blues produced a much-improved display to beat Unai Emery’s side 3-1 away from home.
      Conor Gallagher watched Enzo Fernandez’s free-kick fly in
      The midfielder turned in complete amazement
      Gallagher’s mouth was wide open with shock
      Mauricio Pochettino’s men booked their place in the FA Cup fifth round courtesy of goals by Gallagher, Nicolas Jackson and Fernandez.
      The Blues’ third strike came via a sumptuous free-kick.
      Villa stars contested the awarding of the set piece, believing that little contact had actually been made on Fernandez.
      Nevertheless, the Argentine dusted himself down and produced a moment of stunning quality.
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      The 23-year-old curled the ball right into the top corner, wheeling away with his shirt off in a flash to celebrate.
      From the reverse replay of the free-kick, fans spotted Gallagher’s stunned response.
      The midfielder, 24, had been stood by the Aston Villa wall, making a nuisance of himself.
      When the ball hit the back of the net he turned towards Fernandez with his mouth agape in complete wonder.
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      Spotting his response, one fan wrote on social media: “Conor Gallagher’s reaction to Enzo’s freekick is priceless!”
      While a second gushed: “Absolutely love this!!!”
      Chelsea boss Pochettino gives touchy response as he’s asked whether he dropped Thiago Silva following wife’s rant
      A third swooned: “Man was in awe.”
      And a fourth admitted: “That’s my reaction too.”
      Another added: “Gallagher was class today as well.”
      Under-fire Pochettino was thrilled with his side’s display.
      Asked by ITV if it that was his side’s best performance of the season, the 51-year-old said: “‘I think so.
      “We were talking in the dressing room about the feelings with the players. One of the best, maybe the best performance of the season.
      “it has arrived in a very good moment for us and I’m so happy with the performance.
      “The way we played pleased me the most. We are a young team and you know always it’s about being solid and consistent and that is the most difficult thing in a young team.”
      Pochettino then urged his side to emulate pundit Roy Keane, who was at the game for ITV.
      He added: “We are a young team and Roy, you know very well that it’s about being solid and consistent and that’s the most difficult thing in a young team.
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      “We need a bigger mentality, sometimes the mentality of this guy [points at Keane], but it’s about finding a balance.
      “For me I am so optimistic, I know at a club like Chelsea people aren’t patient and they don’t want to know about the circumstances but the reality is another thing, we’re not the Chelsea that was competing in a different time.” More

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      Chelsea fans turn on each other as Mauricio Pochettino is booed while arriving at Villa Park

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      CHELSEA fans were divided as footage revealed Mauricio Pochettino being booed while arriving at Villa Park.The Blues boss headed into the FA Cup clash with pressure mounting following a dismal 4-2 home defeat to Wolves on Sunday.
      Mauricio Pochettino was booed while arriving at Villa ParkCredit: ITV
      But Pochettino’s struggling side bounced back to beat Aston Villa 3-1 away from home and progress into the fifth round.
      It was before the match that footage showed the Argentine arriving at the ground to a chorus of boos.
      And while is it unclear whether they came from Chelsea or Villa supporters, the Blues fan base had a lot to say.
      One reacted: “He’s been poor. But does Mauricio Pochettino deserve this reaction from our fans?”
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      Another said: “That’s poor if it’s from our own fans.”
      One agreed: “That’s poor from our fans.”
      But another argued: “Those probably aren’t our fans considering we are playing away from home.”
      One claimed: “How do you know this is from Chelsea fans?”
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      Chelsea came into the clash 11th in the Premier League but with a Carabao Cup final against Liverpool to look forward to on February 25th.
      And their cup form continued as goals from Conor Gallagher, Nicolas Jackson and an Enzo Fernandez stunner sealed the deal against Villa.
      Chelsea’s 3-1 FA Cup win at Aston Villa was the team’s best performance of the season, says Mauricio Pochettino
      Pochettino spoke out after the game and urged fans to lower the high expectations set out by Chelsea teams of the past.
      He said: “We need to stop this thing that we are Chelsea from 20 years ago. We are not this type of Chelsea any more. Now we need to move on and we need to create this project.
      “We need to move on, I don’t care if people are happy or not happy with my speech. I care for the club, I care for my players, I want to help the players.
      “We are going to fight, I don’t care what the people say. I’m not more sad or happy today after a win because we have experience, this type of project needs time and trust.
      “We cannot build a team to challenge because you need to fix too many things, you need to observe, analyse and compete.
      “We are building a project which may be one year, two years, three years. Today you can see we were ready to fight.
      “We fight for the fans, the badge, the coaching staff. Now the challenge is to be consistent.”
      Mauricio Pochettino celebrates with his Chelsea playersCredit: Getty More

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      Nottingham Forest 1 Bristol City 1 (5-3 pens) Hosts seal FA Cup clash with Man Utd thanks to ex-Arsenal ace Turner

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      TAIWO AWONIYI held his nerve to squeeze home the winning penalty as Forest edged out the Robins in a dramatic penalty shoot-out.But it was Matt Turner who was the star-spangled stopper who came to his side’s rescue to set up a fifth-round visit from Manchester United.
      Matt Turner makes his decisive shootout save from Sam BellCredit: Getty
      Under-pressure keeper Turner was Forest’s saviourCredit: Rex
      Taiwo Awoniyi celebrates with fellow shootout hero Matt TurnerCredit: Getty
      Bristol City’s gutted players react to defeatCredit: Getty
      The USA star’s stunning spot-kick save from Sam Bell was enough for Forest to come out on top as he dived to his left to push the ball to safety.
      It was a timely reminder to boss Nuno Espirito Santo about Turner’s quality after he signed Belgian keeper Matz Sels from Salzburg during the January transfer window.
      Having knocked out West Ham in the third round, the Robins were attempting to eliminate more than one top-flight team for the first time in more than a century.
      However, their chances of creating history suffered an early blow as Forest sped in front.
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      Santo’s men were on it from the start and skipper Morgan Gibbs-White brought out the best in City No1 Max O’Leary with a rocket of a shot that was saved low to his right.
      Anthony Elanga then had an effort deflected over for a corner which the visitors failed to defend.
      Gibbs-White delivered a laser-sharp cross which Felipe rose to head goalwards and the ball appeared to deflect off Divock Origi at the front post to leave O’Leary helpless.
      Felipe’s acrobatic front flip suggested the defender thought he had scored but it was Origi who took the credit – following a VAR handball check – for his helpful nudge of the ball over the line.
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      It was Origi’s first Forest goal and ironically he wouldn’t have been around to score it if Chris Wood hadn’t tweaked his hamstring against Arsenal.
      Forest were on the brink of flogging the former Liverpool striker to the MLS where a few clubs, led by Los Angeles FC were ready to take him off their hands.
      Smirking Roy Keane in very cheeky four-word dig at Jamie Carragher on live TV after Chelsea’s FA Cup win
      But fate had handed the 28-year-old Belgian a second chance and he made the most of it.
      However, Forest have been particularly flaky this season and they failed to press home their advantage.
      Undeterred by the loss of that early goal, City hit back six minutes later.
      Former Leicester midfielder Andy King was given way too much time and space by Forest’s retreating back three and let fly from 25 yards.
      Turner threw himself across to his left and managed to fingertip the ball which flew off both posts.
      However Forest’s reprieve was short-lived as Bell pounced on the loose ball and squared for Jason Knight to steer the ball home from seven yards.
      It was a particularly sweet moment for the former Derby County favourite to score at the home of his former bitter rivals.
      He almost doubled his tally with a snapshot which was deflected for a corner before Turner pushed away an Anis Mehmet effort.
      Divock Origi scrambled Nottingham Forest into an eighth-minute leadCredit: Rex
      Turner couldn’t keep out City’s equaliser from Jason KnightCredit: Rex
      Forest seemed happy to make it to half-time on level terms and continued to make heavy weather of dealing with their Championship opponents after the break.
      Robins’ head coach Liam Manning made a triple substitution on the hour with Matty James, Harry Cornick and George Tanner replacing King, goalscorer Knight and Haydon Roberts.
      And Forest fans were soon given a rare chance to cheer as Nuno sent on cult hero Awoniyi and Callum Hudson-Odoi for Cheikhou Kouyate and Elanga a few minutes later.
      Suddenly Forest had some purpose to their play and Origi flashed a 25 yarder wide after Awoniyi set him up.
      Gibbs-White and Montiel also tried their luck from long-range with no success as Forest pinned City back.
      At least sub Nuno Tavares hit the target with a rifled volley which O’Leary beat away before Neco Williams flashed a shot inches wide as the tie spilled into extra-time.
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      Mehmeti and Bell had attempts saved by Turner as the Robins rallied and Nahki Wells was blocked on the line by Moussa Niakhate as he tried to force home Bell’s low cross.
      But when Cornick flashed a last-gasp shot wide the tie was destined to be decided by penalties – with the second-tier side losing out. More

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      Chelsea boss Pochettino gives touchy response as he’s asked whether he dropped Thiago Silva following wife’s rant

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO turned frosty when asked why he dropped Thiago Silva for Chelsea’s impressive 3-1 FA Cup win at Aston Villa.Silva’s wife Isabelle posted “It’s time to change” after Sunday’s 4-2 loss to Wolves – although she later apologised for her “outburst”.
      Mauricio Pochettino said Thiago Silva came to him for a ‘private’ chatCredit: Getty
      Pochettino seemed displeased to be pressed over Silva’s axing
      Silva with wife Isabelle
      Blues’ boss Pochettino replaced 39-year-old Silva with Benoit Badiashile on Wednesday, meaning an inexperienced central defence with Axel Disasi.
      But Chelsea turned in one of their finest displays of an erratic season to mock Villa’s superb home record.
      Before kick-off, however, Poch became terse when pressed over Silva.
      Responding to ITV’s Gabriel Clarke, the ex-Tottenham chief said: “Why the question?
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      “I am professional and a coach and I always pick my players because of performance and balance.
      “I think I understand the question but I want to be calm because I need to be professional and I always make my decisions because of the professional side.”
      Asked if there were any other reasons for the Brazilian’s axing, Poch replied: “My answer was clear, no?”
      Pochettino earlier revealed he met Silva to discuss a “private” matter – assumed to be Isabelle’s post on X.
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      He added: “I am not going to talk in the way we were talking. The important thing is he came and wanted to talk with me.”
      Chelsea went on to book a fifth-round home clash against Leeds with a stylish replay triumph at Villa Park.
      Smirking Roy Keane in very cheeky four-word dig at Jamie Carragher on live TV after Chelsea’s FA Cup win
      Conor Gallagher and Nicolas Jackson pounced neatly before the break.
      Enzo Fernandez then curled the Blues’ brilliant third goal, with Villa sub Moussa Diaby netting a stoppage-time consolation. More

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      Smirking Roy Keane in very cheeky four-word dig at Jamie Carragher on live TV after Chelsea’s FA Cup win

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      ROY KEANE appeared to take a cheeky dig at Sky Sports pal Jamie Carragher after Chelsea trounced Aston Villa in the FA Cup.The Blues thumped Unai Emery’s 3-1 at Villa Park to set-up a fifth round clash at home to Leeds United on February 28.
      Keane was on great form at Villa Park
      They took a cheeky dig at Jamie Carragher after Enzo Fernandez’s goal celebrationCredit: Getty
      Conor Gallagher got under-pressure Mauricio Pochettino’s side off to a flying start after just 11 minutes and then Nicolas Jackson doubled the advantage shortly afterwards.
      But the goal of the game came moments into the second half when Enzo Fernandez scored a brilliant free-kick past his fellow Argentina World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez from 30 yards.
      That sparked wild scenes as he and his Chelsea team-mates rushed to celebrate in front of the away supporters.
      The 23-year-old copied Lionel Messi’s famous celebration in 2017 after he had scored the 500th goal of his Barcelona career in a win over Real Madrid.
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      Fernandez removed his shirt before holding it up to show off his name and number to the crowd, with his colleagues then taking it and performing the same trick.
      Villa pulled a late goal back but it was too little, too late, as Chelsea and Poch put the miserable 4-2 home defeat to Wolves firmly behind them.
      ITV were covering the game and had the usually fiery Keane and ex-England Women’s star Karen Carney on punditry duty for them.
      And after watching the celebratory scenes again, Carney tongue-in-cheekily said in a blatant nod to Carragher: “Talk about over celebrating a bit.”
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      Keane, with a big grin, then shocked everyone by responding with: “Let them enjoy it.”
      That came after Martin Odegaard hit back at Sky Sports pundits for their criticism over Arsenal’s post-match scenes following their win over Liverpool.
      Jamie Carragher tells Odegaard ‘get down the tunnel’ after Arsenal star’s bizarre celebration following Liverpool defeat
      Mikel Arteta revved up the Emirates crowd with Jurgen Klopp-esque fist pumps while Odegaard used a camera to take pictures of club photographer Stuart Macfarlane.
      Liverpool legend Carragher then said: “Just get down the tunnel. You’ve won a game. It’s three points.
      “They’re back in the title race, get down the tunnel. I’m serious, honestly.”
      Carragher then became embroiled in a war of words with ex-Premier League star Jan Aage Fjortoft over Odegaard’s celebration.
      However after Keane, who’s famed for his angry rants on TV over the years, stuck up for the Blues, the club’s supporters were quick to show the ex-Manchester United captain some love.
      “Roy I misjudged you,” responded one.
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      Another wrote: “Roy Keane what a guy.”
      While a third added: “Perhaps I treated you too harshly Roy.”
      Jamie Carragher hit the headlines for his comments about Arsenal’s celebrationsCredit: Rex More

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      Chelsea ratings: Enzo and Caicedo answer critics in the best way as midfield duo spur Blues to FA Cup fifth round

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      CHELSEA went some way to answering their critics as they swept Aston Villa aside 3-1 tonight.The Blues came into the game at Villa Park off the back of consecutive convincing defeats to Liverpool and Wolves.
      Enzo Fernandez flashed the back of his shirt to the crowd in reponse to the online abuse he had been receivingCredit: Getty
      His team-mates joined in with supporting the midfielderCredit: Getty
      Conor Gallagher had opened the scoring in the first-halfCredit: Getty
      But Mauricio Pochettino will have bought himself more time after they beat the Premier League’s 4th placed side convincingly to move into the FA Cup’s fifth round.
      Chelsea were dominant from the start against the Villains as they ripped the form back up.
      It was Conor Gallagher who opened the scoring in the 11th minute, which was soon followed up with a goal from Nicolas Jackson ten minutes later.
      Enzo Fernandez put the tie beyond doubt in the 54th minute with a brilliant curled free-kick past his compatriot Emi Martinez.
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      The goal was clearly a significant one for Enzo, who removed his shirt and held it up to the away fans to show he was a player that is here to stay.
      Both he and Moises Caicedo were forced to delete their social media accounts earlier this week but responded emphatically and both put in excellent performances.
      Here’s how the Chelsea players rated…
      Credit: The Sun

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      DJORDJE PETROVIC – 6
      Well positioned for routine stops from Leon Bailey, Ollie Watkins and John McGinn in first half. Didn’t have a save to make in second before late Villa consolation. 
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      MALO GUSTO – 8
      Recovered well from shaky start in defence to become one of stars of first half. Full of running, his superb cross created second goal.  
      AXEL DISASI – 8
      After the early scares, didn’t have a lot to do in the first half. Or in the second until excellent block on McGinn shot and tackle on Jacob Ramsey.
      BENOIT BADIASHILE – 7
      Gave Mrs Silva no reason to complain that her husband had been dropped, handling Watkins well and avoiding repeat of recent gaffes.
      Credit: The Sun
      Nicolas Jackson scored his first goal since returning from AfconCredit: Getty

      BEN CHILWELL – 7
      A bit disappointing going forward but solid at the back as Leon Bailey and the rest of the Villa attack barely got a look in. 
      MOISES CAICEDO – 9
      This was more like it from the £1billion man, or whatever he cost. Brave, strong, clever. You never know, It could catch on.
      ENZO FERNANDEZ – 9
      Less eye-catching than Caicedo until his brilliant free kick made it three, but also played a big role in nullifying Villa’s much-heralded midfield.
      NONI MADUEKE – 7
      Teed up Gallagher well for opening goal and posed a threat with direct running. Final pass or shot often lacking, though.
      Credit: The Sun
      Chelsea’s young stars looked like much more of a team todayCredit: Getty
      NICOLAS JACKSON – 7
      His run and deflected pass led to opener. Touch of fortune about his header for the second, too, Ran out of steam second half. 
      COLE PALMER – 6
      Worked hard and tried to make things happen, but still not quite the player who forced his way into the England reckoning. 
      CONOR GALLAGHER – 8
      Played as striker for much of game and took his goal like one. Still popped up all over pitch. Homegrown heartbeat of the team.
      SUBSTITUTES
      RAHEEM STERLING (for Madueke, 75mins) – 6
      Had little time or need to make an impact but kept Villa honest with energy.

      THIAGO SILVA (for Palmer, 81) – 6 
      Brought on to see the game out in a back five and made late headed clearance.
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      ALFIE GILCHRIST (for Badiashile, 88) – 5
      Frenchman took a knock so Academy product filled in.
      CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU (for Jackson, 88) – 5
      Token appearance for the forward as the game petered out. More

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      Aston Villa 1-3 Chelsea LIVE RESULT – FA Cup fourth round: Pressure eases on Pochettino as Blues sail through – reaction

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      CHELSEA have sailed through to the FA Cup fifth round after beating Aston Villa 3-1 at Villa Park.The Blues took an early lead through Conor Gallagher’s thumping effort after just 11 minutes on the clock.
      Nicolas Jackson made it 2-0 Chelsea midway through the first half following a rampant start from Mauricio Pochettino’s men.
      Early in the second half, Enzo Fernandez scored a stunning free-kick to make it 3-0 as the Blues continued to run riot at Villa Park.
      Moussa Diaby bagged a cancellation goal in the 91st minute as Chelsea sailed through to the FA Cup fifth round 3-1 winners.

      Match result: Aston Villa 1-3 Chelsea
      Aston Villa team: Martinez, Cash, Diego Carlos, Lenglet, Alex Moreno, Bailey, Kamara, Douglas Luiz, McGinn, Tielemans, Watkins
      Chelsea team: Petrovic, Gusto, Diasi, Badiashile, Chilwell, Gallagher, Caicedo, Enzo, Madueke, Palmer, Jackson

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      Follow all the action with our live blog below…
      Full fifth round draw
      And we’ll sign off the evening with the full 5th round draw after tonight’s two games.
      Nottingham Forest scraped by Bristol City on penalties at the City Ground after a 1-1 draw.

      Blackburn Rovers v Newcastle United
      Chelsea v Leeds United
      AFC Bournemouth v Leicester City
      Liverpool v Southampton
      Nottingham Forest v Manchester United
      Wolverhampton Wanderers v Brighton & Hove Albion
      Coventry City v Maidstone United
      Luton Town v Manchester City

      Copy linkCopiedEmery reacts
      Unai Emery reckons his side competed this evening.
      He also believes his side played at a good pace with the right mentality, despite the gulf in class.
      He told Match of the Day: “We competed. We started the first 15 minutes creating chances but we didn’t score. Maybe it was the key moment. And then they created chances, were clinical, and they scored.
      “In the second half we started trying to score one more, to push and create some chances. We did not do this very clear and they scored the third goal. After that our speed was very good and the mentality as well. Even when we were losing 3-0 we created chances. We have to accept it.
      “Chelsea is a very good team, they can play like tonight and get these performances. Of course we are going to try again and focus on the Premier League. We are being consistent there. It is a new challenge, and going for the league as well, it is important to be a contender at the end of the season.
      “It’s not a surprise because Chelsea can perform like this. We competed, but not over 90 minutes, in some periods. We have to accept it and of course we have to try to analyse and improve things.”
      Copy linkCopiedCalm before the rout
      Mauricio Pochettino admitted feeling CALM before tonight’s game – despite mounting pressure on his own job.
      The Chelsea boss was asked if he thought this was the best performance of the season.
      He told ITV: “I think so. It was one of the best, maybe the best performance of the season. I am so happy with the performance and the way the players enjoyed playing football. That pleased me the most.
      “We are a young team and being consistent is the most difficult thing in a young team. With a young team to find the balance is the most difficult thing.”
      Copy linkCopiedChelsea ratings from inside Villa Park

      DJORDJE PETROVIC – 6
      MALO GUSTO – 8
      AXEL DISASI – 8
      BENOIT BADIASHILE – 7
      BEN CHILWELL – 7
      MOISES CAICEDO – 9
      ENZO FERNANDEZ – 9
      NONI MADUEKE – 7
      NICOLAS JACKSON – 7
      COLE PALMER – 6
      CONOR GALLAGHER – 8

      SUBSTITUTES

      RAHEEM STERLING (for Madueke, 75mins) – 6
      THIAGO SILVA (for Palmer, 81) – 6 
      ALFIE GILCHRIST (for Badiashile, 88) – 5
      CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU (for Jackson, 88) – 5

      Read more on each rating
      Copy linkCopiedUp next…
      In this competition, Chelsea will welcome Leeds United to Stamford Bridge in the fifth round.
      After consecutive 3-1 drubbings at home, Aston Villa have the chance to put it right when Manchester United visit on Sunday.
      Chelsea go to Crystal Palace in Monday Night Football.
      Copy linkCopiedChilling Well
      Chelsea skipper Ben Chilwell says tonight’s result and performance was ‘needed’ and said the changing room were confident before the game that they’d get through.
      He told ITV’s coverage: “It was exactly the reaction we wanted and needed. It wasn’t about wanting a reaction. We needed it. Fair play to all of the boys.”
      “We wanted that pressure. We thrived off it. The confidence before the game in the changing room was the best I have seen it – the togetherness.
      “We delivered on the pitch today.
      “As a club, the players, manager, the staff, the fans everyone involved in the club. It wasn’t just the manager. Everyone associated with the club needed that today.”
      Copy linkCopiedNumbers from Villa Park
      Aston Villa fought back in that second half, according to the stats.
      But the game was done by Chelsea’s third goal and they let Villa enjoy more of the ball at that stage.
      Petrovic didn’t have too much to do in the Blues goal, for the amount of attempts Villa had.

      Copy linkCopiedMatch report from inside Villa Park
      Thiago Silva’s missus had demanded that it was ‘time to change’ at Chelsea – and Mauricio Pochettino agreed.
      He dropped Thiago, fielded even more inexperienced kids than usual, and watched his youthful side tear Aston Villa to shreds to reach the FA Cup fifth round. 
      The Blues had lost all of their last six matches north of the Watford Gap, with everybody telling Poch that his side lacked experience and nous. 
      But in the FA Cup, you often have to forget everything you thought you knew. 
      This certainly wasn’t a classic David-versus-Goliath Cup upset, given that Pochettino’s squad has had £1billion spent on it.
      Yet it was a genuine shock, given Villa’s outstanding campaign and Chelsea’s calamitous recent form. 
      Read the full report

      Copy linkCopiedCruise control
      A fantastic win for Chelsea tonight – who saw that coming!
      Their 7,000 fans didn’t have long to wait to celebrate when Conor Gallagher scored the opener on 11 minutes.
      Jackson’s header made it two before the break when it could’ve been more.
      It was more when Enzo fired a sensational free kick into the top corner from 25 yards.
      Villa got a late consolation through Diaby, which was more than they deserved on the night.
      Copy linkCopiedFULL TIME!!
      Dominant display from Chelsea who cruise past Aston Villa to book their fifth round spot!
      Aston Villa 1-3 Chelsea

      Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 1-3 Chelsea
      90+4. Almost number four!
      Great play in the Villa box which sees Caicedo break the defensive lead and he’s 1v1 with Martinez.
      The big keeper stretches an arm out to keep out the delicate chip.
      Corner Chelsea.
      Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 1-3 Chelsea
      90+3. No.
      They win the second ball and Moreno clips a cross to the back post but the header from eight yards is weak and straight at the keeper.
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      90+2. Another Villa corner late in the day.
      They couldn’t, could they?
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      90+2. Gallagher picks the ball up as Chelsea push forward for a fourth.
      He cuts back on his right foot and strikes from 25 yards but Martinez saves comfortably.
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      90. Clean sheet gone for Chelsea and Petrovic will be gutted.
      The corner was taken short to Cash on the edge of the box and his shot was blocked.
      It’s eventually cut back for Diaby who scuffs his shot from just inside the box and it drifts across goal and in off the post.
      Copy linkCopiedGOOOOAAAAALLLL!!!
      Aston Villa do score and it’s Diaby!
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      Four minutes added
      Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 0-3 Chelsea
      89. Moreno tries to get by Gusto on the left but the Chelsea right back wins the battle once more.
      He does have to concede the corner, however.
      Late chance to get on the board for the home side.
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      88. Villa creating even less since the Blues switch to a back five.
      Douglas Luiz goes for the World Cup pass which is too high for Cash and drifts away for a throw in.

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      86. Double change for Chelsea:

      OFF: Badiashile & Jackson
      ON: Gilchrist & Nkunku

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      84. Bailey drives at Gallagher down the right and his cross is blocked.
      Claims for handball but they’re desperate claims at this stage.
      Gallagher gets the ball cleared for a throw in as the Villa fans head for the exits.
      Badiashile goes down and needs treatment.
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      82. Chelsea move to a back five after that substitution with Caicedo back on the field.
      They’re letting Villa have the ball on halfway and the hosts look out of ideas.

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      80. Caicedo gets back to his feet and trudges to the touchline.
      Chelsea make a change for the final 10 minutes – but it isn’t Caicedo that’s off!

      OFF: Palmer
      ON: Thiago Silva

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      77. Jackson is allowed to drive into the box after another flowing Chelsea counter.
      He’s stopped in his tracks and the play is stopped as Caicedo is down and needs treatment.
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      74. Chelsea change:

      OFF – Madueke
      ON – Sterling

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