Sports

Chukwuemeka, Madueke late goals help Chelsea reach FA Cup semi-finals

Late goals from Carney Chukwuemeka and Noni Madueke secured Chelsea a 4-2 victory against 10-man Leicester City on Sunday as the Blues booked their spot in the FA Cup semi-finals.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side were fortunate to survive a stirring fightback from Championship promotion chasers Leicester amid a mutinous atmosphere at Stamford Bridge.

Chukwuemeka netted in the closing minutes to save Chelsea from the embarrassment of being forced into extra-time.

Madueke added Chelsea’s fourth to ensure the angry fans who booed Pochettino in the second half were silenced, at least for now.

For the sixth time in the last eight years, the Blues have advanced to the last four in the FA Cup.

But this was hardly a triumphant afternoon for Blues boss Pochettino, whose inconsistent team blew the two-goal half-time lead given to them by Marc Cucurella and Cole Palmer.

Silva fires Man City to FA Cup semi-finals as Coventry stun Wolves

In between those strikes, Raheem Sterling missed a penalty and Axel Disasi gave Leicester hope with a farcical own goal early in the second half.

When Stephy Mavididi scored an eye-catching equaliser, Chelsea were in turmoil once again as the hapless Sterling earned the wrath of the home support.

But Leicester’s Callum Doyle was sent off for a professional foul on Nicolas Jackson, setting the stage for the Blues’ late revival.

Chelsea have failed to win a single domestic trophy since their most recent FA Cup triumph six years ago.

The west Londoners are languishing in 11th place in the Premier League and former Tottenham and Southampton boss Pochettino is yet to win silverware in England.

Under mounting pressure amid a troubled first season in charge, Pochettino revealed this week that some of Chelsea’s young players endured a sleepless night before their League Cup final defeat against Liverpool in February.

Making amends by winning the FA Cup would buy Pochettino some much-needed breathing space.

The FA Cup semi-finals will take place on the weekend of April 20.

The Star

Segun Ojo

Recent Posts

IPMAN to Nigerians: We have enough fuel, avoid panic buying

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has urged Nigerians to avoid panic buying,…

13 mins ago

3 Premier League talking points

Liverpool swept four points clear at the top of the Premier League as Mohamed Salah's…

31 mins ago

Honda, Nissan begin merger talks

Honda and Nissan are on Monday, December 23, 2024, likely to unveil a pact to…

49 mins ago

FG lifts ban on mineral exploration in Zamfara after 5 years

After more than five years of security restriction, the Federal Government has lifted the ban…

1 hour ago

UBA GMD Alawuba calls for public-private collaboration

The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group Managing Director/CEO, Oliver Alawuba, has stressed the need…

1 hour ago

Premier League: Liverpool thrash Tottenham in 9-goal thriller

Liverpool moved four points clear at the top of the Premier League after both Luis…

13 hours ago

This website uses cookies.