Carney to the rescue!

Midfielder Chukwuemeka’s stoppage time goal helps Chelsea beat 10-man Leicester 4-2 to enter FA Cup semis

Carney Chukwuemeka rescued Chelsea with a stoppage-time strike that inspired a 4-2 win over 10-man Leicester in an FA Cup quarter-final thriller on Sunday. 

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 scores winner

Noni 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.

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Mauricio Pochettino

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. 

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. 

Mavididi nets equaliser

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. 

Chelsea had taken the lead in the 13th minute when Nicolas Jackson accelerated past Jannik Vestergaard into the Leicester area before whipping over a low cross that Cucurella converted from close-range. 

It was the Spanish defender’s first goal since joining Chelsea from Brighton in August 2022. In the 25th minute, Cole Palmer surged down the right flank and crossed to the edge of area, where Sterling was clattered by Abdul Fatawu as he prepared to shoot. 

Palmer has been taking Chelsea’s penalties this season and Sterling’s decision to grab the ball proved misguided. 

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