Sunday, February 17, 2013

Chelsea, Manchester City cruise in FA Cup


 Chelsea and Manchester City posted convincing wins taking care of their lower league opponents with minimum fuss to progress in the FA Cup.

In the early kick-off, Chelsea dished out a 4-0 thrashing of Brentford in their 4th Round replay at Stamford Bridge. Having held the Blues to a 2-2 draw at Griffin Road, Brentford got to half-time level at 0-0, though they could have easily been in front with a goal disallowed for offside.

That was the last positive note for the visitors, as the Chelsea picked up the pace in the second half to smash 4 past them with Juan Mata starting the proceedings with a fine effort from outside the box on 54 minutes. Brazilian Oscar then scored for a 2nd game running after netting the winner midweek at Sparta Prague to double the lead. Veterans Frank Lampard and John Terry then netted 1 each to seal Chelsea's progress into the 5th Round. Lampard, who tucked away Mata's cross with a neat volley, has now scored in 6 consecutive domestic games and moves closer to breaking Bobby Tambling's record of being the all time leading goal scorer for Chelsea.

Manchester City, not to be left behind, scripted a 4-0 demolition of their own; Neil Warnock's Leeds United being at the wrong end of the scoreline at the Etihad Stadium. Sergio Aguero scored a couple while Yaya Toure and Carlos Tevez added 1 each to ensure City's smooth progression into the Quarterfinals.

After Saturday's results, Sunday turned out to be a good day for Premier league sides. Wigan Athletic also won their game away at Huddersfield 4-1, Arouna Kone leading the way with a brace. 

Chelsea face Middlesbrough in the 5th Round and if they were to come through that, they could potentially undertake a trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United, if the Red Devils beat Reading in their 5th Round tie on Monday.

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