{"id":1340529,"date":"2024-02-07T22:23:18","date_gmt":"2024-02-07T22:23:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?p=1340529"},"modified":"2024-02-07T22:26:55","modified_gmt":"2024-02-07T22:26:55","slug":"chelsea-aston-villa-shock-win-enzo-fernandez-freekick","status":"publish","type":"features","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/chelsea-aston-villa-shock-win-enzo-fernandez-freekick\/","title":{"rendered":"“We needed it” – The old Chelsea make an appearance as Fortress Villa Park crumbles again"},"content":{"rendered":"

Chelsea secured their spot in the fifth round of the FA Cup thanks to a shock 3-1 win over Aston Villa in their replay.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dark clouds were forming around Stamford Bridge and if some Chelsea fans had their way, Mauricio Pochettino wouldn’t have started the week as Blues manager let alone led them to Villa Park. <\/p>\n

Following a run of five wins from six after Christmas, it looked as though Chelsea were finally turning things around. But that run came crashing to a halt, and in some fashion. After drawing the initial FA Cup fourth round tie against Aston Villa, Chelsea were then beaten 4-1 by Liverpool and 4-2 by Wolves, the latter at Stamford Bridge.<\/p>\n

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    Confidence was low for the trip to Villa Park, and it was no surprise. Villa have generally been unbeatable at Villa Park this season, winning 13 of their 16 home games across all competitions. They were beaten 3-1 by Newcastle last time out, but Chelsea were on a horrid run away from home.<\/p>\n

    The Blues had lost six of their last seven away games across all competitions, only managing to beat Luton. Before that there were defeats to Newcastle, Manchester United, Everton and Wolves. After it came losses to Middlesbrough and Liverpool.<\/p>\n

    All signs were pointing to a Villa win, and the hosts started brightly. But then Chelsea struck.<\/p>\n

    It was a well-worked goal with the ball won in midfield by Enzo Fernandez, passing to Conor Gallagher, who then found Nicolas Jackson. The Senegalese striker, on his first start after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, ran with the ball into the box and cut it back to Noni Madueke. With his back towards goal, Madueke laid the ball off to Gallagher who passed the ball into the top corner for his first goal of the season.<\/p>\n

    \n

    FT: Aston Villa 1-3 Chelsea<\/p>\n

    The Blues seal their place in the FA Cup 5th Round with a kiss. ?#EmiratesFACup<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/fVnW61Sa2D<\/a><\/p>\n

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