English FA Cup: ManCity thrash Chelsea; Stevenage stun Aston Villa to progress to fourth round
Manchester City powered to a second victory against Chelsea in the space of four days as Riyad Mahrez inspired a 4-0 rout in the FA Cup third round, while Aston Villa crashed to a 2-1 defeat against fourth tier Stevenage on Sunday.
After Premier League sides Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth were humiliated by lower-league opposition on Saturday, Unai Emery’s Villa were rocked by Stevenage’s two-goal blast in the final minutes.
Premier League champions City rarely suffer such humiliation and they made the strongest possible start by dismissing Chelsea with contemptuous ease at the Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola made seven changes from the City side that won 1-0 at Chelsea in the Premier League on Thursday.
But City were still far too dynamic for struggling Chelsea as Mahrez struck with a brilliant free-kick and a late penalty, with Julian Alvarez and Phil Foden also scoring.
In the fourth round, City will host Premier League leaders Arsenal or third- tier Oxford, who meet on Monday.
City had already eliminated Chelsea from the League Cup this season and the west London club’s first FA Cup third-round exit since 1998 was another blow to a season in danger of spiralling out of control.
Chelsea have won just three of their last 12 games in all competitions and sit 10th in the Premier League, 10 points adrift of the top four place. .
Villa boss Unai Emery made eight changes against Stevenage and the team currently second in League Two made the Spaniard pay for his decision.
Morgan Sanson put Villa ahead in the 33rd minute but Jamie Reid equalised with an 88th minute penalty after Leander Dendoncker was sent off for fouling Dean Campbell.
And Campbell sparked wild Stevenage celebrations in the 90th minute when he smashed home from a short corner.
Leeds were fortunate to avoid embarrassment after escaping with a dramatic 2-2 draw at second tier Cardiff.
Jesse Marsch’s side were shocked by first-half goals from Jayden Philogene-Bidace and Sheyi Ojo.
Rodrigo got one back in the 65th minute, then missed a penalty after Cardiff’s Joel Bagan was sent off for handling on the line.
With just seconds left, Sonny Perkins spared Rodrigo’s blushes as the 18-year-old substitute netted from close-range to force a replay.
