Chelsea Crash Out Man City Survive FA Cup Test: Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma delivered a crushing blow to Chelsea’s FA Cup aspirations, sealing a 2-1 victory in the fourth round. Meanwhile, Manchester City narrowly avoided an upset, with Kevin De Bruyne stepping up to secure a 2-1 win over Leyton Orient on Saturday.
Chelsea’s domestic trophy drought continues, as they last lifted the FA Cup in 2018. Despite taking an early lead at the Amex Stadium, they squandered their advantage, allowing Brighton to mount a comeback that sent the Blues out of the competition.
“We need to show more resilience in these moments,” said Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, reflecting on yet another missed opportunity.
Chelsea’s Early Advantage Slips Away
Chelsea Crash Out Man City Survive FA Cup Test: The game started in dramatic fashion, with Chelsea being gifted a fifth-minute lead thanks to an unfortunate error from Brighton’s keeper, Bart Verbruggen. The Dutch shot-stopper misjudged a cross from Cole Palmer, inadvertently pushing the ball into his own net.
Key Moments in Chelsea’s Defeat:
- 5th Minute: Own goal by Bart Verbruggen gives Chelsea an early lead.
- 39th Minute: Danny Welbeck equalizes for Brighton with a composed finish.
- 78th Minute: Kaoru Mitoma scores the winner, knocking Chelsea out.
Despite a strong start, Chelsea struggled to maintain their lead. Brighton dominated possession, gradually increasing the pressure before Danny Welbeck found the equalizer just before halftime.
“We knew we had to keep pushing. Chelsea are dangerous, but we took our chances,” said Brighton’s Mitoma, who sealed the victory with a well-placed finish in the 78th minute.
Man City’s Close Call at Leyton Orient
Unlike Chelsea, Manchester City managed to scrape through their FA Cup tie, but not without a scare. The reigning Premier League champions faced a determined Leyton Orient side, who pushed them all the way.
Highlights of City’s Narrow Escape:
- 21st Minute: Orient stun City by taking a shock lead.
- 56th Minute: Kevin De Bruyne equalizes with a moment of brilliance.
- 82nd Minute: Phil Foden scores the late winner to avoid an upset.
Leyton Orient’s fearless approach unsettled City early on, but De Bruyne’s class proved the difference as he orchestrated the comeback. Phil Foden’s goal in the dying moments secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory.
“This is what the FA Cup is all about—tough matches, unpredictable results. We had to fight until the very end,” said Pep Guardiola, acknowledging his team’s struggle.
What’s Next for Chelsea and City?
Chelsea’s early exit adds to their turbulent season, piling more pressure on Maresca as the club continues to falter in domestic competitions.
Meanwhile, Manchester City march on, keeping their FA Cup hopes alive as they set their sights on a deep run in the tournament.
The contrast between the two clubs is stark—one fighting for silverware, the other struggling to stay relevant. Can Chelsea turn their fortunes around, or will their trophy drought extend even further?
The coming weeks will be telling.
