Chelsea Football Newsletter
Chelsea are through to the FA Cup quarter-final thanks to an extra-time win against Wrexham on Saturday.
Liam Rosenior opted to make nine changes to the Chelsea side from the 4-1 win over Aston Villa, presumably with one eye on next week’s Champions League last-16 first-leg showdown against Paris Saint-Germain.
The decision to hand complete rests to the likes of Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo was on course to backfire in spectacular fashion when Wrexham drew first blood at the Racecourse Ground.
Sam Smith latched onto a fine ball over the top from Callum Doyle and fired past a hesitant Robert Sanchez - on his return to the starting lineup - to break the deadlock.
However, the Championship side could not hold on until half-time as Chelsea equalised in rather fortunate terms as Alejandro Garnacho’s effort was cleared off the line, only for the ball to end up in the net after hitting Arthur Okonkwo.
Callum Doyle showed great instincts inside the area to divert a shot from Josh Windass into the back of the net, but Wrexham’s lead was short-lived once again as Josh Acheampong equalised emphatically four minutes later.
Wrexham vs Chelsea LIVE: Latest score and updates from FA Cup fifth round
Man City XI vs Newcastle: Starting lineup and confirmed team news
Why is Haaland not playing for Man City tonight?
Discover a hidden island paradise in the Indian Ocean
A red card for George Dobson in second half stoppage time left Wrexham with a huge mountain to climb and despite forcing the tie into extra-time, Garnacho’s fine finish and then Joao Pedro’s superb strike ultimately proved decisive in a thrilling FA Cup showdown.
More follows.