Chelsea crashes out of FA Cup, Manchester United win 2-0
After Manchester United lost their Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain, it was important that they bounce back with a win. They indeed did so at Stamford Bridge last night, when they defeated Chelsea 2-0, with a brilliant display from Paul Pogba. Manchester United have now proceeded to the quarter-finals of this season's FA Cup. Here is our detailed match report.
Manchester United owned the first half
Manchester United started their onslaught on the Chelsea defense from the first half itself, with Mata, Lukaku and Pogba looking threatening. United were ahead just after the first 30 minutes, with Ander Herrera heading home a brilliant cross from the left wing by Pogba. In the 45th minute, it was Pogba who headed in another goal from a Marcus Rashford cross.
Chelsea showed some promise in the second half
In the second half, Sarri's team showed some promise, but United always looked well-equipped to handle the pressure. Home fans were heard booing their manager and chanting "You don't know what you're doing" when he brought on Ross Barkley and Davide Zappacosta for Mateo Kovacic and Cesar Azpilicueta respectively. This was Manchester United's third victory at Stamford Bridge in 23 matches.
Some interesting stats on the match
Manchester United repeated their feat from 1998-99, when they eliminated both Chelsea and Arsenal from the FA Cup - they're the only ones to have done so. Chelsea have lost five of their last 10 matches in all competitions, equaling the number of losses they suffered in their previous 41 fixtures. Since Solskjaer took charge, Pogba has been involved in 15 goals for United.
What next for the two teams?
United will be hosting Liverpool at Old Trafford in the Premier League on February 24. If United win, they will create a comfortable margin of four points between themselves and fifth-placed Arsenal. Chelsea face Malmo on Friday, February 22, and Manchester City for the Carabao Cup final on Sunday February 24. Sarri needs to win the fixtures if he wants to keep his job.
