After heavy defeats in the Premier League, Chelsea eased the pressure on coach Pochettino when the London team beat Aston Villa 3-1 in the replay in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Consecutive heavy losses in the Premier League have left coach Pochettino facing great pressure. However, Chelsea helped the Argentine strategist ease his difficulties by defeating Aston Villa in the replay in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
First-half goals from Conor Gallagher and Nicolas Jackson put Chelsea in control before Enzo Fernandez scored a superb free-kick in the second half to give Chelsea a three-goal lead. The home team at Villa Park found an honorable goal in injury time after Diaby’s goal.
Chelsea players celebrate after Fernandez scored (Photo: Getty).
“I think so,” Pochettino said when asked if this was Chelsea’s best performance since he took charge last summer.
“I am very satisfied with the performance of the players. This is certainty and consistency, which is also the most difficult thing for a young team to find balance. Today I am very satisfied, the whole team is ready. compete, fight with energy and good attitude.”
Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell told ITV: “This is exactly the response we want and need. Let’s be fair to everyone.”
“We want to have pressure like this because we thrive on pressure. The pre-match confidence in the dressing room was the best we’ve ever had.”
Squad
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Martinez 6; Cash 6, Charles 5, Lenglet 5, Brown 5; Camera 6.5 (Iroegbunman 87), Louis 6; Bailey 6 (Zaniolo 88), Tielemens 5.5 (Ramsey 71, 6), McGinn 6.5 (Diaby 71, 7); 6. Watkins.
