The FA Cup’s 6th round started bright at Stamford Bridge, with Manchester City’s Academy-weighted squad seemingly more than ready for this opportunity.
Manchester City may had three debutantes and one 16-year-old starting against Chelsea today, but despite the prejudices, the away side were slightly on top of the Blues side in the beginning.
Chelsea come close on the 13th minute with Pedro playing a beautiful one-two with Fabregas, which unfortunately only ends up hitting the post.
Gary Cahill got a knock on his foot on the 9th minute and hit his head to cause a nose-bleed later on the game, but was fine and able to carry on with the game on both occasions despite Matt Miazga already warming-up and getting ready to claim his debut.
Diego Costa got into a tough battle with the defenders inside the box and was appealing for a penalty, but despite Adarabioyo taking the Spaniard to the ground, referee Andre Marriner saw nothing wrong with the challenge.
After 20 minutes on the clock Chelsea were completely in control of the City half as the Blues kept coming closer and closer to Caballero’s net through Pedro, Willian and Fabregas all causing a lot of trouble for the visiting back four.
Chelsea finally found the opener after the half-an-hour mark as Fabregas chips Eden Hazard through with a beautiful ball inside the left-hand side of the box, where the Belgian beautifully crosses the bouncing ball to meet Costa’s diving header.
Through all the possession from the home side it all looked good for them, but disappointingly only four minutes after the Chelsea goal City come back into the game with an equalizer.
Ihenacho, who has also proved his potential in the Premier League, plays a simple pass for David Faupala who gets on the end of the assist after Azpilicueta’s failed attempt to clear the ball to safety.
Caballero denies Pedro’s shot with an unbelievable reaction save after 40 minutes of play, as Chelsea look to response to the conceded goal.
Before the half-time stage Chelsea kept playing with high intensity, but failing to hit the target as every time City got possession they did their best to take the home side’s foot off the gas.
It’s all to be played for on the second half with the half-time score ending 1-1 respectively.
Goalscorers: Diego Costa (33′); Faupala (37′)
Bookings: –
Substitutions: –
