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Mauricio Pochettino strongly defended his team after Chelsea’s dominant performance against Aston Villa resulted in an easy advancement to the FA Cup fifth round.
Enzo Fernandez’s incredible free kick secured a 3-1 win and arranged a match against Leeds at Stamford Bridge for the round of 16.
Conor Gallagher and Nicolas Jackson scored in the first half, giving Chelsea a comfortable lead in their fourth round replay. Despite Moussa Diaby’s late goal, Chelsea still secured the win.
Chelsea arrived at Villa Park in a state of chaos following their 4-1 and 4-2 losses to Liverpool and Wolves, which had dropped them to 11th place in the Premier League standings.
However, Pochettino maintains that they should not be equated to the dominant team during the Roman Abramovich era, which achieved five Premier League titles, even though they have spent over £1 billion under the ownership of Todd Boehly.
He expressed the need to discontinue our past ways as Chelsea from two decades ago. Our current Chelsea is not the same as before. We must now progress and establish a new project.
“We must continue forward, regardless of whether people are pleased or displeased with my speech. My priority is the club and its players, and I am determined to support and assist them.”
“I am determined to continue despite any opposition. My emotions remain constant, regardless of winning or losing, as we understand that this project requires patience and faith.”
We are unable to create a team that can compete because there are too many issues that need to be addressed. You must carefully observe, analyze, and strive to improve.
“We are working on a project with a timeline of one to three years.”
“Today, it was evident that we were prepared to compete. Our motivation stems from our supporters, the team symbol, and our coaches. Our next goal is to maintain this level of performance consistently.”
The visiting team scored the first goal after 11 minutes, as the Chelsea fans sang for their former owner Abramovich.
Jackson and Noni Madueke worked together to assist Gallagher in scoring his first goal of the season, finding the top corner of the net.
Chelsea scored their second goal ten minutes after the first, with Malo Gusto delivering a precise cross from the right that was headed in by Jackson. Villa’s defense was unable to stop the attack.
The hosts, who were defeated by Newcastle last week, did not show much of a reaction. Emi Martinez blocked Cole Palmer’s attempt as Chelsea searched for a third goal, ending their 11-month undefeated streak at home in the league.
After the break, Fernandez scored an impressive 25-yard free-kick into the top corner, nine minutes after earning a foul from Youri Tielemans.
Despite suffering a defeat, Villa was able to score a consolation goal in added time thanks to Diaby’s shot hitting both posts before going in. They will now face a resurgent Manchester United in the upcoming Premier League match on Sunday.
The manager, Unai Emery, stated that our team was enthusiastic and driven at the start of the game, although we were unable to score, we had a positive mindset.
“We were not effectively defending when they entered our penalty area, and their crosses were causing us problems. They were able to convert their chances.”
I felt that the clinical approach was the main difference for them.
We were able to score near the end of the game, but we didn’t have enough time to score a second goal. We need to acknowledge and review our performance in the match. It’s difficult to defeat them when we’re not finishing our chances.
Source: independent.co.uk
