This is a rare feeling for Chelsea fans. A deserved win, on the road, a complete performance and the best moment of Mauricio Pochettino’s stumbling reign so far.
After Chelsea were smoked by Liverpool and Wolves, many weren’t giving them a chance to secure their ticket into the next round of the FA Cup, and that at Villa Park.
One of them included boyhood Chelsea fan Paul Merson who told Sky Sports pre-match ‘I don’t give Chelsea a chance against Aston Villa’.
Well, Paul Merson issued a brilliant response to his prediction falling on its head by stating ‘that’s why I don’t gamble anymore’, as he posted on Twitter.
It needs to be noted that, if Mauricio Pochettino found himself getting dumped out of the FA Cup, then fans, who are already on his back, would have been calling for his head even more.
Plus, there were also calls for Jose Mourinho to come back, but all of that will now be put aside as the Argentine bides himself more time.
Yes, the Premier League form isn’t great, in fact, it’s beyond abject. But the team now have something to cheer about with this win in the FA Cup.
Chelsea beat Aston Villa in the FA Cup
“What a result, Chelsea,” wrote Merson. “Didn’t see that coming at all…that’s why I don’t gamble anymore.”
Mauricio Pochettino saves himself
You know the true worth of your team when the chips are down, your backs against the wall and people are questioning you.
That was the case with Chelsea, who were in their worst-ever period of this season, and it looked like it was going to get worse.
But the Chelsea players showed that they are fighting for Pochettino and they have plenty to offer this season, Enzo Fernandez was lauded by his teammates after his stunning free-kick.
Now, a lot will hinge on their FA Cup home clash against Leeds United and their League Cup final against Liverpool.
If Pochettino can deliver any of those trophies, or even both, then he will win over the supporters at Stamford Bridge.
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