Connect with us

European Leagues

Chelsea reach FA Cup semi-final after 4-2 thumping of Leicester City

Carney Chukwuemeka rescued Chelsea with a stoppage-time strike that inspired a 4-2 win over 10-man Leicester in an FA Cup quarter-final thriller on Sunday.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side were fortunate to survive a stirring fightback from Championship promotion chasers Leicester amid a mutinous atmosphere at Stamford Bridge.

Chukwuemeka netted in the closing minutes to save Chelsea from the embarrassment of being forced into extra-time.

Noni Madueke added Chelsea’s fourth to ensure the angry fans who booed Pochettino in the second half were silenced, at least for now.

For the sixth time in the last eight years, the Blues have advanced to the last four in the FA Cup.

But this was hardly a triumphant afternoon for Blues boss Pochettino, whose inconsistent team blew the two-goal half-time lead given to them by Marc Cucurella and Cole Palmer.

In between those strikes, Raheem Sterling missed a penalty and Axel Disasi gave Leicester hope with a farcical own goal early in the second half.

When Stephy Mavididi scored an eye-catching equaliser, Chelsea were in turmoil once again as the hapless Sterling earned the wrath of the home support.

But Leicester’s Callum Doyle was sent off for a professional foul on Nicolas Jackson, setting the stage for the Blues’ late revival.

Chelsea have failed to win a single domestic trophy since their most recent FA Cup triumph six years ago.

The west Londoners are languishing in 11th place in the Premier League and former Tottenham and Southampton boss Pochettino is yet to win silverware in England.

Under mounting pressure amid a troubled first season in charge, Pochettino revealed this week that some of Chelsea’s young players endured a sleepless night before their League Cup final defeat against Liverpool in February.

Making amends by winning the FA Cup would buy Pochettino some much-needed breathing space.

FA Cup: Chelsea jeers
Chelsea had taken the lead in the 13th minute when Nicolas Jackson accelerated past Jannik Vestergaard into the Leicester area before whipping over a low cross that Cucurella converted from close-range.

It was the Spanish defender’s first goal since joining Chelsea from Brighton in August 2022.

In the 25th minute, Cole Palmer surged down the right flank and crossed to the edge of area, where Sterling was clattered by Abdul Fatawu as he prepared to shoot.

Palmer has been taking Chelsea’s penalties this season and Sterling’s decision to grab the ball proved misguided.

A frustrating season for the 29-year-old, who was left out of the England squad again this week, showed no signs of abating as he fluffed his lines with a weak penalty that was easily saved by Jakub Stolarczyk.

To his credit, Sterling didn’t hide and he set up Palmer’s goal on the stroke of half-time.

Sterling raced into the area and delivered a low cross that Palmer deftly slotted home from close-range.

Disasi gave Leicester a lifeline in the 51st minute as the centre-back panicked under pressure from Daka and hacked a misjudged backpass past stunned keeper Robert Sanchez into his own net from 30 yards.

Weaving into the Chelsea area as the anxious Blues defence backed off, Mavididi curled a blistering finish into the top corner in the 62nd minute.

Chelsea thought they had been given a penalty in the 73rd minute when Doyle tripped Jackson.

VAR ruled the offense was just outside the area, but that didn’t save Doyle from a red card.

Sterling was booed by Chelsea fans after a woeful free-kick, while Pochettino also copped it with chants of “you don’t know what you’re doing” when he substituted Mudryk.

Sterling was jeered again when he was taken off, so it was no surprise to see Pochettino punching the air in relief in stoppage-time.

Chukwuemeka produced a cool finish after Palmer’s sublime back-heel teed up the young midfielder.

Madueke put a flattering gloss on the scoreline when his deflected strike dipped under the bar in the final seconds.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Premier League

Ivan Toney Expected to Leave Brentford This Summer — Arsenal and Chelsea in the Race

Ivan Toney’s time at Brentford appears to be nearing its end, with multiple sources confirming the striker is expected to leave the West London club during the upcoming summer transfer window. Both Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly monitoring the situation closely as they seek to bolster their attacking options for the 2025–26 season.

A Proven Premier League Goalscorer

Toney, 29, has been a consistent performer since Brentford’s promotion to the Premier League. Known for his physicality, aerial dominance, and penalty precision, he has attracted interest from top-tier clubs thanks to his ability to lead the line and deliver goals under pressure.

Despite serving a suspension earlier in his career for betting violations, Toney has returned with form and focus. With one year left on his contract, this summer represents Brentford’s last opportunity to secure a significant transfer fee.

Arsenal and Chelsea in the Mix

Arsenal:

Mikel Arteta is reportedly a long-time admirer of Toney’s profile. With questions lingering over Gabriel Jesus’s injury record and Kai Havertz’s natural role, Toney could offer Arsenal a more traditional No. 9 — something they’ve lacked in recent title runs.

Chelsea:

Chelsea’s ongoing search for a clinical striker has been well-documented. Nicolas Jackson has shown flashes, but inconsistency in front of goal has cost the Blues points. Toney would offer Premier League experience, leadership, and reliability, potentially becoming a focal point in Mauricio Pochettino’s evolving system — if Pochettino remains in charge.

Brentford’s Perspective

Brentford boss Thomas Frank has been transparent in recent interviews, stating the club won’t stand in Toney’s way should the right offer come in. The Bees are reportedly valuing Toney at around £50–60 million, though that fee could drop depending on the bidding dynamics and contract situation.

What It Means for the Market

Toney’s move could spark a domino effect in the striker market. Clubs like Manchester United, Tottenham, and even West Ham may pivot their striker strategies depending on his destination.

A bidding war could push up the fee, and personal terms — including a likely wage increase and ambitions for European football — will play a key role in the decision.

Conclusion

Ivan Toney’s expected departure from Brentford signals one of the Premier League’s most intriguing transfer battles of the summer. With both Arsenal and Chelsea looking to sharpen their front lines, the race for Toney’s signature is heating up — and it may just come down to ambition, Champions League football, and timing.

Stay with Sports Market International for the latest on this developing story

Continue Reading

Premier League

Dream Move Off: Manchester United Not Pursuing Victor Osimhen, Says David Ornstein

Victor-Osimhen || Sports market international

The Long-Standing Speculation Linking Victor Osimhen With A High-Profile Move To Manchester United Has Come To An End—At Least For Now.
Trusted Journalist David Ornstein Has Firmly Dismissed The Rumours, Stating That The Super Eagles Striker Is Not Part Of The Red Devils’ Summer Transfer Plans.

Despite Earlier Reports Suggesting That United Had Reached An “Agreement In Principle” And Were Preparing To Activate Osimhen’s €75 Million (£64.2M) Release Clause, The Club Appears To Have Shifted Its Focus Elsewhere.
Instead, They Are Expected To Rely On Internal Options Like Young Danish Striker Rasmus Højlund Or Explore Alternative Targets.

No Old Trafford Dream For Osimhen

Osimhen, Currently On Loan At Galatasaray From Napoli, Has Had A Sensational Season, Netting 30 Goals In 34 Appearances.
His Prolific Form Ignited Excitement Among Fans And Pundits, With Many Touting Him As The Ideal Solution To Manchester United’s Attacking Struggles.

However, Ornstein’s Recent Comments—Shared In A Video On Social Media—Have Poured Cold Water On Those Hopes.

David Ornstein -Sports Market International

“He Is Not On Manchester United’s Agenda,” Ornstein Clarified.
“If They Are To Look At Other Options, It Certainly Won’t Be Osimhen.”

United Shifting Gears Amid Uncertainty

The Red Devils’ Cautious Stance May Be Influenced By Their Uncertain Prospects For European Competition Next Season.
With Financial Considerations In Mind, The Club Seems Reluctant To Commit To Major Deals Or High-Wage Signings.

Højlund, Who Has Managed Just Three Goals In The Premier League And Eight Across All Competitions This Season, Still Remains Central To United’s Long-Term Plans.
There’s Also Talk Of Internal Promotions Rather Than Marquee Signings.

A Summer Of Change For Nigerian Stars

While A Move To Old Trafford Is Off The Table, Osimhen’s Future Remains One Of The Most Watched Stories This Transfer Window.
He Leads The List Of Super Eagles Players Expected To Secure Major Transfers This Summer.

Fellow Nigerian Wilfred Ndidi Is Also Reportedly Set To Leave Leicester City And Join Osimhen In Turkey.

For Now, Manchester United Will Look Elsewhere As They Aim To Reshape Their Frontline Ahead Of The 2025/26 Season.
And While Osimhen May Not Be Old Trafford-Bound, His Stock Continues To Rise Across Europe

 

Continue Reading

LaLiga

Mbappé Set To Return For Real Madrid After Serving La Liga Suspension

Real-Madrid-to-unveil-Kylian-Mbapppe-just-after-UEFA-Champions-league- Sports Market International

Real Madrid Forward Kylian Mbappé Is Set To Make His Return To The Pitch After Serving A One-Match Suspension In La Liga. The French Star Was Sidelined During Los Blancos’ Last League Outing Due To An Automatic Ban Following The Accumulation Of Yellow Cards.


The Suspension Came As A Frustration For Both The Club And Its Supporters, Given Mbappé’s Electric Form In Recent Weeks. However, The 26-Year-Old Has Now Completed His Ban And Is Set To Re-Join Full Training With The Squad At Valdebebas Ahead Of Real Madrid’s Upcoming Fixture Against Jetafe.


Speaking Ahead Of The Match, Head Coach Carlo Ancelotti Expressed Confidence In Mbappé’s Readiness:

Kylian Has Trained Well And Is Mentally Sharp. He’s Eager To Be Back And Contribute. His Presence Gives Us An Extra Edge Going Into This Important Match.

Real Madrid Are Currently 2nd In The La Liga Standings And Remain Firmly In The Hunt For The Title. With Crucial Matches Ahead, Mbappé’s Return Is Expected To Be A Major Boost As The Season Heads Into Its Final Stretch.
Fans Will Be Watching Closely As Mbappé Aims To Continue His Standout Debut Season In Spain, Where He’s Already Netted 35 Goals This Season Across All Competition.

Continue Reading

Trending