Manchester City on Sunday defeated Chelsea 4-0 at home in the FA Cup third round, recording its third straight win over Graham Potter’s team in as many weeks.
It only took 15 minutes in the first half, Man City decided the game with three goals. Riyad Mahrez opened the scoring with a penalty kick, seven minutes before Julian Alvarez scored from the penalty spot.
Phil Foden added the score to 3-0 for the host in the 38th minute with a close-range cushion after City’s beautiful smash.
Near the end of the game, Mahrez scored a brace with a penalty, sealing a 4-0 win.
The game at the Etihad Stadium was different from the last match between the two teams at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League three days ago, when City won 1-0.
Chelsea only had three shots, with a total probability of only 10%. And Mahrez continues to become Chelsea’s quintessence when scoring in all three matches against City in the 2022-2023 season.
City played attack and scored the game’s first goal in the 23rd minute on a free kick that was taken from more than 25 meters away.
Mahrez’s free kick grazed the head of midfielder Conor Gallagher, sending the ball to a high corner that goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga could not reach the ball.
Just four minutes later, Kai Havert punched the ball out in midair. City players did not complain, but VAR discovered the situation and called referee Robert Jones to review the situation.
Coach Graham Potter also looked at the tablet and was shocked by the squad’s actions.
City enjoyed an undisputed penalty, and Alvarez shot 11 meters into the left corner and grazed Arrizabalaga’s hand and flew into the net.
The third goal came to the owner with bold City identity, when Rodri waved the ball to change direction to the right for Mahrez.
The Algerian midfielder blocked the line for Kyle Walker to rush up, let the English defender stretch for Foden to cushion the ball close to the far corner.
The second half was almost a practice match against City, when they mainly kept the ball firmly without risking attacking.
The hosts also scored more when Foden was fouled in the penalty area by centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly, sending Chelsea a penalty. From the spot 11 meters, Mahrez shot hard to keep the goal to score his second goal.
Chelsea have lost five of their last seven games in all competitions. For the first time since the 1997-1998 season, they were eliminated in the third round of the FA Cup . City will face the fourth round against Arsenal or Oxford.
