FA Cup Fourth Round Replays Loom as Goals Dry Up

Friday night in the FA Cup promised excitement, but goalscoring action was at a premium, forcing Chelsea, Nottingham Forest, and Coventry City to settle for replays in the fourth round.

Chelsea Held at Home by Villa:

After their emphatic EFL Cup semi-final win, Chelsea were favorites against Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge. However, Unai Emery’s resilient Villans held firm for a goalless draw. Despite Pochettino’s halftime adjustments, Chelsea lacked a focal point and couldn’t break through Emiliano Martinez’s defenses. Their cup double hopes remain alive, but they face a replay at Villa Park for a fifth-round berth.

Forest Frustrated by Bristol City:

Nottingham Forest couldn’t find the net against Championship side Bristol City, who previously upset West Ham. The Robins, inspired by Max O’Leary’s goalkeeping heroics, frustrated Forest, with Lewis O’Brien’s header the closest the Tricky Trees came to scoring. A replay at the City Ground awaits, followed by league clashes for Bristol against Coventry and Leeds.

Coventry Denied by Late Wednesday Equalizer:

Mark Robins’ Coventry, buoyed by their league win over Sheffield Wednesday, looked set for a cup upset after Victor Torp’s stunning strike. However, Wednesday rallied in the second half, and Djeidi Gassama’s equalizer in the final ten minutes forced a replay at Hillsborough. Before that, Coventry face Championship challenges against Bristol City and Leeds.

With replays looming, the race for the FA Cup continues, promising further twists and turns in the quest for the famous trophy.