Chelsea were battered 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, January 8 making it their first exit from the famous FA tournament at the third-round stage since the 1997-98 season.
Graham Potter side’s latest misfortune proceeds in a poor run, having lost 1-0 to Guardiola’s City in the Premier League on Thursday to leave them with just one win in eight Premier League fixtures.
Guardiola, who rested Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne on Sunday, effectively had the match done and dusted by half-time.
Algeria international Riyad Mahrez was in fine form as he netted two goals while Julian Alvarez and Phil Foden sealed the 4-0 victory.
Many suggested the result could have taken a different turn if Chelsea’s no. 1 goalkeeper Edouard Mendy was present in the Blues squad on Sunday evening.
The 30-year-old Chelsea goalkeeper, Mendy was ruled out after damaging his finger during training.
The Senegalese goalkeeper will be out of Chelsea’s team for a while after he underwent finger surgery.
Chelsea confirmed the news with a statement on their official Twitter page that read: “Edouard Mendy has undergone an operation on a fractured finger sustained in training this week.”
“He will work closely with the club’s medical department during his rehabilitation phase.”
There is currently no timeframe for Mendy’s return to the squad and the club could only hope he recovers quickly and returns strongly.
The Blues tweeted: “Come back stronger, You!”
Mendy has started in just two Premier League games out of Chelsea’s last 12 outings as Kepa Arrizabalaga remains manager Graham Potter’s first-choice stopper.
Arrizabalaga now appears to be set for a long run in the Blues’ squad, despite some Chelsea fans and football pundits bad-mouthing his role in Manchester City’s winning goal against Chelsea on Thursday night.
The Spain international goalkeeper has deputised for Chelsea in their past three games, during which he has kept one clean sheet and conceded two goals for the Blues.
However, yesterday’s FA clash against Manchester City was a great disappointment for the Spaniard as he watched four stunning goals entered his net.
Chelsea’s loss to Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Thursday has left them 10 points outside the top four, and the troubles keep accumulating for Thomas Tuchel’s replacement Potter, who is now without several key players.
Meanwhile, the former Brighton coach Graham Potter was expected to rejuvenate the out-of-form Chelsea team and impress the angry Blues fans in Sunday’s FA clash against Guardiola’s City to prevent a potential sack.
However, Thursday’s 1-0 loss was a mere puff compared to Sunday’s 4-0 defeat as the Blues were thoroughly beaten black and blue by furious City at Etihad Stadium.
It was Guardiola’s men against Potter’s boys at Etihad Stadium on Sunday, January 8 as Manchester City made an effortless win over Chelsea in the FA Cup third round.
Pep Guardiola’s side progressed with a comfortable 4-0 victory to beat the Blues for the second time in the space of four days.
Riyad Mahrez opened scoring for City via a wonderful sublime free-kick in the 23rd minute.
Afterward, Julian Alvarez’s spot-kick conversion suffered defenseless Chelsea to a second goal before a wonderful team effort finish by Phil Foden ensured the match was done and dusted within 40 minutes of the first half.
Riyad Mahrez then finalized the assault when he converted another penalty late on to make it 4-0 against Potter’s boys.
It’s not gain saying that Thomas Tuchel’s sack and Potter’s admission as his replacement is a colossal mistake.
The former led the weak squad he met at the club and branded them into Champions League victors upon his arrival but the latter has almost reduced the Blues to a toothless dog getting them bashed steadily.
After a run of just one win in seven games in all competitions, Chelsea fans booed their side and were also heard chanting the names of former owner Roman Abramovich and ex-manager Thomas Tuchel.
With the FA title gone following Sunday’s defeat, it remains to be seen what Potter would point to as his accomplishment at the end of the season.
However, UEFA Champions League is still there for Potter but it’s doubtful as the current Blues squad doesn’t stand the chance to hoist the UCL title under his watch this season.
Also, Chelsea fans shouldn’t expect the Blues to finish among the top four in the Premier League this season; it’s just laughable.
