Appearing to be more concerned with the league, next weekend’s Capital One Cup final and upcoming Champions League matches, Man. City manager Manuel Pellegrini opted for a youthful squad filled with backups, while Chelsea was at full strength.
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Hiddink, who remains unbeaten in the competition, admitted to sympathising with the likes of City for resting stars but warned that the standing of the oldest cup competition in the game was at risk.
Diego Costa put Chelsea ahead but City struck back through debutant striker David Faupala, before Willian, Gary Cahill, Eden Hazard and substitute Bertrand Traore sealed Chelsea’s place in the quarter-finals.
Incidents of unruly behavior were reported in the FA Cup clash between Manchester City and Chelsea after fans hurled coins, lighter and other objects on the pitch.
Manchester United, meanwhile, will host West Ham in the FA Cup quarter-finals if they beat Shrewsbury in the fifth round.
“Unfortunately for us, we couldn’t play another game and we couldn’t have more players fit for this game so we knew it was a very hard chance to continue in the FA Cup but because the game was played today we couldn’t progress”.
Premier league sides West Ham and Chelsea eased into the quarter-finals of English football’s FA Cup with convincing wins. Chelsea also had a penalty, but Oscar’s effort was saved by Willy Caballero. I say before, we play the last two games against Premier League teams with a very strong team, because we have the players, in this moment we have seven players injured, it’s impossible for us to take the risks, playing in both competitions.
“I think Chelsea will react”.
Guus Hiddink’s men were in control of proceedings as they extended their lead to two goals in the 53rd minute.
But Fabregas, clearly puzzled at the team City put out, said: “We played Newcastle (last week) and three days later played against one of the best sides in Europe (PSG)”. “It’s good to see that”. I have good memories but that’s the past.
“I don’t think that I need a defence”, he continued.
“For us it was negative”, he said.
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“They gave us a hard time here (a 3-3 draw in January)”.
