Mark Hughes enjoyed the ideal start to his Southampton reign as the struggling Premier League club reached the FA Cup semi-finals with a 2-0 win at Wigan on Sunday.

Hughes was hired as Southampton manager this week to replace the sacked Mauricio Pellegrino and the former Saints striker had an immediate impact on his new team.

Hughes&#39; main goal is to help Southampton preserve their top-flight status and they dropped into the relegation zone on Saturday as Crystal Palace won in the league while the Saints were preparing for their quarter-final.&nbsp;

Nevertheless, a trip to Wembley in the semi-finals could provide a welcome tonic as the new manager tries to make his presence felt.&nbsp;

It was essential Southampton avoided following in the footsteps of Manchester City, West Ham and Bournemouth -- top-flight sides who had all perished against third-tier giant-killers Wigan in the FA Cup this season.

They achieved that aim thanks to second-half goals from Pierre Emile Hojbjerg and Cedric Soares.

Southampton joined Tottenham and Manchester United in the semi-finals, with Leicester and Chelsea meeting in the last quarter-final later on Sunday.

It will be Saints&#39; first appearance in the last four in 15 years.

&quot;It was an important day for the players today. I have been really impressed with the quality of the talent I have,&quot; said Hughes, who was sacked by Stoke earlier this season.

&quot;They have lost a bit of confidence recently but they are good players.&nbsp;

&quot;We stood up to Wigan. It was a statement of intent and a start.&nbsp;

&quot;We have work to do in the Premier League, but we will enjoy this moment.&quot;

After a scrappy first half, Southampton took the lead in the 62nd minute.

Dusan Tadic&#39;s corner was stabbed goalwards by Hojbjerg and Wigan&#39;s Dan Burn couldn&#39;t react quick enough to clear off the line.

Manolo Gabbiadini had a chance to double Southampton&#39;s advantage in the 73rd minute when he got past Burn and the Wigan centre-back brought him down in the penalty area.

But Wigan goalkeeper Christian Walton plunged to his left and pushed Gabbiadini&#39;s powerful spot-kick around the post.

Wigan, FA Cup winners in 2013, applied plenty of pressure in the closing stages, but couldn&#39;t emulate their epic fifth round success against Premier League leaders City.

In the first minute of stoppage-time, Southampton right-back Soares surged into the area before side-footing past Walton.

&nbsp;

Hughes was hired as Southampton manager this week to replace the sacked Mauricio Pellegrino and the former Saints striker had an immediate impact on his new team

Mark Hughes enjoyed the ideal start to his Southampton reign as the struggling Premier League club reached the FA Cup semi-finals with a 2-0 win at Wigan on Sunday. Hughes was hired as Southampton manager this week to replace the sacked Mauricio Pellegrino and the former Saints striker had an immediate impact on his new team. Hughes' main goal is to help Southampton preserve their top-flight status and they dropped into the relegation zone on Saturday as Crystal Palace won in the league while the Saints were preparing for their quarter-final. Nevertheless, a trip to Wembley in the semi-finals could provide a welcome tonic as the new manager tries to make his presence felt. It was essential Southampton avoided following in the footsteps of Manchester City, West Ham and Bournemouth -- top-flight sides who had all perished against third-tier giant-killers Wigan in the FA Cup this season. They achieved that aim thanks to second-half goals from Pierre Emile Hojbjerg and Cedric Soares. Southampton joined Tottenham and Manchester United in the semi-finals, with Leicester and Chelsea meeting in the last quarter-final later on Sunday. It will be Saints' first appearance in the last four in 15 years. "It was an important day for the players today. I have been really impressed with the quality of the talent I have," said Hughes, who was sacked by Stoke earlier this season. "They have lost a bit of confidence recently but they are good players. "We stood up to Wigan. It was a statement of intent and a start. "We have work to do in the Premier League, but we will enjoy this moment." After a scrappy first half, Southampton took the lead in the 62nd minute. Dusan Tadic's corner was stabbed goalwards by Hojbjerg and Wigan's Dan Burn couldn't react quick enough to clear off the line. Manolo Gabbiadini had a chance to double Southampton's advantage in the 73rd minute when he got past Burn and the Wigan centre-back brought him down in the penalty area. But Wigan goalkeeper Christian Walton plunged to his left and pushed Gabbiadini's powerful spot-kick around the post. Wigan, FA Cup winners in 2013, applied plenty of pressure in the closing stages, but couldn't emulate their epic fifth round success against Premier League leaders City. In the first minute of stoppage-time, Southampton right-back Soares surged into the area before side-footing past Walton.

Mark Hughes marks shining start as Southampton reach FA Cup semis

Catalonia-born Pep Guardiola, who wore a yellow ribbon on his grey jumper in the post-match press conference at Wembley defended his intent to wear a yellow ribbon in support of jailed Catalan independence leaders after his side beat Arsenal 3-0 to win the League Cup final on Sunday.

The Football Association on Friday charged Guardiola, saying the symbol sported by the former Barcelona boss on his jacket broke its rules.

Former Barcelona coach said, &quot;Before I&#39;m a manager I&#39;m a human being. I am a person.&quot;

He mentioned Britain&#39;s exit from European Union and said, &quot;You did the Brexit you let the people make an opinion. You allowed Scotland to make a referendum about if they want to stay or not and after the people voted. That is what they are asking.&quot;

Guardiola sympathised with the jailed Catalan leader and said, &quot;They are in prevention jail right now. So go out and after maybe be judged okay but they are (in jail) for more than 145 days. You know everybody is innocent until the judge proves you are guilty and they aren&#39;t being judged.&quot;

Guardiola was charged by the FA for wearing a political message.

The Football Association on Friday charged Guardiola, saying the symbol sported by the former Barcelona boss on his jacket broke its rules

Catalonia-born Pep Guardiola, who wore a yellow ribbon on his grey jumper in the post-match press conference at Wembley defended his intent to wear a yellow ribbon in support of jailed Catalan independence leaders after his side beat Arsenal 3-0 to win the League Cup final on Sunday. The Football Association on Friday charged Guardiola, saying the symbol sported by the former Barcelona boss on his jacket broke its rules. Former Barcelona coach said, "Before I'm a manager I'm a human being. I am a person." He mentioned Britain's exit from European Union and said, "You did the Brexit you let the people make an opinion. You allowed Scotland to make a referendum about if they want to stay or not and after the people voted. That is what they are asking." Guardiola sympathised with the jailed Catalan leader and said, "They are in prevention jail right now. So go out and after maybe be judged okay but they are (in jail) for more than 145 days. You know everybody is innocent until the judge proves you are guilty and they aren't being judged." Guardiola was charged by the FA for wearing a political message.

Pep Guardiola defends wearing Catalan support ribbon

Third-tier Wigan Athletic lived up to the billing as Manchester City&#39;s bogey team by beating the 10-man Premier League leaders 1-0 in a stunning FA Cup fifth round upset on Monday (February 19).

Will Grigg coolly slotted home the winner in the 79th minute to trigger chants of &#39;Will Grigg&#39;s on fire&#39; around the DW Stadium.

The defeat ended City&#39;s hopes of an unprecedented quadruple of trophies this season.

City played the entire second half with 10 men after midfielder Fabian Delph was sent off in the 45th minute for a late challenge on Max Power.

But on a night of stirring memories for the home fans, whose side beat City in the 2013 FA Cup final and in the quarter-finals a year later, there was always the hint of an upset in the air.

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2013 ✅ 
2014 ✅ 
2018 ✅ 
 
Don&rsquo;t you just love an <a href="https://twitter.com/EmiratesFACup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmiratesFACup</a> game against Manchester City ????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wafc?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#wafc</a> <a href="https://t.co/aVvNcK93U2">pic.twitter.com/aVvNcK93U2</a>
&mdash; Wigan Athletic (@LaticsOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/LaticsOfficial/status/965740089216090117?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">20 February 2018</a></blockquote>
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79&#39; GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAALLLL!!!! WILL GRIGG!!! ???? 
 
Follow it live ????<a href="https://t.co/R8XiBiTPX2">https://t.co/R8XiBiTPX2</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wafc?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#wafc</a> <a href="https://t.co/Itm1gzOXFw">pic.twitter.com/Itm1gzOXFw</a>
&mdash; Wigan Athletic (@LaticsOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/LaticsOfficial/status/965700642638573568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">19 February 2018</a></blockquote>
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That only increased when referee Anthony Taylor, a yellow card already in his hand, reached for the red.

Delph looked stunned, his angry teammates swarming around the official, while manager Pep Guardiola seethed on the touchline.

The Spaniard, already frustrated by his side&#39;s failure to break through the home side&#39;s sturdy defense, had to be kept apart from Wigan manager Paul Cook as they headed down the tunnel at the break.

Guardiola reacted to the setback by bringing on versatile right-back Kyle Walker for winger Leroy Sane at the start of the second half.

He then introduced midfielder Kevin De Bruyne in place of David Silva in the 65th, with the Belgian immediately piling the pressure on Wigan&#39;s defense.

But still, City, 16 points clear at the top of the Premier League, heading for the last eight of the Champions League and looking forward to Sunday&#39;s League Cup final, failed to find a way through despite having most of the possession.

Wigan will now host another Premier League team Southampton in next month&#39;s quarter-finals having now beaten three top-flight sides in their fairytale Cup run.

&nbsp;

Will Grigg coolly slotted home the winner in the 79th minute to trigger chants of 'Will Grigg's on fire' around the DW Stadium

Third-tier Wigan Athletic lived up to the billing as Manchester City's bogey team by beating the 10-man Premier League leaders 1-0 in a stunning FA Cup fifth round upset on Monday (February 19). Will Grigg coolly slotted home the winner in the 79th minute to trigger chants of 'Will Grigg's on fire' around the DW Stadium. The defeat ended City's hopes of an unprecedented quadruple of trophies this season. City played the entire second half with 10 men after midfielder Fabian Delph was sent off in the 45th minute for a late challenge on Max Power. But on a night of stirring memories for the home fans, whose side beat City in the 2013 FA Cup final and in the quarter-finals a year later, there was always the hint of an upset in the air. 2013 ✅ 2014 ✅ 2018 ✅ Don’t you just love an @EmiratesFACup game against Manchester City ????#wafc pic.twitter.com/aVvNcK93U2 — Wigan Athletic (@LaticsOfficial) 20 February 2018 × 79' GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAALLLL!!!! WILL GRIGG!!! ???? Follow it live ????https://t.co/R8XiBiTPX2#wafc pic.twitter.com/Itm1gzOXFw — Wigan Athletic (@LaticsOfficial) 19 February 2018 × That only increased when referee Anthony Taylor, a yellow card already in his hand, reached for the red. Delph looked stunned, his angry teammates swarming around the official, while manager Pep Guardiola seethed on the touchline. The Spaniard, already frustrated by his side's failure to break through the home side's sturdy defense, had to be kept apart from Wigan manager Paul Cook as they headed down the tunnel at the break. Guardiola reacted to the setback by bringing on versatile right-back Kyle Walker for winger Leroy Sane at the start of the second half. He then introduced midfielder Kevin De Bruyne in place of David Silva in the 65th, with the Belgian immediately piling the pressure on Wigan's defense. But still, City, 16 points clear at the top of the Premier League, heading for the last eight of the Champions League and looking forward to Sunday's League Cup final, failed to find a way through despite having most of the possession. Wigan will now host another Premier League team Southampton in next month's quarter-finals having now beaten three top-flight sides in their fairytale Cup run.

FA Cup: Third-tier Wigan Athletic ends Man City's fairytale run

Wigan Athletic defeated Manchester City 1-0 to end City&#39;s dream run.

Pep Guardiola&#39;s quest to win an unprecedented quadruple with Manchester City came to a stunning and controversial end when they fell to a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/fa-cup-third-tier-wigan-athletic-ends-man-citys-fairytale-run-33412">1-0 defeat at third-tier Wigan</a> in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Monday.

Will Grigg netted the ball in the 79th minute to trigger chants of &#39;Will Grigg&#39;s on fire&#39; around the DW Stadium.

The full of drama when Premier League leaders, Manchester City faced a tragic defeat by third-tier Wigan Athletic.

A lot of things happened during the match, as&nbsp;City played the entire second half with 10 men after Fabian Delph was ousted was sent off after showing a red card, Sergio Aguero was confronted by Wigan supporters as they invaded the ground after the match was ended.

Apart from that, frustrated Guardiola involved in a fight with Wigan manager&nbsp;Paul Cook in the tunnel after the match, both of them had a major verbal confrontation.

Watch the video here:

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Pep Guardiola and Paul Cook arguing in the tunnel and Pep charging at the referee before the camera cuts away, Aguero punching a Wigan fan and the ManCity fans attacking the police. 
 
Manchester City, money cannot buy you class. 
 
<a href="https://t.co/8F3HmpmDd6">pic.twitter.com/8F3HmpmDd6</a>
&mdash; Utd (@SimplyUtd) <a href="https://twitter.com/SimplyUtd/status/965726435909488640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">19 February 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Frustrated Guardiola involved in a fight with Wigan manager Paul Cook in the tunnel after the match, both of them had a major verbal confrontation

Wigan Athletic defeated Manchester City 1-0 to end City's dream run. Pep Guardiola's quest to win an unprecedented quadruple with Manchester City came to a stunning and controversial end when they fell to a 1-0 defeat at third-tier Wigan in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Monday. Will Grigg netted the ball in the 79th minute to trigger chants of 'Will Grigg's on fire' around the DW Stadium. The full of drama when Premier League leaders, Manchester City faced a tragic defeat by third-tier Wigan Athletic. A lot of things happened during the match, as City played the entire second half with 10 men after Fabian Delph was ousted was sent off after showing a red card, Sergio Aguero was confronted by Wigan supporters as they invaded the ground after the match was ended. Apart from that, frustrated Guardiola involved in a fight with Wigan manager Paul Cook in the tunnel after the match, both of them had a major verbal confrontation. Watch the video here: Pep Guardiola and Paul Cook arguing in the tunnel and Pep charging at the referee before the camera cuts away, Aguero punching a Wigan fan and the ManCity fans attacking the police. Manchester City, money cannot buy you class. pic.twitter.com/8F3HmpmDd6 — Utd (@SimplyUtd) 19 February 2018 ×

Watch: Pep Guardiola fights with Wigan manager Paul Cook

Tottenham Hotspur was left in FA Cup limbo after being held to a 2-2 draw by lowly Rochdale in a fifth-round tie on Sunday.

It seemed Harry Kane&#39;s penalty two minutes from time, which made it 2-1 to the visitors, had seen Spurs straight into the last eight.&nbsp;

But Steve Davies&#39;s stoppage-time equaliser saw Rochdale make it 2-2 and earn themselves a money-spinning replay at Wembley, Tottenham&#39;s temporary home this season while the successor ground to White Hart Lane is built.

It was a similar story in the fourth round, with Spurs needing to win a Wembley replay before finally seeing off fourth-tier Newport County.

Whichever club wins this last-16 tie will face either Sheffield Wednesday or Swansea, who will also need a replay after Saturday&#39;s goalless draw at Hillsborough.

Saturday&#39;s draw saw four of the top Premier League&#39;s top five kept apart in the quarter-finals, with Manchester United hosting Brighton -- a repeat of the 1983 final won by United in a replay -- and Chelsea away to Leicester.

Manchester City continues their quest for a historic quadruple of Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup with a fifth-round trip to Wigan on Monday.

Should Pep Guardiola&#39;s men avoid a repeat of the Latics&#39; shock 2013 FA Cup final victory, City will be at home to Southampton in the last eight.

The ties will be played between March 16 and 19.

Quarter-final draw:

Sheffield&nbsp;or Swansea City v Rochdale or Tottenham Hotspur

Manchester United v Brighton

Leicester City v Chelsea

Wigan or Manchester City v Southampton

&nbsp;

Tottenham Hotspur was left in FA Cup limbo after being held to a 2-2 draw by lowly Rochdale in a fifth-round tie on Sunday

Tottenham Hotspur was left in FA Cup limbo after being held to a 2-2 draw by lowly Rochdale in a fifth-round tie on Sunday. It seemed Harry Kane's penalty two minutes from time, which made it 2-1 to the visitors, had seen Spurs straight into the last eight. But Steve Davies's stoppage-time equaliser saw Rochdale make it 2-2 and earn themselves a money-spinning replay at Wembley, Tottenham's temporary home this season while the successor ground to White Hart Lane is built. It was a similar story in the fourth round, with Spurs needing to win a Wembley replay before finally seeing off fourth-tier Newport County. Whichever club wins this last-16 tie will face either Sheffield Wednesday or Swansea, who will also need a replay after Saturday's goalless draw at Hillsborough. Saturday's draw saw four of the top Premier League's top five kept apart in the quarter-finals, with Manchester United hosting Brighton -- a repeat of the 1983 final won by United in a replay -- and Chelsea away to Leicester. Manchester City continues their quest for a historic quadruple of Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup with a fifth-round trip to Wigan on Monday. Should Pep Guardiola's men avoid a repeat of the Latics' shock 2013 FA Cup final victory, City will be at home to Southampton in the last eight. The ties will be played between March 16 and 19. Quarter-final draw: Sheffield or Swansea City v Rochdale or Tottenham Hotspur Manchester United v Brighton Leicester City v Chelsea Wigan or Manchester City v Southampton

Rochdale's revival stuns Spurs as they face uncertain Cup fate

Romelu Lukaku extended his impressive FA Cup scoring record by netting twice in Manchester United&#39;s 2-0 win at Huddersfield Town to earn Jose Mourinho&#39;s side a quarter-final tie at home to Brighton &amp; Hove Albion.

The Belgian has scored in each of the three rounds United have played of this year&#39;s competition and now has 11 goals from his past 10 FA Cup appearances and 21 in all competitions this season.

Lukaku&#39;s first came after three minutes, and the striker scored again in the second half after United mounted a quick counter-attack against a side who beat them at the John Smith&#39;s Stadium in the Premier League last October.

Saturday&#39;s fifth-round late kickoff also featured English football&#39;s latest video-assisted referee (VAR) decision when United&#39;s Juan Mata had a goal disallowed after being ruled fractionally offside before the interval.

&quot;Yes, the decision went in our favour but this VAR for me kills the emotion of the game,&quot; said Huddersfield manager David Wagner. &quot;This is why I don&#39;t like it but I am not the person who makes the decision.&quot;

United&#39;s midfielder Paul Pogba missed the game due to illness.

West Bromwich Albion&#39;s tumultuous week took a final turn for the worse as they were knocked out by Southampton, whose 2-1 victory at the Hawthorns secured the visitors a quarter-final berth for the first time since 2005.

Defeat always seemed likely for West Brom, who are bottom of the Premier League and sacked their chairman and chief-executive on Tuesday.

They then had four senior players interviewed by Spanish police over the alleged theft of a taxi from outside a fast-food restaurant in Barcelona.

Two of those involved in the incident, Jonny Evans and Gareth Barry, both started against Southampton after issuing a public apology, although Evans was stripped of the captaincy by Albion manager Alan Pardew.

&quot;I felt I needed to make a little bit of a statement about the events,&quot; Pardew said. &quot;I was far from happy over them.&quot;

Evans could do nothing to stop Southampton taking the lead through Wesley Hoedt on 11 minutes, with Dusan Tadic adding the second after the interval.

Salomon Rondon quickly countered for West Brom but Southampton held on to record their second win at Albion in two weeks and earn a quarter-final at either Wigan Athletic or Manchester City, who play on Monday.

Debut goals end Coventry dream

Brighton&#39;s Jurgen Locadia scored on his debut in the 3-1 win over Coventry City who, after knocking out Stoke City in the third round, failed in their attempt to make FA Cup history by becoming the first fourth-tier side to beat two top-flight teams in the same season.

There was never much chance of that with Brighton&#39;s record signing Locadia scoring with his first shot on target after 15 minutes and Leicester City loanee Leonardo Ulloa, who is in his second spell with the Seagulls, rounding off the win after Connor Goldson netted his first goal in almost two years. Jonson Clarke-Harris scored Coventry&#39;s consolation.

The last time Brighton were a top-flight team they reached the FA Cup final in 1983, when they lost to Manchester United, their opponents in next month&#39;s quarter-final.

At Hillsborough, both managers bemoaned the replay after second-tier Sheffield Wednesday and Swansea City shared a goalless draw, with Swansea&#39;s Carlos Carvalhal suggesting everyone would have been happy to play on to penalties.

&quot;It&#39;s a score nobody wants. I also believe (that&#39;s the case) for Sheffield Wednesday - the same one more game. Maybe in the future we can think that if the managers and referee agree after the first game we can go to penalties and we can finish the game today,&quot; said Carvalhal who was given a warm reception on his return to the club he managed for two and a half years.

The replay is Swansea&#39;s third in succession as they continue to juggle cup commitments with a Premier League survival battle that has become more difficult after impressive defender Alfie Mawson injured himself before kickoff and was subsequently seen wearing a knee brace.

The winner of the replay will host Rochdale or Tottenham Hotspur, who play on Sunday.

Leicester City will be home to Chelsea in the remaining quarter-final. All games will be played between March 16 and 19.

West Bromwich Albion's tumultuous week took a final turn for the worse as they were knocked out by Southampton

Romelu Lukaku extended his impressive FA Cup scoring record by netting twice in Manchester United's 2-0 win at Huddersfield Town to earn Jose Mourinho's side a quarter-final tie at home to Brighton & Hove Albion. The Belgian has scored in each of the three rounds United have played of this year's competition and now has 11 goals from his past 10 FA Cup appearances and 21 in all competitions this season. Lukaku's first came after three minutes, and the striker scored again in the second half after United mounted a quick counter-attack against a side who beat them at the John Smith's Stadium in the Premier League last October. Saturday's fifth-round late kickoff also featured English football's latest video-assisted referee (VAR) decision when United's Juan Mata had a goal disallowed after being ruled fractionally offside before the interval. "Yes, the decision went in our favour but this VAR for me kills the emotion of the game," said Huddersfield manager David Wagner. "This is why I don't like it but I am not the person who makes the decision." United's midfielder Paul Pogba missed the game due to illness. West Bromwich Albion's tumultuous week took a final turn for the worse as they were knocked out by Southampton, whose 2-1 victory at the Hawthorns secured the visitors a quarter-final berth for the first time since 2005. Defeat always seemed likely for West Brom, who are bottom of the Premier League and sacked their chairman and chief-executive on Tuesday. They then had four senior players interviewed by Spanish police over the alleged theft of a taxi from outside a fast-food restaurant in Barcelona. Two of those involved in the incident, Jonny Evans and Gareth Barry, both started against Southampton after issuing a public apology, although Evans was stripped of the captaincy by Albion manager Alan Pardew. "I felt I needed to make a little bit of a statement about the events," Pardew said. "I was far from happy over them." Evans could do nothing to stop Southampton taking the lead through Wesley Hoedt on 11 minutes, with Dusan Tadic adding the second after the interval. Salomon Rondon quickly countered for West Brom but Southampton held on to record their second win at Albion in two weeks and earn a quarter-final at either Wigan Athletic or Manchester City, who play on Monday. Debut goals end Coventry dream Brighton's Jurgen Locadia scored on his debut in the 3-1 win over Coventry City who, after knocking out Stoke City in the third round, failed in their attempt to make FA Cup history by becoming the first fourth-tier side to beat two top-flight teams in the same season. There was never much chance of that with Brighton's record signing Locadia scoring with his first shot on target after 15 minutes and Leicester City loanee Leonardo Ulloa, who is in his second spell with the Seagulls, rounding off the win after Connor Goldson netted his first goal in almost two years. Jonson Clarke-Harris scored Coventry's consolation. The last time Brighton were a top-flight team they reached the FA Cup final in 1983, when they lost to Manchester United, their opponents in next month's quarter-final. At Hillsborough, both managers bemoaned the replay after second-tier Sheffield Wednesday and Swansea City shared a goalless draw, with Swansea's Carlos Carvalhal suggesting everyone would have been happy to play on to penalties. "It's a score nobody wants. I also believe (that's the case) for Sheffield Wednesday - the same one more game. Maybe in the future we can think that if the managers and referee agree after the first game we can go to penalties and we can finish the game today," said Carvalhal who was given a warm reception on his return to the club he managed for two and a half years. The replay is Swansea's third in succession as they continue to juggle cup commitments with a Premier League survival battle that has become more difficult after impressive defender Alfie Mawson injured himself before kickoff and was subsequently seen wearing a knee brace. The winner of the replay will host Rochdale or Tottenham Hotspur, who play on Sunday. Leicester City will be home to Chelsea in the remaining quarter-final. All games will be played between March 16 and 19.

Lukaku double sends Man United into FA Cup quarter-finals

Last season&#39;s FA Cup runners-up Chelsea struck four times before the break to crush second-tier Hull City 4-0 and stroll into the quarter-finals at Stamford Bridge on Friday.

Willian bagged two and Olivier Giroud scored his first goal for the club since joining from London rivals Arsenal, while Pedro was also on target for Antonio Conte&#39;s dominant side.

The night&#39;s other fifth-round tie saw Leicester City also in action against Championship opposition but having to work far harder for a 1-0 home victory over Sheffield United.

Jamie Vardy struck the only goal after 66 minutes -- the fifth game in a row in all competitions he has been on target.

Leicester held on to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2012 when they were knocked out by eventual winners Chelsea -- the last time the west London club won the Cup.

There are four more ties on Saturday when 12-times winners Manchester United visit Huddersfield Town while another all-top-flight clash sees West Bromwich Albion at home to fellow strugglers Southampton.

Third-tier Rochdale host Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday and on Monday runaway Premier League leaders Manchester City face third-tier Wigan Athletic in a repeat of 2013 final surprisingly won by the Latics.

Confident Chelsea

Willian needed only two minutes to give Chelsea the lead against Hull, curling the ball in with his left foot from the edge of the penalty area.

Cesc Fabregas sent Pedro away to make it 2-0 after 27 minutes and Willian then used his right foot to devastating effect to skim a low shot past keeper David Marshall.

French international Giroud clipped in a neat finish from Emerson&#39;s cut back to make the second half academic.

With an eye on Tuesday&#39;s Champions League last 16, first leg at home to Barcelona, Chelsea took their foot off the gas in the second half.

&quot;It was great for us. The most important thing is that we are in the next round. Now we have to prepare for the game against Barcelona,&quot; Conte, who rested Eden Hazard, said.

&quot;You hope to always have a game that you can dominate. Our start was impressive. We started with great focus and concentration, will to score and wanted to go to the next round. I&#39;m really pleased with the commitment of my players.&quot;

After the Barca game, Chelsea faces Manchester United and Manchester City in the league and Conte said the confidence was back after a sticky patch.

&quot;Now we have the right confidence again. But in the next two weeks, we have to play massive games and we must be strong --Barcelona, United and City. We are ready,&quot; he said.

&nbsp;

Willian bagged two and Olivier Giroud scored his first goal for the club since joining from London rivals Arsenal

Last season's FA Cup runners-up Chelsea struck four times before the break to crush second-tier Hull City 4-0 and stroll into the quarter-finals at Stamford Bridge on Friday. Willian bagged two and Olivier Giroud scored his first goal for the club since joining from London rivals Arsenal, while Pedro was also on target for Antonio Conte's dominant side. The night's other fifth-round tie saw Leicester City also in action against Championship opposition but having to work far harder for a 1-0 home victory over Sheffield United. Jamie Vardy struck the only goal after 66 minutes -- the fifth game in a row in all competitions he has been on target. Leicester held on to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2012 when they were knocked out by eventual winners Chelsea -- the last time the west London club won the Cup. There are four more ties on Saturday when 12-times winners Manchester United visit Huddersfield Town while another all-top-flight clash sees West Bromwich Albion at home to fellow strugglers Southampton. Third-tier Rochdale host Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday and on Monday runaway Premier League leaders Manchester City face third-tier Wigan Athletic in a repeat of 2013 final surprisingly won by the Latics. Confident Chelsea Willian needed only two minutes to give Chelsea the lead against Hull, curling the ball in with his left foot from the edge of the penalty area. Cesc Fabregas sent Pedro away to make it 2-0 after 27 minutes and Willian then used his right foot to devastating effect to skim a low shot past keeper David Marshall. French international Giroud clipped in a neat finish from Emerson's cut back to make the second half academic. With an eye on Tuesday's Champions League last 16, first leg at home to Barcelona, Chelsea took their foot off the gas in the second half. "It was great for us. The most important thing is that we are in the next round. Now we have to prepare for the game against Barcelona," Conte, who rested Eden Hazard, said. "You hope to always have a game that you can dominate. Our start was impressive. We started with great focus and concentration, will to score and wanted to go to the next round. I'm really pleased with the commitment of my players." After the Barca game, Chelsea faces Manchester United and Manchester City in the league and Conte said the confidence was back after a sticky patch. "Now we have the right confidence again. But in the next two weeks, we have to play massive games and we must be strong --Barcelona, United and City. We are ready," he said.

Chelsea stroll past Hull into FA Cup quarter-finals

FA Cup holders Arsenal were sensationally dumped out of the competition by Nottingham Forest on Sunday, joining Leeds United as big-name casualties on a day of shocks.

Elsewhere, West Ham stayed alive with a goalless draw at Shrewsbury and Tottenham scored three goals in eight second-half minutes to see off the challenge of League One side AFC Wimbledon.

Championship side Forest revived memories of their glory years under Brian Clough, putting 13-times winners Arsenal to the sword in an incident-packed 4-2 win at the City Ground.

&quot;It was good. My wife told me that if I score a hat-trick at any point this year then I get a dog, so I was trying to get the penalty,&quot; said two-goal hero Eric Lichaj.

&quot;Vaughany (David Vaughan) told me politely -- I won&#39;t say what he said to me -- to go away.&quot;

US international Lichaj opened the scoring for the home side with a header midway through the first half but Per Mertesacker equalised for the much-changed away team just three minutes later.

However, Forest continued to probe an inexperienced Arsenal line-up and got their reward just before half-time when Lichaj volleyed in spectacularly from the edge of the box.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, serving a touchline ban, was forced to watch powerless from the stands as Rob Holding conceded a penalty that teenager Ben Brereton converted in the 64th minute to stretch the home side&#39;s lead to 3-1.

Danny Welbeck gave Arsenal hope with just over 10 minutes to go but Kieran Dowell netted from the penalty spot again to seal a 4-2 win for the second-tier side over the Premier League visitors.

In a breathless final few minutes Forest`s Joe Worrall was sent off but it was too late for Arsenal.In the early kick-off, on-loan forward Shawn McCoulsky headed in a dramatic 89th-minute winner for Welsh club Newport to seal a 2-1 victory against 1972 Cup winners Leeds.

Leeds had taken an early lead at Rodney Parade when Gaetano Berardi`s deflected long-range shot found the net.

But Newport, currently 11th in League Two -- the fourth tier of the English game -- levelled 14 minutes from time when Leeds defender Conor Shaughnessy sliced into his own net.

Infused with fresh belief in front of a passionate Welsh crowd, Newport pressed for a winner, and with a minute to go on-loan substitute McCoulsky rose highest at a corner to head in the decisive goal and send the stadium into raptures.

Much-changed Leeds were then reduced to 10 men when substitute Samuel Saiz was immediately sent off over an off-the-ball incident.

&quot;This is much better beating Championship teams like Leeds,&quot; said Newport manager Michael Flynn. &quot;I don`t want to be winning relegation battles, I want to be winning FA Cup ties and climbing the table.&quot;West Ham had goalkeeper

Joe Hart to thank for keeping them in the Cup with a 0-0 draw after an uninspired performance against Shrewsbury Town of the third tier.

The England goalkeeper, returning to the club where he started his career, made a fine save from Mat Sadler with about 10 minutes to go until the interval and repeated the trick against Alex Rodman to keep the score at 0-0. 
&quot;The players are a little bit deflated almost,&quot; said Shrewsbury Town manager Paul Hurst.

&quot;But we have a replay to look forward to,&quot; he added. &quot;We know it will be tough. They will be at home, more comfortable in their own stadium.&quot;

At Wembley, Harry Kane broke the deadlock against AFC Wimbledon with just under half an hour to go before Kane again and Jan Vertonghen made it 3-0 to put the game beyond the reach of the visitors.

On Saturday, League Two Coventry City sent Premier League side Stoke City crashing out, prompting the sacking of Mark Hughes.

FA Cup holders Arsenal were sensationally dumped out of the competition by Nottingham Forest on Sunday

FA Cup holders Arsenal were sensationally dumped out of the competition by Nottingham Forest on Sunday, joining Leeds United as big-name casualties on a day of shocks. Elsewhere, West Ham stayed alive with a goalless draw at Shrewsbury and Tottenham scored three goals in eight second-half minutes to see off the challenge of League One side AFC Wimbledon. Championship side Forest revived memories of their glory years under Brian Clough, putting 13-times winners Arsenal to the sword in an incident-packed 4-2 win at the City Ground. "It was good. My wife told me that if I score a hat-trick at any point this year then I get a dog, so I was trying to get the penalty," said two-goal hero Eric Lichaj. "Vaughany (David Vaughan) told me politely -- I won't say what he said to me -- to go away." US international Lichaj opened the scoring for the home side with a header midway through the first half but Per Mertesacker equalised for the much-changed away team just three minutes later. However, Forest continued to probe an inexperienced Arsenal line-up and got their reward just before half-time when Lichaj volleyed in spectacularly from the edge of the box. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, serving a touchline ban, was forced to watch powerless from the stands as Rob Holding conceded a penalty that teenager Ben Brereton converted in the 64th minute to stretch the home side's lead to 3-1. Danny Welbeck gave Arsenal hope with just over 10 minutes to go but Kieran Dowell netted from the penalty spot again to seal a 4-2 win for the second-tier side over the Premier League visitors. In a breathless final few minutes Forest`s Joe Worrall was sent off but it was too late for Arsenal.In the early kick-off, on-loan forward Shawn McCoulsky headed in a dramatic 89th-minute winner for Welsh club Newport to seal a 2-1 victory against 1972 Cup winners Leeds. Leeds had taken an early lead at Rodney Parade when Gaetano Berardi`s deflected long-range shot found the net. But Newport, currently 11th in League Two -- the fourth tier of the English game -- levelled 14 minutes from time when Leeds defender Conor Shaughnessy sliced into his own net. Infused with fresh belief in front of a passionate Welsh crowd, Newport pressed for a winner, and with a minute to go on-loan substitute McCoulsky rose highest at a corner to head in the decisive goal and send the stadium into raptures. Much-changed Leeds were then reduced to 10 men when substitute Samuel Saiz was immediately sent off over an off-the-ball incident. "This is much better beating Championship teams like Leeds," said Newport manager Michael Flynn. "I don`t want to be winning relegation battles, I want to be winning FA Cup ties and climbing the table."West Ham had goalkeeper Joe Hart to thank for keeping them in the Cup with a 0-0 draw after an uninspired performance against Shrewsbury Town of the third tier. The England goalkeeper, returning to the club where he started his career, made a fine save from Mat Sadler with about 10 minutes to go until the interval and repeated the trick against Alex Rodman to keep the score at 0-0. "The players are a little bit deflated almost," said Shrewsbury Town manager Paul Hurst. "But we have a replay to look forward to," he added. "We know it will be tough. They will be at home, more comfortable in their own stadium." At Wembley, Harry Kane broke the deadlock against AFC Wimbledon with just under half an hour to go before Kane again and Jan Vertonghen made it 3-0 to put the game beyond the reach of the visitors. On Saturday, League Two Coventry City sent Premier League side Stoke City crashing out, prompting the sacking of Mark Hughes.

Football: Arsenal dumped out of FA Cup, Leeds shocked

Antonio Conte spent the immediate aftermath of Chelsea&#39;s title-winning 1-0 victory at West Bromwich Albion on Friday being bounced skywards by his players but once back on terra firma his mind was already focusing on the next target -- the double.

In claiming the Premier League title at the first time of asking Conte matched the feat of Chelsea predecessors Jose Mourinho in 2004-05 and Carlo Ancelotti in 2009-10.

Ancelotti went on to win the FA Cup as well and one suspects the insatiable Conte will feel a sense of anti-climax if his side do not beat Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on May 27.

&quot;My players show me a great attitude to try to do something great this season,&quot; Conte said after the title triumph.

&quot;We were not lucky, we did a great job. It&#39;s important to rest. It is a great season but now we can win the FA Cup.&quot;

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The Italian, winner of three Serie A titles as Juventus manager, has transformed Chelsea from flops to champions in one season with largely the same group of players.

Yet there were moments back in the autumn when things looked in danger of unravelling as defeats by Liverpool and Arsenal threatened to undermine a bright start to the season.

Conte said the drubbing by Arsenal, a game in which he switched to a three-at-the-back system midway through when his side trailed 3-0, was a turning point.

&quot;That decision changed our season. We had to change and find a new suit for our team,&quot; he said.

&quot;In my mind there was this option to play a 3-4-3 because I knew I had the players to do that.&quot;

PULIS PRAISE

West Brom manager Tony Pulis was full of praise for Conte -- both for his infectious touchline enthusiasm and his ability to alter the tactics when his approach was going wrong.

&quot;They&#39;re worthy champions alright. They had a poor start, and Conte had to change things,&quot; he said.

&quot;He&#39;s made it his team. Italian teams are tactically organised and well run. He changed their shape and they&#39;ve been superb from that moment onwards.

&quot;He recognised that he had to change it earlier in the season or he might have got changed himself.&quot;

Conte is the only manager in the top flight this term to use all three permitted substitutes in every league game.

He did it again on Friday and once more his touch turned to gold with Belgian misfit Michy Batshuayi, a 76th-minute replacement for Pedro, scoring the goal six minutes later that meant Chelsea&#39;s title party could start in earnest.

&quot;Michy paid me a lot with this change!&quot; Conte said.

&quot;It was great. It wasn&#39;t easy for me to arrive in England and try different habits, a different language and inherit players after a bad season.

&quot;Every game I feel like I have played with my players. I show my passion and my will, my desire to stay with my players in every moment of the game. This is me, I am this.&quot;

(Reuters)

Chelsea lifted the title after beating West Bromwich Albion 1-0 on Friday

Antonio Conte spent the immediate aftermath of Chelsea's title-winning 1-0 victory at West Bromwich Albion on Friday being bounced skywards by his players but once back on terra firma his mind was already focusing on the next target -- the double. In claiming the Premier League title at the first time of asking Conte matched the feat of Chelsea predecessors Jose Mourinho in 2004-05 and Carlo Ancelotti in 2009-10. Ancelotti went on to win the FA Cup as well and one suspects the insatiable Conte will feel a sense of anti-climax if his side do not beat Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on May 27. "My players show me a great attitude to try to do something great this season," Conte said after the title triumph. "We were not lucky, we did a great job. It's important to rest. It is a great season but now we can win the FA Cup." Chelsea play Arsenal in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium on May 27 × The Italian, winner of three Serie A titles as Juventus manager, has transformed Chelsea from flops to champions in one season with largely the same group of players. Yet there were moments back in the autumn when things looked in danger of unravelling as defeats by Liverpool and Arsenal threatened to undermine a bright start to the season. Conte said the drubbing by Arsenal, a game in which he switched to a three-at-the-back system midway through when his side trailed 3-0, was a turning point. "That decision changed our season. We had to change and find a new suit for our team," he said. "In my mind there was this option to play a 3-4-3 because I knew I had the players to do that." PULIS PRAISE West Brom manager Tony Pulis was full of praise for Conte -- both for his infectious touchline enthusiasm and his ability to alter the tactics when his approach was going wrong. "They're worthy champions alright. They had a poor start, and Conte had to change things," he said. "He's made it his team. Italian teams are tactically organised and well run. He changed their shape and they've been superb from that moment onwards. "He recognised that he had to change it earlier in the season or he might have got changed himself." Conte is the only manager in the top flight this term to use all three permitted substitutes in every league game. He did it again on Friday and once more his touch turned to gold with Belgian misfit Michy Batshuayi, a 76th-minute replacement for Pedro, scoring the goal six minutes later that meant Chelsea's title party could start in earnest. "Michy paid me a lot with this change!" Conte said. "It was great. It wasn't easy for me to arrive in England and try different habits, a different language and inherit players after a bad season. "Every game I feel like I have played with my players. I show my passion and my will, my desire to stay with my players in every moment of the game. This is me, I am this." (Reuters)

Premier League in bag, Conte sets sights on double

Alexis Sanchez earned Arsenal an FA Cup final showdown with Chelsea and gave Arsene Wenger renewed hope of salvaging a troubled campaign as the gritty Gunners fought back to beat Manchester City 2-1 on Sunday.

When Sergio Aguero put City ahead in the second half of a bruising semi-final, Wenger&#39;s side were on the verge of another dispiriting defeat in arguably the worst season of the Frenchman&#39;s 21-year reign.

But, despite being out-played for long periods, Arsenal summoned a spirit and desire too often missing from their performances this term.

Nacho Monreal&#39;s equaliser forced extra-time and Sanchez&#39;s predatory finish in the additional period secured a final date with Premier League leaders Chelsea back at Wembley on May 27.

Arsenal&#39;s third FA Cup final in the last four years -- they won it in 2014 and 2015 -- gives them a record 20 appearances in the showpiece match of the famous old competition.

Crucially, it presents Wenger with a chance to mute the mounting criticism from his club&#39;s supporters who want him to resign.

The Gunners&#39; failure to challenge for the Premier League title has been compounded by their slide out of the top four.

But those close to Wenger believe he is still leaning towards staying.

With fourth placed City well adrift of leaders Chelsea, boss Pep Guardiola is destined to finish his first season empty-handed.

He now faces the difficult task of lifting his players before a vital derby against Manchester United as the top four battles heats up on Thursday.

City came close to striking first when the diminutive David Silva rose to meet Aguero&#39;s cross with a header that Petr Cech pushed over.

Silva departed due to injury soon after, but City monopolised possession and Arsenal were often reduced to kicking their opponents out of their rhythm.&nbsp;

Aguero and Raheem Sterling combined to bundle the ball into the net just before half-time, but the goal was controversially ruled out because Leroy Sane&#39;s cross was adjudged to have gone out as it looped over the bar before curling back into play.

Off the canvas&nbsp;

To City&#39;s frustration, television replays suggested a tiny part of the ball was still in play before it reached Aguero.

Yet Arsenal&#39;s play still lacked conviction and by the 62nd minute the scoreline finally reflected City&#39;s dominance.

When Yaya Toure seized the ball after Aaron Ramsey&#39;s mistake deep in City&#39;s half, the Ivorian spotted Aguero and sent a long pass towards the striker.

Aguero surged away from Monreal and, although his first touch almost ruined the chance, he recovered to lift a deft finish over Cech for his 30th goal this season.

If that felt like the knockout blow, Monreal had other ideas and he hauled the Gunners off the canvas in the 71st minute.

Having laboured for so long, Arsenal suddenly sprang to life and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain swung over a superb cross to the far post, where Monreal timed his run perfectly to slot home from close-range for his first Arsenal goal in over two years.

City almost hit back immediately, with Toure&#39;s 25-yard volley pushed onto a post by Cech before Fernandinho headed against the crossbar from Kevin de Bruyne&#39;s corner.

Danny Welbeck couldn&#39;t win it for Arsenal with a fine curling strike before extra-time, but Sanchez came to Wenger&#39;s rescue with a far more prosaic effort in the 101st minute.

Sanchez has been a problem for Wenger with his mood swings this season and he was well below his best for long periods once again.

But he was in the right place at the right time when a goalmouth melee ended with the Chilean beating Gael Clichy to the loose ball and firing in from close-range.

(AFP)

The Gunners entered the final for a record 20th time after an Alexis Sanchez winner capped off a spirited comeback

Alexis Sanchez earned Arsenal an FA Cup final showdown with Chelsea and gave Arsene Wenger renewed hope of salvaging a troubled campaign as the gritty Gunners fought back to beat Manchester City 2-1 on Sunday. When Sergio Aguero put City ahead in the second half of a bruising semi-final, Wenger's side were on the verge of another dispiriting defeat in arguably the worst season of the Frenchman's 21-year reign. But, despite being out-played for long periods, Arsenal summoned a spirit and desire too often missing from their performances this term. Nacho Monreal's equaliser forced extra-time and Sanchez's predatory finish in the additional period secured a final date with Premier League leaders Chelsea back at Wembley on May 27. Arsenal's third FA Cup final in the last four years -- they won it in 2014 and 2015 -- gives them a record 20 appearances in the showpiece match of the famous old competition. Crucially, it presents Wenger with a chance to mute the mounting criticism from his club's supporters who want him to resign. The Gunners' failure to challenge for the Premier League title has been compounded by their slide out of the top four. But those close to Wenger believe he is still leaning towards staying. With fourth placed City well adrift of leaders Chelsea, boss Pep Guardiola is destined to finish his first season empty-handed. He now faces the difficult task of lifting his players before a vital derby against Manchester United as the top four battles heats up on Thursday. City came close to striking first when the diminutive David Silva rose to meet Aguero's cross with a header that Petr Cech pushed over. Silva departed due to injury soon after, but City monopolised possession and Arsenal were often reduced to kicking their opponents out of their rhythm. Aguero and Raheem Sterling combined to bundle the ball into the net just before half-time, but the goal was controversially ruled out because Leroy Sane's cross was adjudged to have gone out as it looped over the bar before curling back into play. Off the canvas To City's frustration, television replays suggested a tiny part of the ball was still in play before it reached Aguero. Yet Arsenal's play still lacked conviction and by the 62nd minute the scoreline finally reflected City's dominance. When Yaya Toure seized the ball after Aaron Ramsey's mistake deep in City's half, the Ivorian spotted Aguero and sent a long pass towards the striker. Aguero surged away from Monreal and, although his first touch almost ruined the chance, he recovered to lift a deft finish over Cech for his 30th goal this season. If that felt like the knockout blow, Monreal had other ideas and he hauled the Gunners off the canvas in the 71st minute. Having laboured for so long, Arsenal suddenly sprang to life and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain swung over a superb cross to the far post, where Monreal timed his run perfectly to slot home from close-range for his first Arsenal goal in over two years. City almost hit back immediately, with Toure's 25-yard volley pushed onto a post by Cech before Fernandinho headed against the crossbar from Kevin de Bruyne's corner. Danny Welbeck couldn't win it for Arsenal with a fine curling strike before extra-time, but Sanchez came to Wenger's rescue with a far more prosaic effort in the 101st minute. Sanchez has been a problem for Wenger with his mood swings this season and he was well below his best for long periods once again. But he was in the right place at the right time when a goalmouth melee ended with the Chilean beating Gael Clichy to the loose ball and firing in from close-range. (AFP)

FA Cup: Arsenal overcome City to set up Chelsea showdown

Late goals from Eden Hazard and Nemanja Matric settled a rip-roaring FA Cup semi-final 4-2 in Chelsea&#39;s favour over title rivals Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley on Saturday.

It was only the fourth time in the famous old knockout competition that a semi-final had featured the current top two in the top flight and it did not disappoint.

Brazilian Willian, surprisingly selected ahead of Hazard in the starting line-up, twice put Chelsea ahead in a sizzling contest, first after four minutes with a free kick and then close to halftime from the penalty spot.

Twice Tottenham roared back with Harry Kane heading them level after 18 minutes and fellow England international Dele Alli making it 2-2 with a superb finish in the 52nd minute.

Tottenham, who are four points behind Chelsea in the Premier League after a brilliant run of seven successive wins, dominated at times but their hopes of a first FA Cup final since 1991 were sunk late on by two moments of magic.

First Hazard, who replaced Willian with half an hour remaining, buried a low shot past Hugo Lloris after 75 minutes, then Matic&#39;s 25-metre piledriver sank Spurs who have won only one of their last nine matches at Wembley and have now lost in seven successive FA Cup semi-finals.

It was a huge win for Chelsea who have wobbled lately with two league defeats and they will face either Arsenal or Manchester City in the final when a &quot;double&quot; could be on offer.

After a resounding ovation for former England defender and Tottenham&#39;s Under-23 coach Ugo Ehiogu who died on Friday the semi-final began at a high tempo.

Chelsea, with Diego Costa and Hazard surprisingly on the bench, settled quickly and struck first.

Spurs defender Toby Alderweireld was a touch fortunate to escape a red card when his desperate tackle ended Pedro&#39;s marauding run, but greater punishment was exacted by Willian who curled a beautiful free kick past a flat-footed Lloris.

Tottenham were rattled as Chelsea swarmed around the pitch threatening a second goal but Chelsea&#39;s lead lasted only 13 minutes.

Delicate header

Christian Eriksen&#39;s corner was blocked but when the ball came back to the Dane he curled in a low cross and Kane, almost kneeling, feathered a delicate header beyond Thibaut Courtois for his 26th goal of the season.

Alli was becoming more involved and left David Luiz in agony after accidentally treading on the Chelsea defender&#39;s ankle.

As Tottenham assumed control Eric Dier went close to giving them the lead with a glancing header from Jan Vertonghen&#39;s teasing delivery that floated just wide.

Chelsea regained the lead out of the blue.

Eating up the ground on a forward run N&#39;Golo Kante slipped a ball towards the overlapping Victor Moses down the right and he was sent sprawling to the turf by Son Heung-min, playing as a left wing back, who needlessly slid in.

After a short delay referee Martin Atkinson pointed to the penalty spot and Willian dispatched it past Lloris.

Tottenham hit back again in brilliant fashion seven minutes after the break when Eriksen&#39;s teasing ball left Luiz floundering and Alli, timing his run to perfection, stabbed the ball high past Courtois.

Conte reacted by introducing Costa and Hazard with Willian making way and it was Hazard who stunned Tottenham when he was allowed to much space and he fired home through a crowd.

Matic then sent Chelsea&#39;s fans into ecstasy with an unstoppable fourth. 
 
(Reuters) 
&nbsp;

Chelsea 4-2 their rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the rip-roaring FA Cup semi-final

Late goals from Eden Hazard and Nemanja Matric settled a rip-roaring FA Cup semi-final 4-2 in Chelsea's favour over title rivals Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley on Saturday. It was only the fourth time in the famous old knockout competition that a semi-final had featured the current top two in the top flight and it did not disappoint. Brazilian Willian, surprisingly selected ahead of Hazard in the starting line-up, twice put Chelsea ahead in a sizzling contest, first after four minutes with a free kick and then close to halftime from the penalty spot. Twice Tottenham roared back with Harry Kane heading them level after 18 minutes and fellow England international Dele Alli making it 2-2 with a superb finish in the 52nd minute. Tottenham, who are four points behind Chelsea in the Premier League after a brilliant run of seven successive wins, dominated at times but their hopes of a first FA Cup final since 1991 were sunk late on by two moments of magic. First Hazard, who replaced Willian with half an hour remaining, buried a low shot past Hugo Lloris after 75 minutes, then Matic's 25-metre piledriver sank Spurs who have won only one of their last nine matches at Wembley and have now lost in seven successive FA Cup semi-finals. It was a huge win for Chelsea who have wobbled lately with two league defeats and they will face either Arsenal or Manchester City in the final when a "double" could be on offer. After a resounding ovation for former England defender and Tottenham's Under-23 coach Ugo Ehiogu who died on Friday the semi-final began at a high tempo. Chelsea, with Diego Costa and Hazard surprisingly on the bench, settled quickly and struck first. Spurs defender Toby Alderweireld was a touch fortunate to escape a red card when his desperate tackle ended Pedro's marauding run, but greater punishment was exacted by Willian who curled a beautiful free kick past a flat-footed Lloris. Tottenham were rattled as Chelsea swarmed around the pitch threatening a second goal but Chelsea's lead lasted only 13 minutes. Delicate header Christian Eriksen's corner was blocked but when the ball came back to the Dane he curled in a low cross and Kane, almost kneeling, feathered a delicate header beyond Thibaut Courtois for his 26th goal of the season. Alli was becoming more involved and left David Luiz in agony after accidentally treading on the Chelsea defender's ankle. As Tottenham assumed control Eric Dier went close to giving them the lead with a glancing header from Jan Vertonghen's teasing delivery that floated just wide. Chelsea regained the lead out of the blue. Eating up the ground on a forward run N'Golo Kante slipped a ball towards the overlapping Victor Moses down the right and he was sent sprawling to the turf by Son Heung-min, playing as a left wing back, who needlessly slid in. After a short delay referee Martin Atkinson pointed to the penalty spot and Willian dispatched it past Lloris. Tottenham hit back again in brilliant fashion seven minutes after the break when Eriksen's teasing ball left Luiz floundering and Alli, timing his run to perfection, stabbed the ball high past Courtois. Conte reacted by introducing Costa and Hazard with Willian making way and it was Hazard who stunned Tottenham when he was allowed to much space and he fired home through a crowd. Matic then sent Chelsea's fans into ecstasy with an unstoppable fourth. (Reuters)

Chelsea edge Tottenham in thrilling Cup semi

Manchester United have been charged with failing to control their players during Monday&#39;s 1-0 FA Cup quarter-final defeat at Chelsea, the FA said. 
 
The charge relates to an incident in the 35th minute of the match at Stamford Bridge. United have until 1800 GMT on Friday to respond to the charge. 
 
Referee Michael Oliver was surrounded by several United players after Ander Herrera was sent off for a second yellow card after two ill-judged tackles on Chelsea forward Eden Hazard. 
 
United manager Jose Mourinho, returning to the club where he won seven major trophies, and Chelsea&#39;s Italian coach Antonio Conte also had to be separated after an angry exchange shortly after the sending off.

(Reuters) 
 
 
&nbsp;

Referee Michael Oliver was surrounded by several United players after Ander Herrera was sent off for a second yellow card

Manchester United have been charged with failing to control their players during Monday's 1-0 FA Cup quarter-final defeat at Chelsea, the FA said. The charge relates to an incident in the 35th minute of the match at Stamford Bridge. United have until 1800 GMT on Friday to respond to the charge. Referee Michael Oliver was surrounded by several United players after Ander Herrera was sent off for a second yellow card after two ill-judged tackles on Chelsea forward Eden Hazard. United manager Jose Mourinho, returning to the club where he won seven major trophies, and Chelsea's Italian coach Antonio Conte also had to be separated after an angry exchange shortly after the sending off. (Reuters)

Manchester United charged with failing to control players after FA Cup loss to Chelsea

Antonio Conte got the better of Jose Mourinho for the second time this season as Chelsea beat 10-man Manchester United 1-0 at Stamford Bridge to reach the FA Cup semi-finals on Monday.

N&#39;Golo Kante&#39;s fine 51st minute strike was enough for Conte&#39;s double-chasing side to break United&#39;s resistance after the visitors had Ander Herrera sent off after 35 minutes for a second yellow card -- both for crude fouls on Eden Hazard.

Runaway Premier League leaders&#39; Chelsea&#39;s reward was a Wembley clash with London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, while the other semi-final will be between Arsenal and Manchester City.

United, who face a Europa League last 16 tie on Thursday against Russian club Rostov, were missing the suspended Zlatan Ibrahimovic and injured Wayne Rooney and offered little threat once Kante had beaten David de Gea with a precise low shot.

While Mourinho was spared the humiliation of the 4-0 thrashing his old club dished out in October&#39;s&nbsp;Premier League meeting -- his first return to Stamford Bridge since being sacked last season -- he was again found wanting as Chelsea&#39;s fans delighted in chanting the name of his successor Conte.

Mourinho&#39;s frustration boiled over at times and the Portuguese and Italian Conte had to be separated after an angry exchange shortly after Herrera&#39;s sending off.

Chelsea dominated possession and could have scored more goals, though FA Cup holders United, who have already lifted the League Cup this season, had their moments and battled gamely despite being a man down for most of the contest.

Their best chance fell to Marcus Rashford on the hour but, after leaving David Luiz and Gary Cahill trailing, he was denied by a smart save from an otherwise untroubled Thibaut Courtois.

Livewire hazard

Much was made of United&#39;s lack of striking options ahead of the game but Mourinho&#39;s somewhat depleted side started in confident fashion and Henrikh Mkhitaryan fired just wide in the 13th minute following a strong run by Rashford.

That escape sparked Chelsea into life though, especially the livewire Hazard who was soon skipping his way past defenders to force De Gea into a great save from his deflected shot.

United&#39;s keeper then did equally well to claw out Nemanja Matic&#39;s low shot from the resulting corner.

Hazard was causing real alarm in the United defence and Herrera took matters into his own hands.

After being harshly booked for a foul on Hazard, the Spaniard then followed that with a rash tackle that gave referee Michael Oliver little option but to reach for his pocket again.

When Belgium forward Hazard went to ground again it proved too much for a furious Mourinho who raced across his technical area where he was met by an equally impassioned Conte.

&quot;You&#39;re not special anymore,&quot; Chelsea&#39;s fans sang to Mourinho, who responded by holding up three fingers to his tormentors -- his tally of Premier League titles delivered in two spells at Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho reacted quickly to Herrera&#39;s red card, hauling off Mkhitaryan and sending on the combative Marouane Fellaini.

United camped deep in Chelsea&#39;s half looking to frustrate their opponents but were undone six minutes after the break when Kante was given too much space and he nipped across the turf before dispatching a shot beyond the reach of De Gea. 
 
(Reuters)

 
&nbsp;

Conte got the better of Mourinho for the second time this season as Chelsea beat Manchester United 1-0

Antonio Conte got the better of Jose Mourinho for the second time this season as Chelsea beat 10-man Manchester United 1-0 at Stamford Bridge to reach the FA Cup semi-finals on Monday. N'Golo Kante's fine 51st minute strike was enough for Conte's double-chasing side to break United's resistance after the visitors had Ander Herrera sent off after 35 minutes for a second yellow card -- both for crude fouls on Eden Hazard. Runaway Premier League leaders' Chelsea's reward was a Wembley clash with London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, while the other semi-final will be between Arsenal and Manchester City. United, who face a Europa League last 16 tie on Thursday against Russian club Rostov, were missing the suspended Zlatan Ibrahimovic and injured Wayne Rooney and offered little threat once Kante had beaten David de Gea with a precise low shot. While Mourinho was spared the humiliation of the 4-0 thrashing his old club dished out in October's Premier League meeting -- his first return to Stamford Bridge since being sacked last season -- he was again found wanting as Chelsea's fans delighted in chanting the name of his successor Conte. Mourinho's frustration boiled over at times and the Portuguese and Italian Conte had to be separated after an angry exchange shortly after Herrera's sending off. Chelsea dominated possession and could have scored more goals, though FA Cup holders United, who have already lifted the League Cup this season, had their moments and battled gamely despite being a man down for most of the contest. Their best chance fell to Marcus Rashford on the hour but, after leaving David Luiz and Gary Cahill trailing, he was denied by a smart save from an otherwise untroubled Thibaut Courtois. Livewire hazard Much was made of United's lack of striking options ahead of the game but Mourinho's somewhat depleted side started in confident fashion and Henrikh Mkhitaryan fired just wide in the 13th minute following a strong run by Rashford. That escape sparked Chelsea into life though, especially the livewire Hazard who was soon skipping his way past defenders to force De Gea into a great save from his deflected shot. United's keeper then did equally well to claw out Nemanja Matic's low shot from the resulting corner. Hazard was causing real alarm in the United defence and Herrera took matters into his own hands. After being harshly booked for a foul on Hazard, the Spaniard then followed that with a rash tackle that gave referee Michael Oliver little option but to reach for his pocket again. When Belgium forward Hazard went to ground again it proved too much for a furious Mourinho who raced across his technical area where he was met by an equally impassioned Conte. "You're not special anymore," Chelsea's fans sang to Mourinho, who responded by holding up three fingers to his tormentors -- his tally of Premier League titles delivered in two spells at Stamford Bridge. Mourinho reacted quickly to Herrera's red card, hauling off Mkhitaryan and sending on the combative Marouane Fellaini. United camped deep in Chelsea's half looking to frustrate their opponents but were undone six minutes after the break when Kante was given too much space and he nipped across the turf before dispatching a shot beyond the reach of De Gea. (Reuters)

Chelsea beat Manchester United to reach FA Cup semi-finals

David Silva and Sergio Aguero scored in each half as Manchester City became the first team to reach the FA Cup semi-finals with a comfortable 2-0 win at Premier League rivals Middlesbrough on Saturday.

A dominant City cruised into the last four after Silva gave them a third-minute lead and Aguero struck in the 67th minute, with the visitors missing numerous chances to win by a bigger margin.

Pep Guardiola&#39;s attacking formation, featuring Silva, Raheem Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne and Leroy Sane behind Aguero, paid instant dividends as City carved open the home team&#39;s defence.

Yaya Toure fed Pablo Zabaleta on the right flank with a defence-splitting pass and the Argentine defender drove a perfect ball across the face of goal for Silva to shoot home from close range.

Middlesbrough kept getting undone on either wing as Sane and Silva gave their markers a roasting and the home team&#39;s goalkeeper Brad Guzan made a string of good saves.

Aguero hit the woodwork after another lightning raid down the right but made no mistake when he steered a first-time shot past the helpless Guzan at the near post from a fizzing low cross by Sane.

City threatened to run riot in the closing stages as acres of space opened up, but Guzan spared the home side a heavier defeat by denying Sterling and Silva.

Arsenal host non-league Lincoln City later on Saturday. 
 
(Reuters)

Pep Guardiola's attacking formation, featuring Silva, Raheem Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne and Leroy Sane behind Aguero, paid instant dividends

David Silva and Sergio Aguero scored in each half as Manchester City became the first team to reach the FA Cup semi-finals with a comfortable 2-0 win at Premier League rivals Middlesbrough on Saturday. A dominant City cruised into the last four after Silva gave them a third-minute lead and Aguero struck in the 67th minute, with the visitors missing numerous chances to win by a bigger margin. Pep Guardiola's attacking formation, featuring Silva, Raheem Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne and Leroy Sane behind Aguero, paid instant dividends as City carved open the home team's defence. Yaya Toure fed Pablo Zabaleta on the right flank with a defence-splitting pass and the Argentine defender drove a perfect ball across the face of goal for Silva to shoot home from close range. Middlesbrough kept getting undone on either wing as Sane and Silva gave their markers a roasting and the home team's goalkeeper Brad Guzan made a string of good saves. Aguero hit the woodwork after another lightning raid down the right but made no mistake when he steered a first-time shot past the helpless Guzan at the near post from a fizzing low cross by Sane. City threatened to run riot in the closing stages as acres of space opened up, but Guzan spared the home side a heavier defeat by denying Sterling and Silva. Arsenal host non-league Lincoln City later on Saturday. (Reuters)

Manchester City ease into FA Cup semis with 2-0 win at Middlesbrough

Arsenal ended Lincoln City&#39;s historic FA Cup run and eased the pressure on Arsene Wenger with a 5-0 victory over the valiant non-league side in Saturday&#39;s quarter-finals.

After Tuesday&#39;s&nbsp;humiliating Champions League exit against Bayern Munich, Wenger had endured calls for his resignation and the Gunners boss must have breathed a sigh of relief as Arsenal avoided even greater ignominy.

A contest that should have been a mismatch given the supposed gulf in class between fifth-tier Lincoln and their illustrious opponents was actually a tense affair until first-half stoppage time when Theo Walcott put Arsenal ahead.

But even after goals from Olivier Giroud, Alexis Sanchez, Aaron Ramsey and a Luke Waterfall own goal, the day belonged to the fifth-tier leaders, for whom the competition has generated a &pound;1.6 million ($1.9m) cash windfall.

For a club whose record signings, Dean Walling and Tony Battersby, each cost &pound;75,000 in 1997 and 1978, respectively, that is quite a sum.

The 9,000 travelling Lincoln supporters certainly brought their voices and generated more noise than the Emirates Stadium has heard during many Premier League games this season.

Almost 10 minutes had elapsed before Arsenal created an opening. Hector Bellerin slid the ball along the ground from the right-hand side but Ramsey swept his shot just wide of the post.

Four minutes later Walcott connected sweetly with a volley only for Lincoln keeper Paul Farman to plunge to his left to palm the ball on to the same upright.

Arsenal were forced into a change after 26 minutes, although if the non-league side were glad to see Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain go, the sight of German World Cup-winner Mesut Ozil coming on to replace him was less welcome.

Lincoln&#39;s compactness in defence was limiting Arsenal to very few chances.&nbsp;

Urgency 
 
And in contrast to Lincoln&#39;s collective discipline, inspired by the organisational skill of their impressive young manager Danny Cowley, it was the Arsenal players who were guilty of impetuosity in the tackle, with both Granit Xhaka and Laurent Koscielny booked for lunging challenges.

Nathan Arnold, who scored the winning goal against Ipswich Town in the third-round replay, came closest to a goal for the visitors as the half-hour approached.

Cutting inside Kieran Gibbs, he forced Petr Cech to fling himself to his right for a fine save.

Ramsey sent a stabbed effort over the bar as half-time approached, but just as it seemed that Lincoln would deservedly reach the interval on level terms, the Premier League side struck.

Farman had difficulty in dealing with an Ozil cross and from the resulting corner a goalmouth melee ended with Gibbs setting up Walcott to put Arsenal ahead with a deflected effort.

Wenger&#39;s side re-emerged with a sense of urgency that had been largely absent in the first half.

The goal that effectively sealed Arsenal&#39;s passage to a Wembley semi-final arrived after 53 minutes.

Bellerin swapped passes with Sanchez before laying the ball back for Giroud to sidefoot home.

Five minutes later, Arsenal led 3-0. Gibbs drove in a low hard cross that was deflected into his own net by the unfortunate Waterfall.&nbsp;

Sanchez then made it four after 73 minutes, riding two challenges before curling home beautifully.

The scoreline began to look unjustifiably one-sided when Ramsey walked the ball home following a Sanchez cross.

At the other end, midfielder Alan Power forced a save from Cech as Lincoln sought the most glorious of consolation goals.

Arsenal progressed to Wenger&#39;s relief, but it is Lincoln who will take home all of the memories.

(AFP)

The win eased the pressure on Arsene Wenger who endured calls for resignation after the humiliating Champions League exit against Bayern

Arsenal ended Lincoln City's historic FA Cup run and eased the pressure on Arsene Wenger with a 5-0 victory over the valiant non-league side in Saturday's quarter-finals. After Tuesday's humiliating Champions League exit against Bayern Munich, Wenger had endured calls for his resignation and the Gunners boss must have breathed a sigh of relief as Arsenal avoided even greater ignominy. A contest that should have been a mismatch given the supposed gulf in class between fifth-tier Lincoln and their illustrious opponents was actually a tense affair until first-half stoppage time when Theo Walcott put Arsenal ahead. But even after goals from Olivier Giroud, Alexis Sanchez, Aaron Ramsey and a Luke Waterfall own goal, the day belonged to the fifth-tier leaders, for whom the competition has generated a £1.6 million ($1.9m) cash windfall. For a club whose record signings, Dean Walling and Tony Battersby, each cost £75,000 in 1997 and 1978, respectively, that is quite a sum. The 9,000 travelling Lincoln supporters certainly brought their voices and generated more noise than the Emirates Stadium has heard during many Premier League games this season. Almost 10 minutes had elapsed before Arsenal created an opening. Hector Bellerin slid the ball along the ground from the right-hand side but Ramsey swept his shot just wide of the post. Four minutes later Walcott connected sweetly with a volley only for Lincoln keeper Paul Farman to plunge to his left to palm the ball on to the same upright. Arsenal were forced into a change after 26 minutes, although if the non-league side were glad to see Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain go, the sight of German World Cup-winner Mesut Ozil coming on to replace him was less welcome. Lincoln's compactness in defence was limiting Arsenal to very few chances. Urgency And in contrast to Lincoln's collective discipline, inspired by the organisational skill of their impressive young manager Danny Cowley, it was the Arsenal players who were guilty of impetuosity in the tackle, with both Granit Xhaka and Laurent Koscielny booked for lunging challenges. Nathan Arnold, who scored the winning goal against Ipswich Town in the third-round replay, came closest to a goal for the visitors as the half-hour approached. Cutting inside Kieran Gibbs, he forced Petr Cech to fling himself to his right for a fine save. Ramsey sent a stabbed effort over the bar as half-time approached, but just as it seemed that Lincoln would deservedly reach the interval on level terms, the Premier League side struck. Farman had difficulty in dealing with an Ozil cross and from the resulting corner a goalmouth melee ended with Gibbs setting up Walcott to put Arsenal ahead with a deflected effort. Wenger's side re-emerged with a sense of urgency that had been largely absent in the first half. The goal that effectively sealed Arsenal's passage to a Wembley semi-final arrived after 53 minutes. Bellerin swapped passes with Sanchez before laying the ball back for Giroud to sidefoot home. Five minutes later, Arsenal led 3-0. Gibbs drove in a low hard cross that was deflected into his own net by the unfortunate Waterfall. Sanchez then made it four after 73 minutes, riding two challenges before curling home beautifully. The scoreline began to look unjustifiably one-sided when Ramsey walked the ball home following a Sanchez cross. At the other end, midfielder Alan Power forced a save from Cech as Lincoln sought the most glorious of consolation goals. Arsenal progressed to Wenger's relief, but it is Lincoln who will take home all of the memories. (AFP)

Arsenal 5-0 Lincoln City, move to FA Cup semi-finals

Teams progressing to the latter stages of the FA Cup next season will be allowed to field a fourth substitute in extra time, the English Football Association (FA) announced today. 
 
The International Football Association Board (IFAB), the game&#39;s law-making body, is carrying out a global study into a proposal for teams to make a fourth replacement during extra time.&nbsp;The FA said as a trial for the study it would introduce the innovation for the quarter finals, semi-finals and final of the FA Cup, subject to IFAB approval. 
 
If the FA gets the go-ahead from the IFAB, clubs that have used three substitutes from the seven players named on their bench during the tournament&#39;s final three rounds will be allowed to introduce a fourth player in extra time. The format was first used in this year&#39;s Copa America. 
 
&quot;With the cup now adopting a straight knockout format from the quarter-finals onwards, the introduction of a fourth substitute in extra time will bring extra intrigue and interest,&quot; FA chief executive Martin Glenn told the governing body&#39;s website. 
 
&quot;Also, from a technical point of view, it will be interesting to see how managers use the chance to make an additional substitution in such high-profile games and the impact it has on the final result. Player welfare and being mindful of the number of games people play at the elite level has also been a consideration.&quot; 
 
The FA Cup begins on August 5, with the final at Wembley in May 2017. 
 
(Reuters)

As a trial, the innovation would be introduced for quarter finals, semi-finals and FA Cup final, subject to IFAB approval

Teams progressing to the latter stages of the FA Cup next season will be allowed to field a fourth substitute in extra time, the English Football Association (FA) announced today. The International Football Association Board (IFAB), the game's law-making body, is carrying out a global study into a proposal for teams to make a fourth replacement during extra time. The FA said as a trial for the study it would introduce the innovation for the quarter finals, semi-finals and final of the FA Cup, subject to IFAB approval. If the FA gets the go-ahead from the IFAB, clubs that have used three substitutes from the seven players named on their bench during the tournament's final three rounds will be allowed to introduce a fourth player in extra time. The format was first used in this year's Copa America. "With the cup now adopting a straight knockout format from the quarter-finals onwards, the introduction of a fourth substitute in extra time will bring extra intrigue and interest," FA chief executive Martin Glenn told the governing body's website. "Also, from a technical point of view, it will be interesting to see how managers use the chance to make an additional substitution in such high-profile games and the impact it has on the final result. Player welfare and being mindful of the number of games people play at the elite level has also been a consideration." The FA Cup begins on August 5, with the final at Wembley in May 2017. (Reuters)

FA Cup to allow fourth substitute in extra time to bring 'extra intrigue'

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