Chelsea eliminated from FA Cup as Man City overcome Leyton Orient scare
Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma knocked Chelsea out of the FA Cup, sealing a 2-1 victory in the fourth round, while Kevin De Bruyne rescued Manchester City in a narrow 2-1 win against third-tier Leyton Orient on Saturday.
Chelsea’s domestic trophy drought, which has persisted since their FA Cup triumph in 2018, continues for another season after squandering an early lead at the Amex Stadium.
The Blues were handed an advantage in the fifth minute when Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen mishandled Cole Palmer’s cross, allowing the ball to roll into his own net. Despite the early gift, Chelsea failed to capitalize.
Recovering from a humiliating 7-0 Premier League loss to Nottingham Forest, Brighton responded confidently. Joel Veltman’s cross in the 12th minute found Georginio Rutter, who headed into the far corner after slipping past Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo.
Brighton completed their comeback in the 57th minute when Mitoma delicately clipped the ball past Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez despite protests from the visitors for a handball.
Meanwhile, at Brisbane Road, Manchester City faced an early scare when Jamie Donley’s long-range shot rebounded off the bar and deflected into the net off goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, giving Orient the lead.
City equalized in the 56th minute when Rico Lewis’s shot deflected off Abdukodir Khusanov, marking the defender’s first goal since joining from Lens in January.
With just days before a crucial Champions League play-off first leg against Real Madrid, Pep Guardiola was forced to rely heavily on his substitutes. The introduction of Kevin De Bruyne proved decisive as the Belgian netted the winner 11 minutes from time.
“It was a classic FA Cup match — this competition is amazing. The fans were incredible, and we knew they would be strong,” Guardiola remarked.
City’s victory came at a price, with new £50 million ($62 million) signing Nico Gonzalez hobbling off just 22 minutes into his debut after suffering an injury.
