CHELSEA’S reward for beating Leeds United 3-2 in an FA Cup fifth-round thriller at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night is a home draw against Leicester City in the quarter-finals.
Conor Gallagher scored a 90th-minute winner against the Championship side after “a tough few days”.
Mateo Joseph gave the Whites a shock ninth-minute lead against Mauricio Pochettino’s side but the hosts hit back through Nicolas Jackson and Mykhailo Mudryk after 37 minutes.
Joseph’s second goal on 59 minutes looked like it would send the tie into extra-time before Gallagher beat goalkeeper Illan Meslier late on.
The Blues were criticised after losing the EFL Cup final 1-0 to an understrength Liverpool on Sunday.
“It was a big disappointment and we wanted to bounce back and give the fans something to celebrate and we managed to do that,” Gallagher said.
“It has been a really tough few days and everyone has been down but we had to make sure we were right because it was such an important game and the boys dug deep to get the win.
“It was a really tough game, Leeds are a good side and doing well this season so we knew it would be a tough game but to win in that way was fantastic.”
Pochettino said: “I think in the context of the week, I am happy. Amazing effort from the team. It wasn’t easy. Leeds are a very good team, one of the best in Championship. The performance wasn’t great but we scored at the end and won the game.
“Of course, it is about building our confidence again. When you face a team like Leeds they are full of confidence and it is not easy when you start losing the game.
“But I think this type of game like the final is a good experience to be better every single week.
“The team is in good spirit and the relationship with the players is in a very good way.”
Quarter-final draw
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Coventry City
Manchester United vs. Liverpool
Chelsea vs. Leicester City
Manchester City vs. Newcastle United
Ties to be played March 16/17
