Manchester City eased past Chelsea with a 4-0 win to reach the FA Cup fourth round at Etihad Stadium.
Unlike previous meetings between these two Premier League heavyweights, which have been fiercely competitive, City had already secured a matchup with Oxford United or Arsenal in the next round by halftime.
Thursday’s victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge was hard-fought, but this victory for City was easy. Riyad Mahrez gave City the lead with a spectacular free-kick in the 23rd minute, and World Cup champion Julian Alvarez added a second goal from the penalty spot after Kai Havertz was fouled.
Phil Foden scored City’s third after 38 minutes, turning in Kyle Walker’s cross after he had been played in by Thursday’s match-winner Mahrez, who got his second from the spot late on after Kalidou Koulibaly clumsy bundled Foden to the floor.
It was a chastening day for Chelsea, boss Graham Potter and their travelling support, who chanted the name of Thomas Tuchel, the Champions League-winning manager sacked by new owner Todd Boehly in September.
