Chelsea survive Terry red, Liverpool held in FA Cup

Premier League leaders Chelsea had captain John Terry sent off as they cruised into the FA Cup fourth round with a 4-1 victory over Peterborough United on Sunday.
Terry, handed a rare start, saw red for a last-man foul on Lee Angol at Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea progressed thanks to a Pedro Rodriguez brace and goals from Michy Batshuayi and Willian.
Things were not so straightforward for Liverpool, who face a replay at fourth-tier Plymouth Argyle after a second-string team were held to a 0-0 draw at Anfield.
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte made nine changes, Terry handed a first start since October and Kurt Zouma making his first appearance since last February following a serious knee injury.
Chelsea’s 13-game winning run was ended by Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday and they were under the cosh in the early stages, with Angol and Ryan Tafazolli going close for third-tier Peterborough.
But Pedro put the hosts in front in the 18th minute, stepping inside a sliding challenge and curling home after Nathaniel Chalobah’s shot was parried by Luke McGee.
After Pedro hit the bar, Batshuayi and Willian scored neatly constructed goals either side of half-time to put Chelsea in control.
Terry’s 67th-minute dismissal for upending Angol gave Peterborough hope, but despite Tom Nichol reducing the arrears three minutes later, Pedro’s second goal made the game safe.
Chelsea follow Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal in securing a place in Monday’s fourth-round draw, but Liverpool must come through a replay if they are to join them.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp made 10 changes for the visit of Plymouth, his side’s average age of 21 years and 296 days making them the youngest team in the club’s history.
The home side completely dominated possession, but struggled to create chances, with 17-year-old Ben Woodburn seeing a shot blocked by visiting goalkeeper Luke McCormick.
Klopp turned to his bench in the second half, sending on senior stars Daniel Sturridge, Adam Lallana and Roberto Firmino.
But although Sturridge twice fizzed shots wide and substitute Connor Smith almost put through his own goal in stoppage time, Plymouth succeeded in taking the tie to a replay.
“I don’t know how many people live in Plymouth, but it felt like the whole of Plymouth was in the 18-yard box,” Klopp told BT Sport.
“It is not a result we wished for, but it is not frustrating — that’s football. Plymouth deserved the draw and the rematch.”
Plymouth manager Derek Adams said: “We are delighted to take them back to Plymouth.”
Tottenham are in action later on Sunday when they welcome Aston Villa to White Hart Lane.
Grant Leadbitter, Alvaro Negredo and Marten de Roon scored and Daniel Ayala was sent off as Middlesbrough avoided an upset by beating Sheffield Wednesday 3-0 at the Riverside Stadium.
Meanwhile, Ryan Sessegnon became the youngest goal-scorer in the full FA Cup — not including preliminary rounds — after scoring aged 16 years and 235 days in Fulham’s 2-1 win at Cardiff City.

Source: Arab News