![FT: Chelsea 0-0 Aston Villa, Blues HELD For FA Cup REPLAY! [VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS]](https://i0.wp.com/lcsoccerhub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Screenshot_20240127-070950.jpg?fit=688%2C400&ssl=1)
It ended squares between Chelsea and Aston Villa in another rollercoaster FA Cup fourth-round tie at Stamford Bridge on Friday, LCSoccerHub Reports.
The two sides will settle for a replay to determine who progresses to the next round of the competition after the unlikely 0-0 draw.
It was the first time the Blues have been held to a stalemate at home in the FA Cup, ending their domineering run of 20 wins and 2 defeats.
It was another difficult test for Mauricio Pochettino against a high-flying Unai Emery side, who firing on all fronts in Europe and at the domestic front this season. The visitors got the ball at the back of the net early in the first half but the goal was ruled out after David Luiz was adjudged to have handled the ball with his arm.
READ ALSO: Ancelotti Hits Back At Barca: ‘Spanish Football’s Problem Is Not VAR, But Caso Negreira’
On the other end, it was another busy night for Argentina World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. Madueke and Cole Palmer came close to taking the lead but were denied by a brilliant effort by Martinez.
As the game neared the end, Stamford Bridge was reeling with seething drama and pomp of action. Things went nervy for the host as Aston Villa pushed late to grab an unlikely victory. Petrovic was called to action severally as Villa ramped the game down the throats of their hosts.
Watkins, Cash, and Diaby nearly broke the deadlock but Petrovic rose to the occasion to keep it at a 0-0 draw and force a replay at the blast of the final whistle.
With the draw, the two teams will cross swords again in February in the second leg at Villa Park for a place in the next round of the competition.
It was a just result for the both sides who gave their all for victory in an action-packed game before settling for a draw. Mauricio Pochettino is still hopeful of a trophy for the Blues this season after booking an EFL Cup final slot and is still in contention for a slot in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
