Share

Chelsea struggle to draw

London - Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas' problems mounted on Saturday after his side laboured to a 1-1 draw with lower league Birmingham in their FA Cup fifth round tie.

Daniel Sturridge headed home a second-half equaliser to save Chelsea's blushes at a restive Stamford Bridge after David Murphy had fired Birmingham into a shock lead on 20 minutes.

Villas-Boas' position has come under scrutiny following reports of a training ground mutiny by his senior players after last weekend's Premier League defeat against Everton at Goodison Park.

His team have now won just one game in their last six games across all competitions and Villas-Boas was forced to watch as his side were booed off the field following another unconvincing display.

Birmingham's opener owed everything to poor Chelsea defending from a set piece.

Nathan Redmond's corner eluded a clutch of blue shirts to bounce across the six-yard box and found Murphy at the back post who prodded home for 1-0.

Chelsea were presented with a golden chance to equalise within seconds, when from the restart Wade Elliott conceded a penalty with a clumsy hack on Ramires.

Juan Mata stepped up to take the spot-kick but Colin Doyle in the Birmingham goal guessed correctly and parried the Spaniard's shot onto the post to preserve the visitors lead.

Doyle frustrated Chelsea once more on 34 minutes, the Birmingham keeper parrying away David Luiz's free-kick as the Brazilian's curling effort homed in on the top corner.

Villas-Boas had clearly seen enough by half-time, and duly took off the ineffective Fernando Torres at the break for returning Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba.

Chelsea's higher-tempo start to the second half paid off in the 62nd minute, when Branislav Ivanovic sent in a teasing cross from the right which an unmarked Sturridge met with a glancing header.

But while Chelsea continued to dominate both territory and possession thereafter they struggled to create clear chances, and not even the late introduction of Frank Lampard for Mata could break the deadlock.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE