Few would expect any game to usurp the drama from the FA Cup on the previous day, but the quarter final tie at Old Trafford turned into a truly epic clash between two titans that went all the way to the 120th minute. Meanwhile Chelsea hosted Championship leaders Leicester in the other FA Cup tie, whilst Villa were in action as they try to consolidate fourth spot in the league and make it to Europe.
FA Cup: Chelsea 4 – 2 Leicester
Chelsea were much the better side in a great FA Cup encounter at Stamford Bridge, and even though Raheem Stirling missed a penalty midway through the half, goals from Cucurella, his first for the club, and Cole Palmar, was enough to see them hold a commanding 2-0 lead at half time. A disastrous error from Chelsea though opened the door for Leicester, with Disasi scoring the own goal on 51 minutes, and 10 minutes later it was 2-2 after a terrifically taken goal by Mavididi. Leicester were reduced to ten men with 20 minutes left to go though, and Chelsea’s huffing and puffing paid off with stoppage time goals from substitutes Chukwuemeka and Madueke ensuring Chelsea’s name is in the hat for the semi finals at Wembley.
FA Cup: Man Utd 4 – 3 Liverpool
Manchester United won a dramatic FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool in extra time. United took an early lead through McTominay, but Liverpool responded with two quick goals before halftime from MacAllister and Salah. After a cagey second half, United’s replacement, Antony, equalized late on. Liverpool restored the lead in extra time with Elliott’s deflected shot, but Rashford rallied again to take the game into a thrilling finale. Substitute Diallo then became the hero of the game, scoring the winner in the dying seconds before getting sent off for celebrating wildly. This win keeps United’s hopes of silverware alive for the season while ending Liverpool’s quadruple dreams.
EPL: West Ham 1 – 1 Aston Villa
West Ham and Aston Villa tied 1-1 in a heated Premier League battle. Michail Antonio gave his team the lead with a header, but VAR disallowed two other goals. Aston Villa equalized in the 79th minute through Nicolo Zaniolo. West Ham believed they had won it with a stoppage-time goal from a James Ward-Prowse free kick, but VAR ruled it out for a handball by Tomas Soucek. West Ham manager David Moyes wasn’t happy with the VAR decisions, while Aston Villa manager Unai Emery felt the handball call was fair, but it was honours even at the end at London Stadium where Villa’s lead over Tottenham was extended to three points.