Historic cup triumph send City through to fifth round
After a weekend of unforgettable football, which saw the Premier League’s ‘big hitters’ fall in every direction, it was Bradford City who pulled off one of the greatest cup upsets of all time, defeating Chelsea 4-2at Stamford Bridge.
Goals from Jon Stead, former Chelsea player Filipe Morais, Andy Halliday and Mark Yeates, secured the famous win for the Bantams who saw their name placed in the hat for the fifth round draw.
Being touted as huge underdogs leading into the game, City held on for 21 minutes before Gary Cahill opened the scoring for the hosts with a finish at the near post.
The lead was soon doubled after a fine passing move, saw Mohammed Salah link up with Ramires to set up the Brazilian for a cool finish.
With City’s 6,000 travelling supporters still loud in voice, Stead gave the visitors a lifeline in first half stoppage time when he rifled in an effort from 18 yards to beat Petr Cech at his front post.
With only one goal separating the sides, Bradford pressed in the second half and levelled with 15 minutes to play as Morais tapped in to score against his former employers.
Having claimed victories over Premier League opponents, such as Arsenal and Aston Villa, in a remarkable League Cup run two years ago, a sense of optimism was sweeping around Stamford Bridge as the game edged to a finish.
Step forward Halliday to put the huge outsiders ahead with a fine placed effort and in turn, send the jubilant away supporters into pandemonium.
As if this wasn’t enough, a stoppage time goal to seal the game arrived from the boot of Yeates after great play from Stead, to secure a historic victory and classic FA Cup triumph.
It is the first time in Jose Mourinho’s managerial history that he has thrown away a two goal lead to lose a match against any opponent.
After the game, he shook the hand of every Bradford player in their dressing room and commenting on his team’s performeance said he was ‘ashamed’ and ‘embarrased’ about their cup exit.
He added: “It’s a disgrace for a big team to lose to a small team from a lower league. Me and the players must feel ashamed…Frustration is not the right word, embarrassed would be more appropriate.”
Meanwhile, an ecstatic Bantams Boss Phil Parkinson, told BBC Radio 5 live: “The lads are absolutely bouncing in that dressing room and what they’ve done today will be remembered for a very long time – not just in Bradford but all around the country.
“Playing the league leaders and one of the best teams in Europe and scoring four goals… That’s going to take some beating.”
Elsewhere in the cup competition, a shock was seen at the Etihad Stadium where Premier League champions, Manchester City, were eliminated by Championship side Middlesbrough.
A 2-0 scoreline secured the visitors entry into the fifth round and knocked one of the favourites out.
Meanwhile, other Premier League teams eliminated include: Southampton, Tottenham and Swansea.
