FA Cup

Michy Batshuayi scored twice as Chelsea eased past Newcastle United 3-0 at Stamford Bridge to reach the fifth round of the FA Cup on Sunday.

The Belgian bagged a first-half brace to set the Blues away before Marcos Alonso's second-half free-kick sealed the victory.

A moment of ruthlessness and a slice of good fortune separated the two sides in the first half as Chelsea made a lacklustre start to the match but nevertheless took command of the scoreboard.

The Blues' first came somewhat against the run of play in the 31st minute, with Batshuayi tapping home Eden Hazard's pass after Pedro split open the visitors' defence with a superb ball over the top.

Batshuayi's second came shortly before the break. Jamaal Lascelles attempted to block the striker's shot following a Chelsea counter-attack, but the ball deflected off him and over Newcastle stopper Karl Darlow.

Sports lawyer and writer Jake Cohen noted Batshuayi's contributions this season despite his limited game time:

Newcastle had begun the match brightly and disrupted the Blues' flow early on, per ESPN FC's Liam Twomey: 

Jonjo Shelvey provided most of their attacking threat, and the midfielder directed several efforts on target, but he was unable to particularly trouble Willy Caballero in the Chelsea goal.

Indeed, as has been their problem throughout the season, the Magpies struggled to create or convert chances despite some positive play.

The visitors' impetus largely dissipated after the break, making for a more comfortable second half for Chelsea.

Alonso wrapped up the scoring for the hosts after 72 minutes with a sublime curled free-kick, his seventh goal of the season. As Squawka Football demonstrated, it was the icing on an excellent all-round performance:

Batshuayi had the chance to grab a hat-trick in the 91st minute, but he was denied by a strong save from Darlow.

Newcastle have now gone 12 years without reaching the fifth round of the FA Cup, having last done so in 2006.

Liverpool were dumped out of the FA Cup by West Bromwich Albion on Saturday in a 3-2 defeat at Anfield.

Meanwhile, a late goal from Harry Kane rescued a 1-1 draw for Tottenham Hotspur against League Two Newport County at Rodney Parade.

There were other Premier League victims, too. West Ham United beaten by League One Wigan Athletic, and Watford lost an all top-flight affair against Southampton.

Here's a look at all of Saturday's results, Sunday's FA Cup fixtures and a recap of the best action.

Saturday's Results

Peterborough United 1-5 Leicester City

Huddersfield Town 1-1 Birmingham City

Hull City 2-1 Nottingham Forest

Liverpool 2-3 West Bromwich Albion

Middlesbrough 0-1 Brighton & Hove Albion

Millwall 2-0 Rochdale

Newport County 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur

MK Dons 0-1 Coventry City

Notts County 1-1 Swansea City

Sheffield United 1-0 Preston North End

Southampton 1-0 Watford

Wigan 2-0 West Ham United

Sunday's FA Cup fixtures

Chelsea vs. Newcastle United

Cardiff City vs. Manchester City

Saturday Recap

There was no doubting the game of the day was at Anfield, where West Brom stunned Liverpool in a game dominated by the video assistant referee.

The Reds got off to a great start, as Roberto Firmino put them ahead after just five minutes. A mix-up in defence between Jonny Evans and goalkeeper Ben Foster put Mohamed Salah through, and although his shot was saved, Firmino was on hand to lob the ball home. 

West Brom hit back straight away. Chris Brunt found Jay Rodriguez, who took a touch before smashing a brilliant shot past Simon Mignolet to level the game. Liverpool's lead lasted just 71 seconds, per Opta:

71 - There were just 71 seconds between Liverpool taking the lead and West Brom equalising at Anfield. Rapid.

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 27, 2018

Rodriguez then grabbed his second four minutes later, when he capitalised on some more poor Liverpool defending. The Reds failed to clear a Kieran Gibbs cross, which came all the way through to Rodriguez to slot home.

The visitors then had a third goal ruled out by VAR after Craig Dawson headed home. BT Sport showed the decision:

This is what the VAR saw for West Brom's third goal, which was subsequently ruled out for offside.

25 minutes in and what a game we have already  pic.twitter.com/ilr9yLDC6X

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) January 27, 2018

Liverpool were then handed a lifeline when referee Craig Pawson awarded a penalty. After consulting with VAR, it was ruled Salah went to ground following a shirt tug by Jake Livermore. Up stepped Firmino, but his effort smashed off the underside of the bar.

BBC Sport offered a handy recap of a tumultuous 27 minutes at Anfield:

 Just to recap...

5' 1-0
7' 1-1
11' 1-2
20' West Brom score again - Referee goes to VAR and disallows
23' Mo Salah is fouled in the box, Referee views the replay himself for the first time in English football
26' Liverpool are awarded a penalty
27' Firmino misses the penalty pic.twitter.com/C0iJSGxg4M

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) January 27, 2018

There was still time for more drama before the half-time whistle. West Brom's Grzegorz Krychowiak volleyed the ball across goal, and Joel Matip got the final touch before the ball crossed the line.

The second half was a far quieter affair, but Salah brought the home crowd back to life with 12 minutes of normal time remaining. Trent Alexander-Arnold's cross hit Firmino and landed neatly for the Egyptian to sweep home and set up an exciting finale.

The Reds pressed in the closing stages but lacked the composure and quality to breach an organised and committed Albion defence. It's West Brom's best result of the season and the biggest shock of the fourth round, with Liverpool's defensive frailties highlighted once again.

Earlier, Kane scored his 30th goal of the season to save Spurs' blushes, with Mauricio Pochettino's side well below par and no doubt relieved to still be in the competition.

The hosts put in a superb first-half display and missed a glorious chance after just four minutes. Joss Labadie surged past Eric Dier and crossed for an unmarked Frank Nouble, who skied horribly over from close range.

Newport kept going and deservedly went ahead after 38 minutes. This time the cross came from Robbie Willmott, and Padraig Amond headed past goalkeeper Michel Vorm.

Opta showed how it was a rare goal from the striker:

1 - Padraig Amond has scored his first goal in the FA Cup since November 2015, when he scored twice against St Albans City for Grimsby. Surprise.

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 27, 2018

Pochettino brought on Son Heung-min at half-time, and slowly Tottenham started to pen the hosts back. However, they had to wait until the 82nd minute to draw level; Kane found himself all alone at the back post and slotted home.

Oliver Holt at the Mail on Sunday said it was the best game he has attended all season:

Newport-Spurs best game I've been to this season. Listening to Pochettino talk about the atmosphere afterwards, sounds like he agreed.

— Oliver Holt (@OllieHolt22) January 27, 2018

While Newport may be disappointed to see their lead slip, particularly so late, they will be rewarded with a trip to Wembley Stadium for the replay. Spurs, meanwhile, have had a tough start to a busy run of fixtures that sees them face Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Juventus next.

Liverpool suffered a second consecutive shock loss on Saturday, as West Bromwich Albion beat them 3-2 in the FA Cup fourth round. 

Roberto Firmino opened the scoring early, but a double from Jay Rodriguez gave the Baggies the lead. An own-goal from Joel Matip completed a first half filled with controversy and video assistant referee interventions.

Mohamed Salah reduced the deficit with 12 minutes left to play, but Liverpool couldn't find the equaliser, despite a late push.

Here's a look at the team sheet, via James Pearce of the Liverpool ECHO:

The match started at a fierce tempo, leading to plenty of early action. Within 11 minutes, there were three goals on the board, with the Reds kicking things off through Firmino.

Bleacher Report's Dean Jones noted Arsenal target Jonny Evans made a big mistake that led to some space for Salah and the eventual goal:

But not to be outdone, the Reds handed the Baggies all of the momentum within minutes. Rodriguez's first was a nice team goal from the visitors, with Rodriguez firing past Mignolet. The visitors' second second came after a host of mistakes.

Football writer Karl Matchett tried to sum them all up:

And things nearly got even worse for the stunned Reds, who appeared to have conceded again before 20 minutes had passed, but they were saved when VAR was used to cancel out Craig Dawson's goal. He climbed on the back of Firmino, and while the decision to overturn was a controversial one, the Liverpool man certainly had a case, while Gareth Barry also appeared to interfere from an offside position.

West Brom were furious, and things got even worse minutes later. Salah went down inside the box under contact from Jake Livermore, and after another lengthy review, VAR was used to award the hosts a penalty. John Cross of the Mirror couldn't help himself:

Firmino missed the chance to tie things up, however, hitting the crossbar.

The Baggies lost Kieran Gibbs and Hal Robson-Kanu to injury before half-time, and Salah and Firmino both had great looks on goal that came to naught. There was still time for one more VAR intervention, when Dawson blasted a ball into the box and Matip turned it into his own net.

BBC Sport's Francis Keogh noted the match was running late due to all the reviews:

The Baggies continued their momentum early in the second half and had the ball in the back of the net, only for Dawson's goal to be ruled out for offside, with no VAR needed. 

Liverpool had no real answers, and West Brom comfortably held onto their lead. The Baggies even ventured forward despite the advantage, and Emre Can was booked after he fouled Barry.

Manager Jurgen Klopp made three changes at once in a desperate attempt to reverse his side's fortunes, but as shared by Matchett, options were limited:

James Milner put Ben Foster to work with an excellent shot, but the Baggies stopper was powerless to deny Salah after a smart pass from Firmino, setting up a tense finale.

The Reds bombarded the hosts with crosses but couldn't really work the ball into dangerous areas, and when they did have their chances, Foster was there to prevent further damage.

The defeat comes on the heels of the Reds' 1-0 loss at 20th-placed Swansea on Monday night in the Premier League. West Brom currently sit level with the Swans on 20 points.

Liverpool's next outing will be against Huddersfield Town, while WBA visit Manchester City.

Chelsea will have to beat Premier League opposition if they're to advance in the FA Cup and will welcome Newcastle United in the competition's fourth round on Sunday.

The Stamford Bridge hosts took their place in the fourth round after defeating Norwich City on penalties, with the two teams having failed to produce a winner after 210 minutes of normal play and extra time.

Both Newcastle and Chelsea enter Sunday's showdown on the back of defeats, with the Blues having exited the Carabao Cup semi-finals following a 2-1 loss to Arsenal and the Magpies losing 3-1 in the Premier League to table-toppers Manchester City.

Chelsea have failed to make it to the fifth round of the FA Cup only once in their previous six campaigns (2014-15), and manager Antonio Conte is hoping to feature in the final for a second successive year.

Read on for a preview of Sunday's Stamford Bridge clash, complete with a breakdown of all the necessary live-stream and television information.

Date: Sunday, January 28

Time: 1:30 p.m. GMT/8:30 a.m. ET

Venue: Stamford Bridge, London

Live Stream: BT Sport app (UK), Fox Soccer Match Pass (U.S.)

TV Info: BT Sport 2 (UK), Fox Sports 1 (U.S.)

Preview

Chelsea could be knocked out of two cup competitions in the space of five days unless they have their wits about them come Sunday, with Newcastle presenting their first top-flight challenge in this season's FA Cup.

Two unfortunate deflections off Antonio Rudiger led Arsenal to win Wednesday's Carabao Cup semi-final second leg 2-1, and James Olley of the Evening Standard provided some comment from Conte as to why:

Conte: "The Willian injury was decisive because we don't have many players to make substitutions. Don't forget that Morata was out and today after Willian's injury, I was a bit forced to decide to play with Ross Barkley. He is a really good player... but he needs a bit of time."

— James Olley (@JamesOlley) January 24, 2018

Matt Law of the Telegraph agreed Willian's withdrawal robbed Chelsea of likely their most threatening attack piece at the time, and they'll hope to have him fit enough to feature against manager Rafa Benitez's men.

Conte's Chelsea have now won just once in their last seven outings—discounting the shootout victory over Norwich—but Cesar Azpilicueta has spoken of the team's need to bounce back from Wednesday's misery.

The Blues defender said after the midweek loss, per the Press Association (h/t MailOnline):

"Now we have to analyse ourselves to improve. We know that we can do better. On Sunday we have another chance in the FA Cup to keep going and try to get closer to that trophy.

“After every defeat you need to bounce back in the next game and to show the answer from the team. Even in this case we go from one cup to another and we have to look forward. We have to go for it and get a win for our confidence.”

Chelsea need to focus their resources carefully in the coming weeks, too, as Match of the Day recently showed, with Conte under pressure to balance his squad appropriately between difficult fixtures:

Newcastle have won three games in their last seven matchups—two of those coming away from home in the Premier League—but Chelsea's record at Stamford Bridge will take some breaking to pinch a result.

The Magpies beat Luton Town 3-1 in the FA Cup third round to reach this stage of the competition, but they'll need to make a significant step up for another meeting against London opposition come Sunday.

Benitez's side have won three away games in the league this season, but Newcastle will hope it's a sign of growing confidence on the road that two of those fell in the past month.

Liverpool host West Bromwich Albion in the fourth round of the 2018 FA Cup at Anfield on Saturday, aiming to win the trophy for the first time since 2006.

The Reds, who lost in the 2012 final against Chelsea, reached the fourth round after a Merseyside derby win over Everton, while the Baggies beat Exeter City away.

West Brom manager Alan Pardew will have to decide whether to include his best players, given the club remains in the relegation zone of the Premier League. He will also need to check on the focus of key centre-back Jonny Evans, who reportedly remains a target for Arsenal during the January transfer window.

Liverpool are fighting to finish in the top four in the league, a quest damaged by Monday's 1-0 defeat at Swansea City. Even so, manager Jurgen Klopp has plenty of attacking talent to choose from if he decides to refresh his ranks for the cup.

Before a preview, here are the schedule and viewing details:

Date: Saturday, January 27

Time: 7:45 p.m. GMT, 2:45 p.m. ET

TV Info: BT Sport 2, Fox Sports 2, Fox Deportes

Live Stream: BT Sport App, Fox Soccer Match Pass

Klopp's team still has question marks on the left side of defence, where full-back Alberto Moreno continues to struggle with an ankle problem. The Spaniard told the club's official website (h/t James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo) he's unsure whether he will be able to return for Saturday.

It means Andrew Robertson may continue on the left unless Klopp fields 19-year-old Trent Alexander-Arnold. Alexander-Arnold has usually performed on the right side, but Joe Gomez has supplanted him.

West Brom have players out wide, in the form of Matt Phillips and James McClean, who could cause Liverpool problems from the flanks. The visitors could also threaten a suspect defence with the pace of striker Jay Rodriguez, who was on target in last week's 1-1 draw at Everton.

Pardew's bigger concern will likely be how his own defence copes with Liverpool's pace and movement in forward areas. A lot will depend on Evans' status, with the Northern Ireland international the subject of interest from Arsenal, according to Jeremy Wilson and James Ducker of the Daily Telegraph.

The Independent's Ed Malyon has also reported the Gunners could bid £20 million, plus pay an agent's fee worth £4 million, to sign Evans this month.

West Brom could be getting ready for Evans' exit, having agreed a deal with Zamalek for Egypt international Ali Gabr, per Rob Dorsett of Sky Sports.

Whoever lines up in the West Brom back four may have to contend with arguably the most devastating front three in England's top flight. Much will depend on whether Klopp chooses to start his star trio of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah.

Alternatively, he could hand a start to Daniel Sturridge, although the 28-year-old striker is a loan target for Serie A side Inter Milan and La Liga's Sevilla, per BBC Sport's Phil McNulty. Youngster Dominic Solanke is another option, with the 20-year-old already showcasing the pace and power to lead the line.

Klopp has the stronger set of options to choose from as both sides are likely to rotate for the tie while league concerns dominate their respective agendas. A changed lineup shouldn't prevent Liverpool from using home advantage to make it through to the fifth round, though.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho on Thursday said the club will not be pursuing Cristiano Ronaldo and revealed new signing Alexis Sanchez will be in the squad to face Yeovil Town in the FA Cup on Friday.

According to the Mirror's Aaron Flanagan, Mourinho said of a potential Old Trafford return for Real Madrid talisman Ronaldo:

"I think with the moment Real Madrid is having now I think I should be the last one to add some fuel to the fire.

"Madrid is on fire, the results are not good, and it's a club where I worked three years, I cared about the club, I am the last one to add [to the] fire.

"To put some water on the fire, I would say Cristiano is the kind of player that everyone wants, but only one manager can have and only one club can have—Zidane and Real Madrid. That's my feeling."

Los Blancos sit fourth in La Liga, 19 points behind leaders Barcelona.

On Sanchez, Mourinho said his new signing would be included in the squad, adding: "We go with a very strong team."

The Chile international arrived from Arsenal on Monday, while Henrikh Mkhitaryan headed in the other direction.

According to Marca's Chris Winterburn, Mourinho is expecting to see his players battle for places in the side:

One dilemma the United boss faces is where to fit Sanchez into the team, but he is happy with the Chilean's versatility in attack, per United's official Twitter account:

He added: "I saw him play on the right, on the left, as a striker and behind the striker. These are Alexis' positions. I saw him play different tactical systems, different philosophies of different managers. I saw him successful in every country with every manager and every position."

Mourinho also reflected on the swap deal that brought Sanchez to the club:

It's the kind of transfer Mourinho believes should happen more frequently:

According to Miguel Delaney of The Independent, the Red Devils are also interested in signing Arsenal's Mesut Ozil, whose contract expires in the summer. Some United supporters hope the club will snap up the Germany international:

Meanwhile, the Portuguese had plenty of praise for Mkhitaryan: "I believe Mkhi is going to be even better than for us. Why? Because one-and-a-half years in England, adapted. Because of the way they play. That's why I'm also happy for him.

The Special One further acknowledged he could have tried harder to get the best out of the midfielder during his 18 months at Old Trafford but added the player himself could also have done more.

He will be hoping to get the best out of Sanchez, who hit incredible heights last season, scoring 30 goals and setting up 19.

If he can, his failure to make the most of a player as talented as Mkhitaryan will be quickly forgotten. United, meanwhile, would reap the benefits on the pitch as they look to close the gap on Premier League rivals Manchester City.

Alexis Sanchez could make his Manchester United debut during Friday's visit to Yeovil Town in the fourth round of the 2018 FA Cup.

The Chile international completed his move from Arsenal on Monday and has joined in with his new club's preparations for the cup game at Huish Park.

Yeovil defeated Bradford City 2-0 in the third round, booking a memorable visit from one of the biggest clubs in the world.

All eyes will be on Sanchez if manager Jose Mourinho gives the forward his first United appearance.

The cup provides United with a realistic route to silverware this season. Here is how you can watch the game.

Date: Friday, Jan. 26

Time: 7:55 p.m. (GMT), 2:55 p.m. (ET)

TV: BBC One (UK), Fox Sports 1 (U.S.)

Stream: BBC iPlayer, Fox Soccer Match Pass, fuboTV

Preview

Sanchez's switch has been football's biggest story during the January transfer window. He will be expected to deliver from the moment he steps on to the pitch for Mourinho's team, such is the expectation that always engulfs the Old Trafford giants.

United would have enticed the Chile international with promises of bigger fixtures than the one against the Glovers, but he will be expected to give the Red Devils an extra dimension in the attacking third at Huish Park if he plays.

Yeovil are languishing towards the bottom of League Two in 21st place, and on paper they present little challenge to the Premier League team.

However, the English cup competitions are famous for producing shocks, and the Somerset-based side delivered a surprise result in defeating League One high-flyers Bradford in the previous round.

The hosts have scored 38 goals in the league in 28 games this term, and it seems only a self-inflicted catastrophe would see United capitulate against the minnows.

Mourinho's side have been clinical this term, and had it not been for the extraordinary form of neighbours Manchester City, much more credit would be given to United.

Yeovil will be missing Otis Khan for the game after the midfielder was given a five-match ban for shoving a referee against Chesterfield last time out.

Per BBC Sport, the player is a lifelong United fan but will miss the marquee game through suspension.

The visitors will expect an easy day at the office, but trips to lower-league sides are rarely comfortable affairs. It took United 64 minutes to break the deadlock against then-League One Yeovil when the sides met at Huish Park in the FA Cup third round in 2015.

United will want an early goal to break Yeovil's spirits, and if the strike comes from a moment of genius by Sanchez, supporters will be purring at the thought of what the former Gunners star will do next.

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte believes referee Graham Scott, who officiated the Blues' 5-3 penalty-shootout win over Norwich City on Wednesday, should have been contacted by the video assistant referee before booking Willian for diving. 

Pedro and Alvaro Morata were both cautioned for diving during the game, which ended 1-1 in normal time after Jamal Lewis' dramatic late equaliser cancelled out Michy Batshuayi's opener, and the pair were subsequently sent off for picking up second yellows in extra time.

It was the incident with Willian at the start of extra time that attracted Conte's attention, though. Per BBC Sport, the Italian believes Timm Klose's challenge on the Brazil international warranted a penalty rather than a yellow card. He said:

"With Willian, the referee heard what the other referee watched and decided to continue to play. If we want to try to use this new system, it is important for the referee to wait, especially in this incident that is not so clear.

"And then when the referee that is watching had a doubt, he has to call the referee to watch and he can make a decision. The referee on the pitch has to make the decision, not one off the pitch.

"We can improve it for sure but we need to try to take the best solution. The final decision is for the ref on the pitch. Otherwise, why is there this ref?"

The manager believes the system of two referees can be effective, though, per ESPN FC's Liam Twomey:

Mike Jones, the video referee who was watching the game from a studio, chose not to exercise his option to contact Scott regarding Willian, which he can do if he believes the referee has made a "clear and obvious error."

If he had, Scott would have had the option of deferring to Jones and overturning the decision or consulting the footage himself pitchside.

ITV Sport commentator Sam Matterface believed the decision not to award a penalty was correct, while the player responsible, Klose, admitted it should have been a spot-kick, per broadcaster Ian Abrahams:

That there has been such a debate over the incident perhaps demonstrates why the decision was not deemed a "clear and obvious" error.

The Independent's Miguel Delaney explained why VAR was not used in this instance:

As Delaney also noted, the system is still undergoing a trial period with the aim of refining and improving it ahead of more widespread use throughout English football, having thus far been contained to the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup.

Teething problems are therefore to be expected as officials grow accustomed to using it, while a number of supporters, players and managers alike have perhaps been left in the dark as to when and how it will be used during the course of a match.

There's plenty to be gained from implementing VAR effectively even if it won't eliminate all controversy from the game, though, and that should come in time, as should a clearer understanding of its use.

Eden Hazard scored the winning penalty in a shootout to see Chelsea past Championship side Norwich City and into the fourth round of the 2018 FA Cup on Wednesday night.

Chelsea had been pushed into a replay by the Canaries and still needed penalties after a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge. The night also saw League One outfit Wigan Athletic thrash Premier League representatives Bournemouth, while Swansea City beat Championship leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Here are the results for Wednesday's replays:

• Swansea City 2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers
• Wigan Athletic 3-0 Bournemouth
• Chelsea 1-1 Norwich City (Chelsea won 5-3 on penalties)

Here's the updated schedule for the fourth round, per the competition's official website:

Friday, January 26

• Sheffield Wednesday vs. Reading, 7:45 p.m. GMT/2:45 p.m. ET.
• Yeovil Town vs. Manchester United, 7:55 p.m. GMT/2:55 p.m. ET.

Saturday, January 27

• Peterborough United vs. Leicester City, 12:30 p.m. GMT/7:30 a.m. ET.
• Huddersfield Town vs. Birmingham City, 3 p.m. GMT/10 a.m. ET.
• Notts County vs. Swansea City, 3 p.m. GMT/10 a.m. ET.
• Milton Keynes Dons vs. Coventry City, 3 p.m. GMT/10 a.m. ET.
• Millwall vs. Rochdale, 3 p.m. GMT/10 a.m. ET.
• Southampton vs. Watford, 3 p.m. GMT/10 a.m. ET.
• Wigan vs. West Ham United, 3 p.m. GMT/10 a.m. ET.
• Hull City vs. Nottingham Forest, 3 p.m. GMT/10 a.m. ET.
• Sheffield United vs. Preston North End, 3 p.m. GMT/10 a.m. ET.
• Newport County vs. Tottenham Hotspur, 5:30 p.m. GMT/12:30 p.m. ET.
• Liverpool vs. West Bromwich Albion, 7:45 p.m. GMT/2:45 p.m. ET.

Sunday, January 28

• Chelsea vs. Newcastle United, 1:30 p.m. GMT/8:30 a.m. ET.
• Cardiff City vs. Manchester City, 4 p.m. GMT/11 a.m. ET.

Chelsea lacked the final ball too often during a goalless first half against the Canaries at Stamford Bridge. It didn't help that striker Michy Batshuayi struggled to stay onside.

However, the Belgium international was celebrating when he finished smartly after racing clear to meet a pass from Kenedy in the 55th minute. It meant a rare distinction for Batshuayi, per OptaJoe:

Batshuayi's finish also ended a prolonged scoring drought for last season's beaten finalists, a barren run detailed by WhoScored.com:

The assist from Kenedy was merely the flourish for what was a bright and inventive performance from the off. He raided the flank with pace, tied markers in knots with his skill and created chances with a typical flair.

Chelsea appeared to be edging into the next round until Jamal Lewis' powerful header drew Norwich level in the 94th minute.

There was controversy during the extra period, when Willian was felled in the box but no penalty was given even after the intervention of the video assistant referee. BBC Match of the Day's Alan Shearer had this to say about the review system:

Chelsea were also left to rue Pedro being sent off for a second bookable offence. The 10 men became nine when Alvaro Morata was dismissed after reacting angrily following a booking for diving.

It was left to Hazard to be Chelsea's hero, with his conversion being the pivotal spot-kick after Willy Caballero had saved from Nelson Oliveira earlier in the shootout.

Jordan Ayew had Swansea ahead in the 11th minute against Premier League hopefuls Wolves. The Championship leaders were level in the 66th minute when substitute Diogo Jota found the net.

Sadly for Wolves, they couldn't hold the lead, as Wilfried Bony put Swansea back in front three minutes later. The big striker prodded in from close range.

It was hard to tell Wigan played in League One compared to Bournemouth's Premier League status, based on how easily the Latics tore through the Cherries at the DW Stadium. Goals from Sam Morsy, Dan Burn and Callum Elder were enough to send the 2013 winners through.

OptaJoe noted how a win over Bournemouth is a great omen for Wigan:

The Latics could be set for another memorable cup run, having also reached the semi-final in 2014. However, Chelsea will be the most relieved to still be in the draw after being given an almighty scare by lower-league opposition.

Chelsea defeated Norwich City in their FA Cup third-round replay at Stamford Bridge, winning on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

A goal from Michy Batshuayi opened the scoring for the Blues after 55 minutes, but a dramatic 94th-minute equaliser from Jamal Lewis took the game into extra-time.

The Premier League champions prevailed 5-3 in a penalty shootout, edging out the Canaries in a game of small margins.

The victory sets up Chelsea for a home clash with Newcastle United in the next stage of the competition.

Blues manager Antonio Conte gave run-outs to many of his reserves, as goalkeeper Willy Caballero, Ethan Ampadu and Davide Zappacosta were selected.

Danny Drinkwater and Kenedy both featured in midfield for the Premier League champions, with Batshuayi leading the forward line.

Canaries star midfielder Alex Pritchard recently departed in a major transfer to Huddersfield Town, but his absence did not affect the visitors' confidence or performance.

The hosts should have taken the lead in the opening moments after Cesar Azpilicueta was just short of the ball as he slid in from close range.

Drinkwater then slammed his effort against the crossbar after 25 minutes, with replays showing Norwich stopper Angus Gunn getting a fingertip on the ball.

However, an error from Batshuayi almost gave the visitors the lead. Nelson Oliveira's dipping effort bounced off the top of the crossbar, as Chelsea fans held their breath after the half-hour mark.

Norwich were the happier side as Chelsea gave a lacklustre display, and Conte appeared glum, with his players lacking any sort of momentum.

The EFL Championship side remained disciplined until the interval, and there was silence from the home stands as the teams trudged off the pitch.

Fooball.London writer Oliver Harbord gave a straight verdict on the game:

Chelsea finally broke the deadlock nine minutes into the second half as Batshuayi slotted home from close range.

The relief was palpable as the Belgium international scored after excellent work from Kenedy on the left wing.

Batshuayi had cut a frustrated figure throughout the contest and was clearly overjoyed to earn a rare moment of personal success.

The effort woke up the home fans who had been very quiet throughout the game, but Norwich responded by going on the attack.

A mistake from both Caballero and Azpilicueta almost cost the Blues a goal, with Josh Murphy striking the post as his shot went through a crowd of players in the box.

Drinkwater should have put the game beyond Norwich's reach after failing to hit the target after excellent work from Willian, and the match became stretched in the final stages.

Substitute Alvaro Morata watched his glancing header flash just wide in the last minutes of regulation, but Chelsea appeared content with a slender win against an inferior opponent who had battled hard.

The result was turned on its head in the fourth minute of injury time. Norwich's Lewis ghosted into the box and found a dramatic header to level the scores at the death.

Conte was distraught after the failure of his side, and the Blues were shellshocked as they were forced to play 30 minutes of extra time.

The hosts pushed forward in an attempt to steal a winner, but they had two men sent off as Pedro and Morata were given their marching orders for second yellows in a heated period.

Norwich earned their deserved chance to progress via a shootout, but the hosts showed their technical quality from the penalty spot.

Willian and David Luiz handed Chelsea control with good penalties, and a save by Caballero on Oliveira's attempt gave the Premier League giants the advantage.

Conte's men wrapped up the win as Azpilicueta, N'Golo Kante and Eden Hazard made easy work of their spot kicks, but plenty of credit goes to Norwich for their valiant display.