Prior to Chelsea’s resurgent 3-1 victory over Aston Villa in the FA Cup, Mauricio Pochettino emphasized the importance of the players’ mentality and unity under pressure.
Facing intense scrutiny following consecutive defeats, Chelsea approached Tuesday’s all-Premier League fourth-round replay with a sense of urgency.
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However, Pochettino’s team delivered a commanding performance, securing their spot in the last 16 of the competition.
Conor Gallagher and Nicolas Jackson found the net in the first half, while Enzo Fernandez’s stunning 25-yard free-kick extended their lead in the 54th minute at Villa Park.
Although Moussa Diaby managed to score in stoppage time, it was insufficient to alter the outcome. Chelsea now prepares to face Crystal Palace in a crucial league match on Monday, aiming to build on their recent success.
Following the match, Gusto, one of the standout performers, revealed insights from a meeting held by Chelsea’s players and coaching staff prior to kickoff.
‘We are Chelsea and it was important to show the fans we are not dead,’ Gusto said.
‘We had a meeting before the game and the coach told us to get a good mentality. That we had to stay together under pressure.
‘We know that the group is young so it’s important that we stay together and we will all become better.
‘We know we have to show more. We have to show our talent. But we are a young squad and we will improve. All together to become better.
‘We’ve been working on it this week, keeping the ball and moving it quickly. I think we did that.’
Gusto, who provided the assist for Jackon’s header, was proud of the way Chelsea’s squad proved their togetherness particularly at a time of great adversity.
‘I can’t say if it was our best performance of the season, or not,’ the France full-back added. ‘The most important thing was the collective. Our mentality was nice, together, and that’s why we won.
‘You never know what might happen. We have to stay focused on the Premier League, the FA Cup and we are in the final of the Carabao Cup too.’
