Terry off as Chelsea cruise in FA Cup
AFP
AFP, LONDON: Premier League leaders Chelsea had captain John Terry sent off as they cruised into the FA Cup fourth round with a 4-1 victory over Peterborough United on Sunday.
Terry, handed a rare start, saw red for a last-man foul on Lee Angol at Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea progressed thanks to a Pedro Rodriguez brace and goals from Michy Batshuayi and Willian.
Tottenham Hotspur joined Chelsea in round four by beating Aston Villa 2-0, but Liverpool face a replay at fourth-tier Plymouth Argyle after a second-string team were held to a 0-0 draw at Anfield.
Conte made nine changes to his team, with Terry handed a first start since October and French centre-back Kurt Zouma making his first appearance since last February following a serious knee injury.
Chelseas 13-game winning run was ended by Tottenham on Wednesday and they were under the cosh in the early stages, with Angol and Ryan Tafazolli going close for third-tier Peterborough. But Pedro put the hosts in front in the 18th minute, stepping inside a sliding challenge and curling into the top-right corner after Nathaniel Chalobahs shot was parried by Luke McGee.
After Pedro hit the bar, Batshuayi and Willian scored neatly constructed goals either side of half-time to put Chelsea in control.
Terrys 67th-minute dismissal for upending Angol gave Peterborough hope, but despite Tom Nichols reducing the arrears three minutes later, Pedros second goal made the game safe.
Chelsea follow Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal in securing a place in Mondays fourth-round draw, but Liverpool must come through an unwanted replay if they are to join them.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp made 10 changes for the visit of Plymouth, his sides average age of 21 years and 296 days making them the youngest team in the clubs history.
The home side completely dominated possession, but struggled to create chances, although 17-year-old Ben Woodburn saw a shot blocked by visiting goalkeeper Luke McCormick.
