Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior conceded his side were fortunate to overcome a spirited Wrexham in a thrilling FA Cup fourth-round tie, eventually winning 4-2 after extra time. The Premier League outfit twice trailed at a raucous Stok Cae Ras before battling back, aided by a controversial own goal and two key VAR decisions that went against the Welsh hosts.
Rosenior, who made nine changes with an eye on Wednesday's Champions League trip to Paris St Germain, praised Wrexham's performance. 'That’s the reason why the FA Cup is what it is. I thought Wrexham were magnificent – magnificent in their energy, how brave they were and how they played,' he said. 'We needed elements of luck today because Wrexham were that good.'
Sam Smith put Wrexham ahead before Chelsea equalised when a George Thomason clearance deflected off Arthur Okonkwo for an own goal. Callum Doyle restored the home side's lead, but Josh Acheampong levelled again to force extra time. The visitors took control after George Dobson was sent off for a high challenge on Alejandro Garnacho, who then scored alongside Joao Pedro to seal the win.
Wrexham thought they had earned a lifeline when Lewis Brunt found the net at 3-2, but the effort was ruled out for offside following a VAR review. Rosenior backed the decisions: 'They're both correct decisions for me. It's a dangerous challenge and if you're offside, you're offside.' Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson felt his side deserved at least penalties, with club owner Ryan Reynolds tweeting pride in the performance.
