The day Phil Parkinson outfoxed Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea | OneFootball

Phil Parkinson has been here before, twice taking Colchester United and Bradford City to face Chelsea in the FA Cup. NY Times recounts that history. Wrexham now host them on Saturday in a fifth-round tie at the SToK Cae Ras.

In 2014-15, Chelsea were five points clear and near-untouchable at Stamford Bridge, while Bradford’s 18-man squad cost £7,500 against a £200million XI and £99m bench.

Parkinson’s plan centred on James Hanson, moved to the left to target young right-back Andreas Christensen with diagonals and sustained knockdowns.

Chelsea led 2-0 through Gary Cahill and Ramires before half-time, but Jon Stead replied. After the break Bradford took charge and Filipe Morais levelled with 15 minutes remaining.

Mourinho introduced Cesc Fabregas, Willian and Eden Hazard without changing the flow. Andy Halliday made it 3-2 and Mark Yeates added a fourth in stoppage time, before the manager visited the away dressing room to congratulate the victors.

Wrexham hope Parkinson can conjure more. Chelsea, the reigning world club champions, are favourites, though this season’s holders Crystal Palace have already fallen to sixth-tier Macclesfield. Hanson, retired in October 2024, expects a tactical wrinkle, would not be surprised by an upset, and will be tuning in hoping for a win and a Championship play-offs push.

Source: NY Times