Wrexham push Chelsea hard, but is the Premier League next? | OneFootball

Wrexham twice led before losing 4-2 after extra time to Chelsea in the FA Cup fifth round, a display that sharpened the question of how close they are to the Premier League. They matched the visitors for long spells.

According to NY Times, Sam Smith struck on 18 minutes, Chelsea levelled, then Callum Doyle put Wrexham back ahead on 78. George Dobson was sent off in stoppage time, Chelsea took control in extra time, and Lewis Brunt’s finish was overturned by VAR for offside after Kieffer Moore’s flick-on.

Chelsea coach Liam Rosenior praised Wrexham’s energy and bold pressing, while manager Phil Parkinson said the team has to mirror the town’s character.

With 11 league matches left, Wrexham are sixth in the Championship and a play-off place looks within reach, starting with Hull City’s visit on Tuesday evening. Zak Vyner called it their first taste of VAR, did not want it that night, but hoped to see it weekly, a nod to the top flight.

Parkinson acknowledged the gulf in spending power between the Premier League and where Wrexham have come from. Chelsea were without Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, with Reece James unused, yet still introduced Marc Cucurella, Joao Pedro and Malo Gusto and started full internationals Jorrel Hato, Andrey Santos and Alejandro Garnacho.

Source: NY Times