Roman Abramovich’s Chelsea were knocked out of the FA Cup on Sunday, losing 1-0 to Newcastle at St. James Park in a match that had been threatened by steady snow earlier in the day. Patrick Kluivert’s header after 4 minutes provided the difference for Newcastle, with 3 second half substitutions coming back to haunt the London side. Chelsea struggled with 9 men after Wayne Bridge (below) was carried away and Carlo Cudicini was sent off in the final moments ; Damien Duff suffered an injury as well.
Jose Mourinho’s efforts thus far to juggle Chelsea’s League challenge, Carling Cup, FA Cup and Champion’s League aspirations have been nothing short of masterful. Today, not only did his luck seemingly run short, but the Blues will sorely miss Bridge in the days and weeks ahead, including next Sunday’s Carling Cup final against Liverpool.