Pedro Neto’s three-goal performance powered Chelsea into the FA Cup last 16; meanwhile Wrexham progressed and the Premier League saw rapid managerial appointments at Tottenham and Nottingham Forest.
Pedro Neto stole the show as Chelsea swept Hull City aside 4-0 at the MKM Stadium, while Wrexham produced a gritty cup upset to reach the FA Cup last 16 for the first time since 1996–97. Off the field, the Premier League churned through managerial changes: Tottenham have moved swiftly to appoint Igor Tudor on a short-term deal, and Nottingham Forest have turned to Vítor Pereira as their fourth manager of the season.
Chelsea cruise — Neto’s hat-trick seals progression
Pedro Neto turned a routine cup tie into a personal statement. His first— a drilled 20-yard strike— put Chelsea ahead before half-time. Early in the second half he scored directly from a corner, an audacious and rare finish that underlined his confidence.
Later, after a lively run from Liam Delap created space, Estêvão added a composed finish. Delap’s persistence then set up Neto for a clinical third, completing a memorable hat-trick as Chelsea ran out 4-0 winners and advanced to the fifth round.
Liam Rosenior’s side controlled large spells of the match, pressing high, moving the ball quickly through midfield and stretching Hull with overlapping wide play. Moisés Caicedo’s incisive passes helped open channels, and a varied set-piece routine paid dividends. The result not only keeps Chelsea’s cup hopes alive but also gives Rosenior a handy boost ahead of a busy fixture list — while posing fresh questions about squad rotation and depth as the season progresses.
Wrexham on the rise — a historic cup night
At STōK Cae Ras, Wrexham held firm to beat Ipswich 1-0. Josh Windass’s first-half finish — a dangerous cross that took a deflection and crossed the line — proved decisive. Ipswich dominated possession after the break but struggled to fashion clear opportunities, repeatedly running into a well-drilled Wrexham defence that prioritized compactness and quick transitions.
The win sends Wrexham into the fifth round for the first time in decades and injects momentum into a campaign already full of unexpected headlines. For Ipswich, it’s back to the Championship and a reminder that knockout football often hinges on a single moment of quality.
Premier League managerial shuffle
Tottenham acted fast after a damaging 2-1 loss to Newcastle and the dismissal of Thomas Frank. The club has reached an agreement in principle with Igor Tudor on a short-term contract until the end of the season. Tudor’s recent spell at Juventus ended in October; his CV also includes stints at Galatasaray, Marseille and Lazio. The expectation at Spurs is that Tudor will steady a squad in need of immediate clarity and bite.
Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, have appointed Vítor Pereira following the dismissal of Sean Dyche after a goalless draw with Wolves. Pereira — who has previous connections with owner Evangelos Marinakis from their time at Olympiacos — takes over as Forest’s fourth manager this season. The club hopes his familiarity with the owner and top-level experience will arrest their slide, though fixtures will quickly test any new approach.
Disciplinary angle — Rodri charged by the FA
Manchester City midfielder Rodri has been charged by the FA over comments he made after City’s 2-2 draw at Tottenham on February 1, 2026. The charge relates to remarks about referee neutrality. City and the player have been notified and may respond or request a hearing. Outcomes could range from a warning to a sanction, depending on the process and any mitigating factors.
What this means next
– Chelsea: momentum and confidence in the cup, but selection and rotation questions remain as the calendar tightens. – Wrexham: a rare and morale-boosting run that raises their profile and could galvanize their league push. – Tottenham and Forest: short-term appointments aimed at stability; both will be judged quickly on results and dressing-room impact. – Rodri/Man City: a disciplinary process now underway that could have reputational and sporting repercussions depending on the outcome.
Clubs involved have confirmed the managerial agreements in principle and said they will release full contractual details once paperwork is finalised. The FA will publish next steps on Rodri’s case as the process unfolds.
