More Mitoma magic as Albion knock out Chelsea

Albion come from behind as Georginio Rutter and Kaoru Mitoma both score their seventh goals of the season in 2-1 victory at the Amex.

Bruce Talbot

2025-02-08T22:00+00:00

Delight for Kaoru Mitoma after his seventh goal of the season gave Albion the lead. 📷 James Boardman.

Kaoru Mitoma lit up the Amex with another brilliant goal as Albion came from behind to reach the fifth round of the Emirates FA Cup.

Chelsea led after just five minutes but Georginio Rutter’s powerful header – his seventh goal of the season – quickly had Albion level.

Then 12 minutes into the second half Mitoma moved also onto seven for the season too when he brilliantly controlled Rutter’s pass and flicked it into the far corner.

It was a stirring response by Albion to last week’s 7-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest. They suffered the worst possible start but were in control for large parts of the game thereafter and certainly carried the greater attacking threat.

Georginio Rutter's powerful header is on its way past Robert Sanchez for Albion's equaliser. 📷 James Boardman.

Albion conceded in just the fifth minute. Bart Verbruggen had produced an athletic tip-over to keep out Cole Palmer’s shot from the edge of the box but when Chelsea recycled the corner to Palmer his near-post cross bounced awkwardly in front of Albion’s keeper and went in off his head.

It took Albion just seven minutes to draw level. They worked an attack down the right, Yankuba Minteh played it back to Joel Veltman and his whipped cross was met by Rutter with a firm downward header into the bottom corner. Rutter was unmarked but there was no doubting the quality of his finish.

It was tasty stuff with three bookings including Rutter and Veltman – for a foul on Marc Cucurrella – in the opening half hour. Albion had to be wary of Chelsea’s speed on the break and one counter-attack ended with Palmer lifting the ball onto the roof of the net after being found by Christoper Nkunku.

Georginio Rutter takes the acclaim of the West Stand after scoring his seventh goal of the season. 📷 Paul Hazlewood.

But after the shock start Fabian Hurzeler’s side had got on top and just before the break Rutter won a foot race with two defenders from just inside his own half, but Cucurrella got across to prevent Minteh from converting the Frenchman’s cross.

Lewis Dunk was replaced by Adam Webster after suffering a knock towards the end of the first half and on the resumption Chelsea has the first chance but Jack Hinshelwood bravely got in the way of Pedro Neto’s solid hit from just inside the D.

Kaoru Mitoma beats Robert Sanchez with a brilliant finish to give Albion the lead. 📷 James Boardman.

But Albion continued to look a threat, and they went in front on 57 minutes thanks to some sumptuous skill by Mitoma. Chelsea had three attempts at clearing Lamptey’s scuffed shot without success, Rutter lifted the ball forward and after controlling it high on his chest Mitoma nonchalantly flicked it past Rob Sanchez and into the far corner.

Mitoma’s low volley was held by Sanchez and Albion were furious when Malo Gusto appeared to tug back Joao Pedro but referee Jarred Gillett ignored furious penalty appeals.

Kaoru Mitoma takes the acclaim of the North Stand after putting Albion in front. 📷 James Boardman.

Chelsea pushed for an equaliser and substitute Tyrique George hit a left-foot shot from a great position in the box well over Verbruggen’s crossbar. It was the only moment of alarm for Albion who were diligent in their defensive work and saw the game out in control. Chelsea had won 25 out of their last 27 FA Cup fourth round ties – not this one.

Albion: Verbruggen, Lamptey, Dunk (Webster 45), van Hecke, Veltman, Hinshelwood (Gomez 68), Mitoma, Baleba (Ayari 74), Minteh, Rutter (Joao Pedro 74), Welbeck (O’Riley 88).