Vyner makes serious impact as Chelesa prevent Wrexham from FA Cup upset
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Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 07.03.26. | 23:44
The Harambee Stars defender clocks 75 minutes in a thrilling six-goal thriller
Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds couldn't believe his own eyes, as Wrexham - the club he has owned since 2020 - was inches away from knocking Chelsea out of the FA Cup.
Alas, football is not (always) a movie fairytale, and this one ended in the Blues' extra-time 4-2 triumph on Saturday night.
The EFL Championship side was on the verge of a miracle, one of the biggest in the club's history, but despite being in front twice (1-0 and 2-1), the game went to extra time where Liam Rosenior's men struck twice to progress to the next round.
Kenya had its fair share in this memorable tie, as the Harambee Stars defender Zak Vyner played 75 minutes and stood out as a key player. This time, he took on a midfield role and did his job with calm and noticeable composure.
Vyner made several interceptions and recoveries. He nearly made a big impact in attack, but Chelsea defenders blocked his second-half attempt.
Straight from the start, it was clear that the hosts were eager to make this night unforgettable. The opening quarter of the hour saw two actually evenly-matched sides, with no promising chances on either end, as Wrexham patiently waited for their chance to strike, mostly from counterattacks.
It paid off for Phil Parkinson's men shortly after, as Sam Smith ran past Tosin Adarabioyo to Callum Doyle's long ball over the top. Smith's finish was superb as Ryan Reynolds celebrated it ecstatically with Wrexham fans.
Chelsea were stunned, but were able to restore some dignity quickly as they levelled the score before the half-time break with a vast amount of luck.
Alejandro Garnacho's shot was cleared off the line by George Thomason, but his clearance hit the goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo and rolled back into the Wrexham goal.
Still, it was far from over, and the charming minnows were determined to make the Blues suffer. They retook the lead through a corner, which was headed out to Ryan Longman. He fired it back, and Callum Doyle reacted marvellously to flick it past Robert Sanchez.
YOU CAN SEE WREXHAM'S SECOND GOAL HERE
What a roar and another reason for celebration among the Wrexham ardent supporters!
The Premier League giants were forced into action and their response was even quicker this time. Josh Acheampong nailed the equaliser, less than three minutes after Wrexham retook the lead, as he smashed it into the back of the net following a slip by George Dobson.
The same player, Dobson, was sent off a few minutes into the stoppage time for a reckless tackle on Garnacho, which piled additional pressure on the underdogs ahead of the extra time.
In that period, Garnacho was left free at the back post to make it 3-2. The underdogs fought back near the end, with a dramatic equaliser by substitute Lewis Brunt, but it was ruled out by VAR for offside. The punishment was served cold through Joao Pedro, who sealed the victory with his side's fourth goal just before the full‑time whistle.
FA CUP - ROUND OF 16
Friday
Wolverhampton - Liverpool 1-3 (0-0)
/Hwang 90+1 - Robertson 51, Salah 53, Jones 74/
Saturday
Mansfield - Arsenal 1-2 (0-1)
/Evans 50 - Madueke 41, Eze 66/
Wrexham - Chelsea 2-4 a.e.t. (1-1)
/Smith 18, Doyle 78 - Okonkwo 40 og, Acheapong 82, Garnacho 96, 120+5/
Newcastle - Manchester City IN PROGRESS
Sunday
15.00: (1.55) Fulham (4.20) Southampton (5.90)
16.30: (7.75) Port Vale (4.50) Sunderland (1.42)
19.30: (1.45) Leeds (4.65) Norwich (6.50)
Monday
22.30: (2.95) West Ham (3.45) Brentford (2.35)
***odds are subject to change***