Chelsea made it to the FA Cup final (Image: Getty)
Managerless Chelsea overcame Leeds United 1-0 in the FA Cup semi-final to set up a final against Manchester City at Wembley in three weeks time.
Buoyed by the latest change of management, the Chelsea players attacked from the off and were rewarded for their endeavours midway through the first half. A sweeping move saw Pedro Neto’s cross turned home by Enzo Fernandez inside the penalty area, with the Argentine having been heavily linked to a move away from Stamford Bridge in recent days. Chelsea had chances to make it two before the break, but despite only managing the one goal, it was a much-improved performance from Tuesday night.
Leeds did up the ante after the restart, with Daniel Farke having made a couple of changes during the break. Robert Sanchez was called upon in the early stage of the second half, with the goalkeeper making a flying right-handed save. Chelsea didn’t really click in the attacking department as much in the second period, with most of the goalmouth action coming down the opposite end.
Wasn’t tested anywhere nearly enough as Leeds would’ve hoped, but when called upon the Frenchman pulled off a couple of stunning saves. A strong right hand denied Joe Rodon from the best part of 25 yards.
Had some really promising moments going forward, but was sometimes lacking from a defensive point of view.
Got the runaround in the second half at times and didn’t look entirely comfortable up against Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Was all over the place for a Leeds chance in the first half, that Sanchez was once again required to make a stop for.
Went down far too easily for the Calvert-Lewin hair-pull incident. Never really got into the match thereafter and looked shaky at times.
It’s the age-old question of ‘what if’ as far as the Belgian is concerned. Adds so much to Chelsea’s midfield and for the 65 minutes or so he was on the pitch, helped make the two-time European champions control the game. If he can put together a consistent run of fitness, it could be a major boost for the run in.
Showed two sides of his game in either half. The first 45 minutes was spent in possession and dictating the tempo, while the second consisted of him breaking up play and thwarting attacks.
Enzo Fernandez’s goal gave Chelsea the lead in the first half (Image: Getty)
A proper midfielder’s performance, and dare we say one that was somewhat reminiscent of a certain Frank Lampard? The World Cup winner was popping up at both boxes, and crucially was on hand to nod home what proved to be the winning goal.
Popped up with a timely assist for the opener and deserves plenty of credit for that. Could’ve threatened more at times but certainly good money for his rating.
Caused the Leeds centre-backs all manner of problems with his movement. Was dropping deep at times and running off the shoulder at others. Has been a bright spark throughout a tough season for the west Londoners.
Offered plenty of industry on the left-hand side, especially in the first half. Put two tempting balls across the box, which really ought to have been steered home by one of his team-mates. Has had critics throughout this season, but the Argentine can be proud of that performance.
Came off the bench to try and put the game to bed for Chelsea, but didn’t exactly set the world alight.
Came off the bench in the 98th minute of the match.
