Chelsea’s crucial FA Cup Semi Final victory over historic rivals Leeds United marked a first FA Cup Semi Final win of the Blueco era to progress to an FA Cup Final.
With a recent dip in League form for the Blues as they fell from a European position, a timely FA Cup victory could be exactly what they need to secure European football for the coming season!
A powerful first half Enzo Fernandez header sealed the deal for Callum McFarlane’s Chelsea side as the Blues defence held their ground for the remainder of the cup clash.
Enzo Fernandez celebrates after scoring the winner at Wembley. Source: Getty Images
Goal Drought conclusion
Chelsea have failed to net beyond a Premier League defence since the 4th of March, a whopping ten games ago! Fernandez’s crucial matchwinner on Sunday afternoon broke this unwanted trend to the Chelsea Fans’ delight.
The header marked Enzo’s twelfth goal of the season and his second in three games under boss, Callum McFarlane as the Blues number 8 has begun to find some lethal form at the face of goal.
Fernandez powers home the decisive header at Wembley. Source: Getty Images
João Pedro shines
Despite not joining Fernandez on the scoresheet for the Blues, Joao Pedro was certainly a spark throughout the fixture.
His skilful footwork and build-up play drove almost all of Chelsea’s attacking potential and looks like a fine example of a player free from Rosenior’s restrictions.
João Pedro drives forward during Chelsea’s FA Cup Semi Final win. Source: Getty Images
Clean sheet against a strong attack
Failure to keep a clean sheet against Premier League opposition since the 17th of January ended against Leeds on Sunday as a back line that was missing influential figures such as Reece James, Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana, warded off a powerful Leeds front line.
A certainly winnable league clash against relegation battlers, Nottingham Forest next Monday could mean back-to-back clean sheets for Robert Sanchez’s back line!
Chelsea’s defence held firm to keep a vital clean sheet at Wembley. Source: Getty Images
Poor second half performance
A recurring theme of late has been the Blues’ inability to maintain a strong performance in the second half of recent games.
Seven of the last ten goals conceded by the Chels have occurred in the second half of games and despite holding on in the Semi Final, Leeds certainly looked the better side in the second half in contrast to a dominant Chelsea opening.
Chelsea players at the final whistle after securing their place in the FA Cup Final. Source: Getty Images