Enzo Fernandez scored the only goal as Chelsea arrested their slump to beat Leeds United and reach the FA Cup final.
Calum McFarlane took charge for the first time in his second spell as interim head coach following Liam Rosenior’s sacking, and the Blues’ performance was much improved.
Victory at Wembley set up an FA Cup final against Manchester City next month and will have begun to restore the confidence levels of a young and inexperienced squad.
Dom Smith was at Wembley Stadium to rate the Chelsea players’ performances…
One of the most important players to this Chelsea win. Saved superbly from Brenden Aaronson and then from Anton Stach. Then caught a header from Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Deserved his clean sheet.
Malo Gusto 5
While Chelsea enjoyed a glorious afternoon in the April heat at Wembley, Gusto played a minor and quite error-prone role.
Tosin Adarabioyo 7
Brought into the team in a bit of a surprise but aerially commanding and did well.
Trevoh Chalobah 6
Made one rash pass in the first but was otherwise solid as Chelsea reached the final.
Marc Cucurella 6
Given the task of monitoring Brenden Aaronson down his flank and broadly did well. Communicated well with the rest of the back line.
Romeo Lavia 6
The Belgium was chosen to play instead of Andrey Santos and did well enough until the Brazilian did replace him in Chelsea’s first change.
Moises Caicedo 6
Picked up a harsh yellow card in the second half of a solid performance. The Ecuadorian ran himself into the ground, cutting out Leeds passes all over the pitch.
Pedro Neto 7
One of Chelsea’s brightest sparks. A constant threat with a devastating change of pace. His cross assisted Fernandez’s goal.
Enzo Fernandez 7
Scored the goal that ended Chelsea’s long drought and sent them to the final, but his second-half corner that didn’t even stay on the field of play was a rather more embarrassing moment.
Alejandro Garnacho 6
Had some dangerous moments including a burst of pace and wicked delivery into the box. Didn’t quite happen for the 21-year-old, though.
Joao Pedro 7
A tireless performance from the Brazilian, whose hold-up play was outstanding and allowed Chelsea to move up the pitch.
Subs:
Andrey Santos (Lavia, 66’) 5
Brought on to bring more control in midfield with Chelsea in the lead. Did that.
Cole Palmer (Garnacho, 71’) 5
His first involvement was to be booked for dissent. Didn’t really get into the game though did produce a good defensive shift in the last knockings of stoppage time.
Liam Delap (Joao Pedro, 90+8’) N/A
Not used: Sharman-Lowe, Essugo, Hato, Fofana, Acheampong, Derry
