Enzo Fernandez’s goal in the first half of Chelsea’s 1-0 victory against Leeds at Wembley secured their place in the FA Cup final four days after head coach Liam Rosenior was fired.
Fernandez’s effort proved key as Leeds fell short of their recent expectations as Chelsea overcame their recent problems and off-field discontent to put up a stronger performance under interim head coach Calum McFarlane.
On May 16, the Blues will meet Manchester City in their first final since 2022, when they were defeated by Liverpool on penalties, at Wembley.
For the time being, Chelsea’s decision to dismiss Rosenior earlier this week appears to have been warranted after five straight Premier League defeats without a goal—their worst since 1912.
Even though their FA Cup histories couldn’t be more different, this game reminded me of Chelsea’s triumph in a heated FA Cup final replay between the two rivals in 1970. Since Leeds last reached the last four in 1987, Chelsea has won the trophy seven times and proceeded to thirteen finals and seventeen semifinals.
Fernandez sends Chelsea into FA Cup final to lift gloom after Rosenior sacking
Joao Pedro’s low attempt hit the base of a post shortly after Chelsea, who were unrecognizable from their disastrous loss at Brighton in the middle of the week, were denied by the woodwork before the Londoners seized the lead in the 23rd minute.
After Leeds defender Pascal Struijk gave the ball away in midfield, Pedro Neto’s flawless cross was swiftly played wide, and Fernandez headed it in for his 13th goal of the year across all competitions.
Joao Pedro missed another attempt as Chelsea, who were superior in every way, kept controlling the game and were deserving of their lead at the interval.
During halftime, Leeds substituted Joe Rodon and Anton Stach for James Justin and Jaka Bijol. The German midfielder made an immediate impression by forcing Sanchez to parry a powerful drive.
Leeds improved and had more control while playing for their own supporters, but Alejandro Garnacho’s attempt was deflected over the crossbar, giving them another scare.
