Chelsea FC booked their place in the FA Cup final with a deserved 3-1 victory over arch-rivals Manchester United FC in the semi-final clash at Wembley. Frank Lampard’s side were truly the better side on the pitch and would now face Arsenal in the final of the prestigious cup competition.
The opening 20 minutes of the game saw many chances fall the way of the Blues’ players. However, Lampard’s men were unable to capitalize upon their efforts on goal which hardly troubled Manchester United FC goalkeeper David de Gea.
A leaping header by Marcos Alonso went over the back post, while Reece James’ effort from 30 yards forced a cautious punch clear by De Gea. Despite their dominance over the Red Devils, Chelsea FC were unable to find the back of the net.
On the other end of the pitch, a brave block by Harry Maguire prevented Chelsea FC playmaker Mason Mount to open his account and give his side the lead heading into the first drinks break of the game.
Veteran goalkeeper Willy Caballero handed a rare start between the sticks by Frank Lampard, tipped over in-form Bruno Fernandes’s free-kick over the crossbar. The Portuguese international’s effort was Manchester United FC’s first effort on goal of the afternoon.
Taking into account Eric Bailly’s head injury and the subsequent treatment of the player by the medical staff followed by Anthony Martial replacing the centre-back on the pitch, the first half’s stoppage time stretched to about 11 minutes.
However, the Blues took advantage of the added time and broke the deadlock when in-form Frenchman Olivier Giroud flicked a low cross by César Azpilicueta past De Gea for the first goal of the afternoon.
Chelsea FC took control of the game heading into the second half as well when Mason Mount broke through the Manchester United FC defence. The 21-year old then struck a driven shot which was fumbled by Dea Gea into the bottom corner to double the Blues’ lead.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer brought on Paul Pogba and Mason Greenwood with the hope of getting back into the game. However, attacks from Manchester United FC did not seem to materialize on Sunday night at the Wembley Stadium.
An effort by Maguire flew wide of the goal after Caballero had misjudged the corner kick. Rashford too endured a frustrating afternoon with his attempts on finding the back of the net proving to be futile.
A third goal for the Blues was soon added on the scoreline when Marcos Alonso’s delivery into the box was turned into his own net by Maguire. The goal surely wrapped up the game in Chelsea FC’s favour, with only 15 minutes remaining on the clock.
A careless challenge by substitute Callum Hudson-Odoi on Martial in the box meant that Manchester United FC were awarded a penalty. Fernandes converted from the spot-kick with ease, sending Caballero diving the wrong way.
However, a semi-final victory was soon confirmed for Frank Lampard’s side who would be aiming to end the season with a trophy.
MATCH STATS
SCORE: 1-3
Possession: Manchester United FC – 51% Chelsea FC- 49%
Yellow Cards: Manchester United FC – 1 Chelsea FC – 0
Shots: Manchester United FC – 7 Chelsea FC – 12
Offsides: Manchester United FC –1 Chelsea FC – 1
