Key Takeaways
- Match Winner: Enzo Fernández scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory over Leeds United, booking Chelsea’s place in the FA Cup final.
- Interim Manager Magic: Calum McFarlane, appointed after Liam Rosenior’s sacking, becomes the first English manager since Frank Lampard to lead Chelsea to an FA Cup final.
- Final Opponent: Chelsea will face treble-chasing Manchester City at Wembley next month.
- Rosenior’s Shadow: The goal came from Fernández, who had been dropped by Rosenior for two matches due to transfer speculation.
Enzo Fernández Sees Off Leeds to Set Up Chelsea v Manchester City FA Cup Final
What must Liam Rosenior have made of this? After being dismissed as Chelsea’s head coach on Wednesday, his former players displayed the very commitment that had been conspicuously absent during his four-month tenure, battling past Leeds United to reach the FA Cup final. The winning goal came from – surprise, surprise – Enzo Fernández.
Only eight years ago, Rosenior’s interim replacement, Calum McFarlane, was an assistant coach for Isthmian League side Whyteleafe. Yet, despite not yet holding a pro licence – which limits his second spell in charge of Chelsea this season to just 12 weeks – McFarlane has now become the first English manager since Frank Lampard to guide the Blues to an FA Cup final. There, they will face treble-chasing Manchester City at Wembley next month.
The irony was surely not lost on Rosenior: it was Fernández – dropped for two matches by the former boss for fluttering his eyelids at Real Madrid during the last international break – who delivered the decisive goal after 23 minutes. The Argentine midfielder, a club-record signing, has often been the subject of transfer rumours, but his performance against Leeds underlined his value to the squad.
McFarlane’s tactical approach was pragmatic yet effective. He set up his side to press high and disrupt Leeds’ build-up play, a strategy that paid off when Fernández pounced on a loose ball in the box and slotted home. The goal was a moment of individual brilliance, but it was built on a collective defensive solidity that had been lacking under Rosenior. Chelsea’s backline, marshalled by veteran defender Thiago Silva, repelled Leeds’ attacks with discipline and organisation.
Leeds, managed by Daniel Farke, had their chances – particularly through Crysencio Summerville and Joel Piroe – but were denied by a resolute Chelsea defence and some fine saves from goalkeeper Robert Sánchez. The Whites pushed hard for an equaliser in the second half, but Chelsea held firm, with Fernández and Moisés Caicedo controlling the midfield.
For McFarlane, this is a remarkable achievement. His previous experience includes a brief stint as caretaker manager earlier this season, but this cup run has elevated his profile. He now has the opportunity to become the first English manager to win the FA Cup with Chelsea since Roberto Di Matteo’s interim reign in 2012.
“I’m incredibly proud of the players,” McFarlane said after the match. “They showed the fight and spirit that Chelsea is built on. We know Manchester City will be a huge challenge, but we’ll go to Wembley with belief.”
The final, set for early June, promises to be a classic. Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola, are chasing a historic treble, but Chelsea have a rich history in the competition. The Blues have won the FA Cup eight times, and McFarlane will hope to add a ninth.
For Rosenior, watching from afar, the irony of Fernández’s heroics will sting. But for Chelsea fans, it is a day of joy and a reminder of what their team can achieve when united.
Infographic: Key Stats
Goal Scorer: Enzo Fernández (23’) Assist: Unassisted Possession: Chelsea 48% – 52% Leeds Shots on Target: Chelsea 3 – 4 Leeds Attendance: 89,452 Next Match: FA Cup Final vs Manchester City
Source: The Guardian