(Football news) Goals by Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Mason Mount ensured that Chelsea managed to secure a hardfought 2-0 win over Crystal Palace in the semi-final of the FA Cup at the Wembley Stadium. The win meant that the Blues will now play their third consecutive FA Cup final when they take on Liverpool on May 14th.
Having suffered defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League, Chelsea’s performance, especially in the first half was far from convincing with players looking lethargic and lacking conviction. Palace had the best chance to take the lead when a volleyed drive by Cheikhou Kouyate forced Edouard Mendy to make a fine save before Joachim Andersen hit the post from a rebound from an offside position.
The deadlock was broken by substitute Loftus-Cheek who replaced an injured Mateo Kovacic and scored 20 minutes after the interval when Palace left-back Tyrick Mitchell was caught on the ball and a few one-touch passes by Kai Havertz ultimately led to his effort being half-cleared, only for Loftus-Cheek to smash the ball into the back of the net with a slight deflection. The 26 year old has been a former Palace player during the 2016-17 season and was delighted after scoring his first goal of the season in such a crucial fixture.
Just 11 minutes later, a simple square pass by Timo Werner found Mason Mount and the England international scored his 12th goal of the campaign. Romelu Lukaku had an opportunity to make it 3-0 but the Belgian striker hit the far post as his goal drought continues in the year so far. Thomas Tuchel will hope to win the FA Cup this time around, having lost to Arsenal in 2020 and Leicester City last year as it is realistically the only real chance for Chelsea to secure the title.
In what was a blockbuster clash between two of the strongest teams in England, Liverpool defeated Manchester City 3-2 at the Wembley Stadium to secure passage into the FA Cup final. The two sides faced each other just six days from their 2-2 draw in the Premier League at the Etihad Stadium and Jurgen Klopp’s team put up an impressive display in the first half, scoring three goals (a brace from Sadio Mane and a header by Ibrahima Konate).
However, City retaliated after the break, reducing the deficit almost immediately after kickoff when Jack Grealish found the back of the net from Gabriel Jesus’ assist. Bernardo Silva then got a late goal in the 90th minute to set up a tense few minutes. The Reds will be grateful to have Allison in front of goal, the Brazilian keeper denied Gabriel Jesus twice. The result ended City’s treble hopes while Liverpool’s quadruple aspirations remained alive after winning the Carabao Cup earlier this year.
Also read: Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid score last minute winners
