Surjit Patowary

Werner, Ziyech composed as organized Chelsea leave Man City exposed

Chelsea, Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner

Chelsea emerged winners in their FA Cup semi-final clash against Manchester City last night at the Wembley Stadium. An Hakim Ziyech goal was enough to separate the two sides to send Chelsea into the FA Cup final for the second season running, as it was Thomas Tuchel’s men who dominated proceedings and looked like the much better team throughout the contest.

Chelsea got off to a bright start and got the ball into the back of the net as early as in the 6th minute when Timo Werner was set through on goal, and the German squared the ball to Hakim Ziyech in the area who converted with ease.

The goal was not to be counted though, as Werner was adjudged to be in an offside position as he was receiving the ball. Chelsea dominated the affair in midfield as well, as City barely got a sniff of goal in the first half – and in the rest of the contest as well.

The first half ended goallessly, but the contest would soon see the decisive goal when Mason Mount slipped Werner through on goal after a quick turnover of possession, and Werner found Ziyech in a very similar position as the disallowed goal.

Ziyech made no mistake once again, as the Moroccan adjusted his finish into an unguarded City goal after Zack Steffen was caught wrong-footed.

Despite going behind, City could not muster up a response as Chelsea continued to dominate the contest and get better chances.

Christian Pulisic thought that he had put the contest to bed after coming off the bench when he got the better of a couple of defenders and the goalkeeper to put the ball in the net – but the goal was ruled out for offside.

The full-time whistle was met with celebrations from the Chelsea players, as they made the FA Cup final for the second season running – and also ended Man City’s quadruple hopes. Chelsea would go on to face either Leicester City or Southampton in the final in May.

Match Highlights

Post-match interview: Thomas Tuchel

Post-match interview: Pep Guardiola