FA Cup Quarter-Final: Chelsea Triumphs over Leicester City 4-2
In a typical chaotic fashion, Chelsea managed to turn a 2-0 lead against Championship rivals into a stoppage-time struggle during an FA Cup quarter-final match. Undoubtedly, the match will be remembered for Axel Disasi’s absurd own goal, supporters’ dissatisfaction, and Cole Palmer’s brilliant assist for Carney Chukwuemeka that salvaged the fraught atmosphere. This was a perplexing display of Chelsea’s capabilities, with the victory being followed by sighs of relief.
The match featured unappreciated performances by Mauricio Pochettino and Raheem Sterling as Leicester City managed to equalise just past the 60-minute mark. With only two more victories needed to land their first trophy under Pochettino’s leadership, Chelsea were feeling the heat. However, last-minute heroics from substitute Chukwuemeka, aided by Palmer, shattered Enzo Maresca’s team.
Leicester, with Callum Doyle being sent off when the score was 2-2, had no choice but to draw inspiration from their fellow Championship promotion contenders, Leeds United, who had previously threatened to upset Chelsea in the fifth round. Despite their recent unstable form and depleting lead at the championship’s summit, Leicester were not easily intimidated.
Chelsea had no option but to bring their A-game, hosting a second-tier side for the third time in the ongoing tournament. Leicester showcased commitment to their distinctive style, with Harry Winks often falling back to initiate deep plays. This approach led to the creation of opportunities during the first half, with Patson Daka and Wout Faes missing potential goal-scoring chances.
Leicester’s lack of confidence shone through in critical areas. Notwithstanding their courageous effort, it became noticeable that many Leicester players were underperforming compared to Premier League standards. This was exemplified by Winks who was far away from his peak performance seen under Pochettino’s Tottenham in the Champions League final half a decade ago.
The Nigerian midfielder, Wilfried Ndidi, a vestige from a bygone era, was the only player from both squads to have featured in the victorious Leicester vs Chelsea match in the 2021 final. Faes and Jannik Vestergaard as the central back duo was something Maresca was not very at ease with.
In contrast, Pochettino put forward an offensive team, with a bolder set-up being necessitated due to a midfield suspension for Enzo Fernández, which required a deviation from the preferred 4-3-3 formation. Mykahilo Mudryk’s impressive goal against Newcastle was recognised with a position on the left. Sterling was firmly attached to Nicolas Jackson in the centre, helping Chelsea to an early 13-minute lead.
The scoring opportunity arose from a transition, initiated by a tackle on Abdul Fatawu by Moisés Caicedo in the vicinity of Chelsea’s goal. The ball was recirculated and Palmer set Jackson on a course down the right. Despite a one-on-one against Vestergaard, Jackson superseded the Danish player in physicality and agility. He then manoeuvred around him to pass the ball to Marc Cucurella who easily tapped it into a vacated net.
By contrast, Leicester’s right flank looked non-existent, with the positioning of Hamza Choudhury coming into question. Chelsea kept up the momentum, with Mudryk and Sterling posing a genuine threat.
However, a lack of thought would become Chelsea’s main handicap. There was a peculiar instance where Fatawu conceded a penalty due to a reckless tackle on Sterling. With five successful penalties to his name this season, it was unexpected to see Sterling seize the ball, especially when his attempt was so squarely aimed and easily saved by Jakub Stolarczyk, thus maintaining a 1-0 scoreline.
Perhaps Sterling felt the need to assert himself following another England overlook. However, one cannot claim he remains unseen. After a wasted opportunity where he shot away from the mark post being set free by Caicedo, he turned provider by setting up Palmer following a left-sided drive.
But for Chelsea, simplicity was not their preferred modus operandi. Six minutes into the second half, Disasi’s own goal brought about the needed chaos. Amply distanced from the net at 40 yards, the backliner erred when he felt Daka’s pressure, even with Sánchez, who himself didn’t look very convincing, incorrectly positioned far to the left of the goal, leaving the goalie with no means to avert the spinning goal.
Chelsea’s team dynamics dissolved. Disasi, whose ball allocation repeatedly failed to impress, found himself the subject of Leicester supporters’ goading, coaxing him to attempt a shot with every touch of the ball. As a result, Leicester assumed control of the match. No eyebrows were raised when Stephy Mavididi, emerging from the left flank, outpaced Malo Gusto and delivered a breath-taking shot past Sánchez.
Fuelled by their progressing dominance, Leicester eagerly recruited their third goal. In their fervour, however, they overstepped, overloading the front and opening themselves to a debilitating counter-attack. This opportune moment was seized by Jackson, who, after an impressive exhibition of skill, was fouled by Doyle just at the edge of the box. Following the sequence, referee Andrew Madley issued a penalty, which was shortly rescinded to a free-kick after consulting the pitchside monitor. Doyle received his marching orders for denying a clear scoring opportunity.
The Chelsea side was infuriated, and the home crowd channeled their anger towards Sterling for blasting the free-kick off target. Their frustration intensified when Mudryk was substituted for Chukwuemeka, leading to jeers and accusations of incompetence directed towards Pochettino.
Tensions were heightened when Sterling was eventually swapped out for Noni Madueke, launched onto the pitch with the urgent mandate to secure a last-minute victory. Meanwhile, Leicester, having introduced Conor Coady and James Justin, were preserving their energy. Stolarczyk pulled off a spectacular save from Caicedo, and Jackson squandered a golden opportunity.
Chelsea was granted a chance at salvation through eight added minutes. Chukwuemeka took charge, exchanging passes with Palmer for a quick penetration that Leicester failed to anticipate. Palmer’s skilful assist enabled Chukwuemeka to manoeuvre a successful shot.
High spirits returned when Madueke drove a beautiful curveball from 20 yards out, sealing Chelsea’s triumph. However, the victory was overshadowed by the earlier chaos of the game. – Guardian.