FA Cup: 1-0 to Manchester City over Chelsea
Manchester City owes their remittance to the FA Cup finals to Bernardo Silva, who compensated for his midweek penalty miss with a 1-0 triumph over Chelsea. Despite a bitter dismissal from the Champions League due to a penalty round with Real Madrid, Silva’s decisive strike marked a rejuvenating comeback at Wembley. The Portugal-native netted a solitary goal during the final moments of a strenuous match, thus keeping alive the dream of a consecutive domestic double for City.
In contrast, Chelsea was left regretting multiple missed opportunities, with Nicolas Jackson being particularly accountable for a lacklustre performance in front of the goal. The team’s frustration magnified over a neglected penalty appeal despite their numerous attempts on goal.
An injury-ridden Manchester City, missing the pivotal Erling Haaland, struggled to regain their top form, possibly due to the drain from their recent clash with Real. Chelsea found their stride courtesy of ex-City midfielder Cole Palmer, who utilised an early opportunity with Jackson, only for the latter’s shot to be easily combated by Stefan Ortega.
City tasted their first chance with Kevin De Bruyne feeding an impeccable pass to Phil Foden, whose skewed approach allowed Chelsea to slip. However, a hefty reprieve came City’s way when Petrovic missed a clear shot on Ortega, resulting from an Enzo Fernandez long ball.
The Londoners’ frustration mounted as a missed pivotal penalty saw them fail to capitalise on a Palmer-induced free-kick, which hit Grealish’s arm. Referee Michael Oliver didn’t spot the contact, aggravating Chelsea’s dismay by rewarding a goalkick to City. The game thus concluded with a hard-won 1-0 victory for Manchester City.
Jackson was denied a penalty when he fell during a tussle with Kyle Walker. Following a harsh tackle from Felipe Caicedo, Grealish was forced to leave the pitch, visibly upset and hinting that Caicedo, who was already cautioned, should have been penalised more severely.
Taking the place of Grealish, Jeremy Doku made an energetic debut, immediately putting Petrovic to the test.
As the game progressed, City were pushed to their limits with Doku making a critical impact. Offered a role in the determining moment of the game, Doku passed a smart ball to his fellow countryman De Bruyne. De Bruyne veered the ball towards the goal and after hitting a deflection, it found its way to Silva who skilfully netted it.
Portuguese Silva then revelled in his triumphant moment, celebrating ebulliently out of a blend of relief and joy.
With City’s triumph in sight as well as their champion-like performance, Chelsea stood no chance of return.