Chelsea took the game to Manchester City but eventually lost 1-0 in the semi-final of this season’s FA Cup. With 80,902 fans packed in at Wembley, the 2021 Champions League winners were brave and created the best goal-scoring opportunities in the game, but City broke deep blue hearts in the second half thanks to a Bernado Silva strike.
Chelsea’s star man Cole Palmer had a strapping on his left thigh, but that did not dim his performance as he looked dangerous whenever he was on the ball. He linked up superbly with the brilliant Nicolas Jackson who at one point rounded off Stefan Ortega but just didn't trust his left foot enough to apply the finishing touch.
Manchester City certainly had the lion's share of possession in that first half but Chelsea more than held their own in the chilly spring weather at Wembley. Mauricio Pochettino’s side were winning their battles and looked sharper and more committed.
The same tune played out for large parts of the second half, Jackson again causing problems with his runs from deep. Manchester City played 120 minutes in midweek and suffered a draining defeat so as the game travelled on, their legs gave way with Chelsea stretching the backline.
But when their legs go their quality increases and in one of those moves where they pass the ball wide and cut it back, Silva slammed home the goal that would eventually condemn Chelsea to another defeat at Wembley.
Chelsea were brave but fell short in the end, with Palmer collapsing into the ground at the final whistle, below is how we rated the Chelsea players out there.
1. Djordje Petrovic-5
Brilliant goalkeeping to force Foden wide in that first half. Looked incredibly confident. Not much he could do about the goal he conceded. | AFP via Getty Images
2. Trevoh Chalobah -6
For some one reports say has no future at the club, he's certainly played his way to potential suitors. Tackled incredibly well and won most of his headers. Unlucky to be on the losing side. | Getty Images
3. Thiago Silva- 7
Organised the backline very well. Then timed his tackles to perfection in a game of very high intensity. Fair to say he's worked his way back into the the starting eleven. | AFP via Getty Images
4. Marc Cucurella-6
Had the difficult job of keeping an eye on Bernardo Silva, fair to say he held his own. | AFP via Getty Images