CHELSEA booked their place in the FA Cup final with a narrow 1-0 win over Leeds United on Sunday afternoon.
The Blues bounced back from after and got the job done thanks to ‘s first half finish.
Chelsea secured their spot in the FA Cup final after a narrow win over Leeds United Credit: Getty
It wasn’t plain sailing for Callum McFarlane’s men and easily could have pulled Leeds level midway through the second half.
But held on at Wembley to set up a final against ‘s on May 16.
Here’s how SunSport Chelsea Reporter Dan King rated each individual performance…
ROBERT SANCHEZ – 7
Excellent saves from Aaronson early in first half, then at start of second, were crucial.
Decent hold from DCL header, too. Apparent gamesmanship caused touchline handbags.
MALO GUSTO – 7
After early knock, took a while to get back to speed, but kept Okafor in check until Leeds man was taken off.
A good afternoon’s work as opponents rarely looked dangerous on his flank.
Malo Gusto put in a solid shift on the right flank as he kept Noah Okafor in check Credit: Getty
TREVOH CHALOBAH – 6
Mostly calm and solid in first half, but guilty of bad pass that led to Aaronson chance.
Brave in air but did not really have a lot to do for much of the game, like most of the Chelsea defence.
TOSIN ADARABIOYO – 6
Early slip left Aaronson in clear, rescued by his goalkeeper. But strong in air under Leeds high balls and made good block on Okafor.
Justified his selection with a steady display against limited Leeds.
Tosin Adarabioyo was strong in the air as he put in a steady display at Wembley Credit: Getty
MARC CUCURELLA – 6
No team news leak was already an improvement.
Decent defensively first half but not able to get forward as much as he would have liked. Dug in when he had to in the second.
ROMEO LAVIA – 6
Quietly efficient. Strong and kept it simple as Chelsea controlled midfield in first half.
Faded a little before going off in second half. Will be influential if the Blues can just keep him fit.
MOISES CAICEDO – 7
Lucky to avoid early booking but decent thereafter, playing in Garnacho for a good chance. Was on tightrope after yellow card for foul on Stach, but kept on keeping on, as usual.
PEDRO NETO – 7
Frequent first-half threat, always having the edge on Gabriel Gudmundsson even before crossing for Fernandez opener.
Not as effective after the break but helped Gusto out at other end.
Pedro Neto was a constant threat in the first half as he crossed for Fernandez’s opener Credit: Getty
ENZO FERNANDEZ – 8
Proper captain’s display. Found space everywhere, linked play, teed up and Pedro before heading Chelsea in front.
Set up Pedro again early in second half and never stopped.
Enzo Fernandez redeemed himself by netting the winner after being suspended by Chelsea Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Alejandro Garnacho missed the chance to impress after a weak display Credit: Getty
ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 3
Lack of form and confidence obvious, especially when failing to control fine first-half Fernandez pass.
Too weak in duels. This was his chance to be a hero but he couldn’t take it.
JOAO PEDRO – 7
Good comeback from injury. Started well, taking hits, winning headers and being a general nuisance.
Unlucky first-half shot hit post but didn’t go in, should have scored early in second. Bit leggy after break, understandably.
Joao Pedro was a nuisance to Leeds as hit hit the post but missed a good chance to score Credit: PA
SUBSTITUTES
ANDREY SANTOS (for Lavia, 66th minute) – 6
Did what Lavia had done, no frills, plenty of energy, tidying things up when required. Valuable contribution.
COLE PALMER (for Garnacho, 71st min) – 4
Silly booking for throwing ball away to delay a restart. Provided an outlet but not much more.
LIAM DELAP (for Pedro, 90+8 min) – N/A
No time to do anything but run a bit.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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