Chelsea booked their place in a third consecutive FA Cup final here on Sunday at the Webley. The Blues defeated Crystal Palace 2-0 to enter the final which will be held on 14th May. Goals from Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Mason Mount ensured Chelsea’s progress through the semis. Thomas Tuchel’s men will now play a repeat of this season’s League Cup final in the FA Cup final against Liverpool. Here are our Chelsea player ratings from their win.
Crystal Palace were the first who came close. Kouyate struck a perfect first-time volley from the edge of the box, which was parried away by Edouard Mendy. Kai Havertz then tried to win a penalty just before the break, going down in the box. However, the referee had a clear vision that the German attempted a dive and was subsequently booked.
The Second-half saw Chelsea getting closer to the Palace goal. And finally, the breakthrough came with Ruben Loftus-Cheek scoring for Chelsea. A deflected cut-back from Kai Havertz was slashed in by Loftus-Cheek, giving no chance to Jack Butland. Palace then went for an all-out attack, committing almost everybody upfront. However, their move backfired as Chelsea clinched their second to put the tie to bed.
A counter-attack started by Chelsea saw Timo Werner and Mason Mount exchange some slick passes. Mount slotted the ball in the far corner, to score a similar goal he bagged against Real. But Crystal Palace had to pay for their missed chances as their dream of making it to the Cup final ended with the final whistle. The players ratings for Chelsea are as follows.
Chelsea player ratings: Backline
Edouard Mendy- 7/10
The Senegalese was solid between the sticks. A couple of vigilant saves and fends off the threatening crosses from Palace.
Reece James- 7/10
Though played at the back-three, Reece James chipped in with ample attacking threat. Moreover, contained the pacey Wilfried Zaha as well.
Andreas Christensen- 8/10
A really dominating and imposing performance from the Dane. Pressed well and even provided a key pass.
Antonio Rudiger- 7/10
A rather uneventful game for Rudiger on the left side of the defence. However, he continued with his strides up front, attempting a couple of shots from way outside of the box.
Midfield
Cesar Azpilicueta- 6/10
The captain came up with more of a defensive performance despite playing ahead of James. But Azpilicueta’s defensive display was more than solid as he won 100% of his aerial duels.
Jorginho- 5/10
Jorginho was caught off-the-pace at times but recovered well as the game progressed. Some decent defensive efforts in the second half helped Chelsea dominate the middle of the park.
Mateo Kovacic- N/A
A disappointing game for Kovacic who was looking brilliant before sustaining an injury in the 26th minute which forced him off.
Marcos Alonso- 5/10
A lot was expected from the full-back who put in a defying performance at the Bernabeu. However, a complete opposite Alonso was on display. Much lower ratings for the Spaniard among Chelsea players who started the game.
Attack
Timo Werner- 7/10
A game of two halves for the forward. Werner was kept quiet in the first 45 minutes but came back energized in the second 45. Cheekily set up Mount for Chelsea’s second goal and even would have bagged another assist only for Lukaku to miss this time.
Kai Havertz- 6/10
Horrible tactics in the first half, diving to win a penalty. However, couldn’t fool the referee and rather earned a yellow. But made amends in the second half, assisting the opener.
Mason Mount- 7/10
The academy graduate struggled in early exchanges. But got into the game with a clinical goal, which was also for the third consecutive time he was on the score-sheet for the Blues; a first time for him.
Substitutes
Ruben Loftus-Cheek- 8/10
Came-on for Kovacic in the 26th minute. Loftus-Cheek simply tops our ratings for Chelsea players. Gave the Blues lead with a powerful punch from Havertz cut-back. Moreover, finished the game with 100% success in dribbles, tackles, and long-balls.
Hakim Ziyech- 5/10
Came-on for Mount in the 77th minute. Should have got his name on the score sheet.
Romelu Lukaku- 4/10
Came-on for Havertz in the 77th minute. Missed a sitter (as usual). Unfortunately, Lukaku is getting more regular at missing than scoring.
N’Golo Kante- 5/10
Came-on for Jorginho in the 77th minute. Kante was rested with the responsibility of seeing off the game, and he did exactly the same.
Thiago Silva- N/A
Came-on for Christensen in the 82nd minute.
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