Chelsea          1 (Fernandez 23) ​

Leeds United  0

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26th April 2026. FA Cup Semi-Final, Wembley Stadium.

82,542.

 

It was a grand day out, but no prize. There wasn’t much to choose between these two teams, and when we remember just how much that Chelsea squad cost, that is quite a compliment for us. In fact, had we been more clinical with the two big chances we had, it might well have been a different story. Many things have changed with Leeds this season but one thing remains constant: we don't perform well at Wembley! 

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We’ve missed too many big chances this season along the way, and two more went begging today. Brenden Aaronson, early in the game, ought to have buried his, although Sanchez did well to get a big boot to that one, and then, in the second half, yet another great chance fell to Dom Calvert-Lewin. Not for the first time in recent weeks, he couldn’t find the net with a free header for both England and Leeds. If DCL can’t find the net a few times in these last few games, then, for me, I’d have to say he’s not up to the job. He flattered to deceive during that marvellous run of half a dozen games early in the season, but he’s just not been clinical enough before or since. He’s not winning enough balls in the air from clearances either.

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In between those big chances we missed, Chelsea seized on a slip by Pascal Struijk to move the ball quickly down the right, and a pinpoint cross was buried by Fernandez. One big chance taken against two missed, and that was the story of the game. Anton Stach stung the hands of Sanchez with a pile-driver late on, but it was too little too late by Leeds, and another Wembley appearance goes by with no win and no goals.

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Had Brenden scored early doors, I’m sure the game would have panned out differently. Once Chelsea got their noses in front, they then spent the rest of the game defending that lead with every game-killing, time-wasting, injury-feigning trick in the book. You could say it was a thoroughly professional job done by the Blues, but it ruined the game and made it a very scrappy affair. Chelsea might think they have turned a corner, having picked up a win after sacking Rosenior, but I wasn’t impressed one bit with their performance; let’s see what City do to them!

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As for Leeds, we still have work to do in the league, starting with another huge game on Friday night against already-relegated Burnley. Come on, Leeds, let's get our shooting boots on and get this Premier League job done so we can relax a bit for the final knockings of the season.

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