Bernardo Silva’s late strike saw FA Cup holders reach final again
Reeling from their midweek Champions League exit on penalties at the hands of Real Madrid, which ended their hopes of back-to-back trebles, Guardiola’s side, who were without the injured Erling Haaland, struggled for rhythm for much of the game.
Chelsea were the team on the front foot at Wembley and in the end, they were made to pay for a host of missed chances. Nicolas Jackson was the main culprit as he was denied twice in quick succession by goalkeeper Stefan Ortega early in the second half.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side were also denied a penalty when Cole Palmer’s free-kick struck the hand of Jack Grealish. Referee Michael Oliver waved away the appeals before VAR stuck with the on-field decision, much to the bemusement of Pochettino and his players.
It is understood VAR officials decided not to punish Grealish for the handball because he was trying to make his body smaller as Palmer’s free-kick came towards him.
In his post-match press conference, Pochettino hinted that he felt his side should have had a spot kick.
With extra-time looming, the breakthrough came. Silva, who made amends for his midweek penalty miss in the shootout against Real Madrid, converted Kevin De Bruyne’s cross at the back post to get City over the line and to keep their FA Cup defence on track.
They will be back at Wembley for their second successive FA Cup final on Saturday May 25 to face either Manchester United or Coventry, who face off in the other semi-final at Wembley on Sunday.
Source – Man City 1 – 0 Chelsea – Match Report & Highlights (skysports.com)
