Manchester City progressed to the final of the FA Cup on Saturday courtesy of a 1-0 semi-final victory over Chelsea.
Three days on from that physically and mentally draining night against Real Madrid, City looked jaded at Wembley and were far from their best. But, having ridden their luck in the first hour, Bernardo Silva popped up with the only goal of the game in the 84th minute to ensure his side will be back at Wembley in five weeks’ time.
The FA Cup holders were limited to half chances in the first half and lacked fluidity and poise in possession. Chelsea were the better side and Nicolas Jackson’s runs in behind offered a regular threat for Mauricio Pochettino’s men. The Senegalese forward forced Stefan Ortega into a save following a quick break in the seventh minute, while Cole Palmer also tested his former team-mate after he bypassed Rodri and curled towards the bottom corner.
City got away with another dangerous moment early in the second half when Jackson failed to capitalise on a one-on-one chance, seconds before his header from close range was swotted away by Ortega.
It took until the 53rd minute for City to test Dorde Petrovic, with Phil Foden’s strike inside the box palmed wide by the Chelsea keeper.
Jeremy Doku’s introduction added an extra attacking threat, and the winger drove past Malo Gusto and saw his shot saved by the feet of Petrovic as the game entered the final quarter. Having been second best for the first 70 minutes, it was City who ended the game on top, and managed to find the decisive moment late on.
Kevin De Bruyne got in behind the Chelsea back four and fired a cross into the box, which flicked off Petrovic’s foot and into the path of Silva at the back post. The Portugal international’s left-foot shot deflected off the sliding Marc Cucurella and squeezed into the back of the net, to leave City’s hopes of a consecutive league and cup double in tact.
Here’s how we rated the players...
1. Stefan Ortega- 7
Made some good stops to deny Jackson in what was another good display from the stand-in stopper.
2. Kyle Walker- 6
Had some awkward defensive moments early on, but few of Chelsea's attacks came down Walker's flank over the 90 minutes. His recovery run midway through the second half also thwarted a Jackson breakaway.
3. John Stones- 5 (off 46)
Made an important block to stop Madueke, but overall wasn't at his best. Stones found it tough to contain Jackson's runs in behind.
4. Manuel Akanji- 6
Surprisingly pushed into midfield rather than Stones. Akanji had mixed results in that role but improved as the game continued.