Manchester City edged past Chelsea to reach the FA Cup final with a 1-0 win, as Chelsea controlled much of the game but failed to convert their chances. Bernardo Silva's late goal ultimately sealed the Blues' fate, sending City through to the final.
Manchester City edged past Chelsea to reach the FA Cup final with a 1-0 win, as Chelsea controlled much of the game but failed to convert their chances. Bernardo Silva's late goal ultimately sealed the Blues' fate, sending City through to the final. The victory was a crucial rebound for City after their Champions League disappointment, keeping their hopes of achieving an FA Cup and Premier League double alive.
Bernardo Silva's late goal helped Manchester City retain their chance of winning the domestic double after Pep Guardiola's side secured a 1-0 victory against Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final.
Following their midweek exit from the Champions League on penalties against Real Madrid, which dashed their hopes for consecutive trebles, Guardiola's team—without the injured Erling Haaland—found it challenging to establish a consistent rhythm throughout 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 felt aggrieved when Cole Palmer's free-kick struck the hand of Jack Grealish, but referee Michael Oliver dismissed their appeals for a penalty. VAR reviewed the incident and upheld the on-field decision, leading to visible frustration from Pochettino and his players.
VAR officials concluded that Grealish should not be penalized for the handball because he was attempting to make his body smaller as Palmer's free-kick approached him.
In his post-match press conference, Pochettino hinted that he felt his side should have had a spot kick.
