Some say the FA Cup had lost its spark in recent years. However, no one told the fans at Stamford Bridge as they produced an incredible atmosphere. Both teams find themselves at a crossroads in their respective seasons. While the FA Cup isn’t paramount to either of these clubs, a loss here would have been a setback nonetheless.
Lifeless Chelsea Brushed Aside By Manchester United
Early Action
Battle of the Midfield
It seemed to be a case of whichever midfield could outwork each other would come out on top. United’s midfield did that in the first half and looked sharper as two of their midfield three scored before half-time.
It was the same old problem for Chelsea’s usual midfield three, neither player threatening the United goal or even creating many clear cut chances. It is a problem that continues to raise its ugly head as Chelsea really lack that goalscoring midfielder that they so desperately crave. Pogba’s performance really showed what Chelsea are missing.
Herrera and Pogba Strike
The deadlock was broken after the half hour mark as Pogba continued his good form with a searching ball to the back post. Herrera applied the finish from five yards as Marcos Alonso had lost his man, losing track of the runner as he was distracted by Marcus Rashford’s run.
In the second half, United sat off but showed their organisation as Chelsea struggled to create any real chances. Whilst Chelsea hadn’t played badly, United restricted Chelsea to so few chances.
What Does This Mean For Sarri?
On the other hand, United were organised and determined and perhaps put their best performance in of the season so far. A real team performance in which they completely stopped Chelsea playing.
Their star man again was the World Cup winner Paul Pogba. He is currently in his best patch of form in a United shirt, earning another goal and an assist, meaning he’s been involved in 15 goals in his last 12 appearances. United power on in the cup as Chelsea head into the Carabao Cup final on Sunday in a state of crisis. United were too good on the night and deservedly went through.
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