Bernardo Silva made amends for his midweek penalty miss as holders Manchester City returned to the FA Cup final with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Chelsea.
Bernardo Silva fluffed his lines badly as Man City were agonizingly knocked out of the UEFA Champions League on penalties by Real Madrid on Wednesday, but he was the match-winner as they bounced back at Wembley.
Silva headed home the only goal in a tight encounter six minutes from time to keep alive City’s hopes of retaining the domestic double.
Chelsea were made to regret missing a number of chances, with Nicolas Jackson particularly to blame, in what turned out to be a bad day for the Senegalese forward in front of goal. The Londoners were also disappointed that they were not awarded a penalty.
Manchester City were not at their best without the injured Erling Haaland – perhaps still feeling the effects of a grueling encounter with Real Madrid. With former City midfielder Cole Palmer, Chelsea made the most of it.
Palmer played in Jackson early, but his shot was too easy for Stefano Ortega. City’s first chance came when Kevin De Bruyne slipped Phil Foden an inch-perfect pass, but he went too far to round Djordje Petrovic and Chelsea escaped.
There was a huge disappointment for Pep Guardiola’s side when Jackson pounced in front of Enzo Fernandez’s long ball. Jackson only had to beat Ortega, but he hesitated at the edge of the box and couldn’t shoot or go around the goalkeeper.
Manchester City were caught out again when Malo Gusto made a run down the right but couldn’t find Jackson in the middle. Palmer also carved out a chance for himself with some neat footwork, but he couldn’t get any power on his shot.
At the other end, Marc Cucurella cleared the line after Silva got on the end of Jack Grealish’s cross, but the flag was then raised.
Jackson failed to deliver again early in the second half after breaking free in the area but tamely shot at Ortega. The ball came back to him as Palmer whipped in a cross but his header was weak and straight at Ortega.
Manchester City had another release when Palmer’s free-kick hit Grealish’s arm. Referee Michael Oliver missed the contact and Chelsea’s frustration at not being awarded a penalty added to the referee awarding a keeper kick.
Jackson also wanted a point kick after going down after a race with Kyle Walker but got none.
Jack Grealish suffered a heavy knock to the knee in a challenge from Felipe Caicedo and was taken off moments later. The England international expressed his frustration to the officials as he left the pitch, perhaps hinting that Caicedo – already on booking – should be dealt with more severely.
Jack Grealish’s substitute Jeremy Doku made a lively entrance and immediately tested Petrovic.
As time wore on, the game became a test of City’s resolve and a lively Doku made a noticeable difference.
He got involved when the deadlock was finally broken, playing fellow Belgian De Bruyne with a clever ball. De Bruyne pulled the ball back across goal and the run took it into the path of Silva, who made no mistake.
It was a sweet moment for the Portuguese, who celebrated vigorously in relief and joy. There was no turning back for Chelsea as City, befitting their champion status, held on.
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