Chelsea edge Leeds as Fernandez and Sanchez star
Streetwise Chelsea edge Leeds 1-0 at Wembley as Enzo Fernandez heads winner. McFarlane’s tweaks bring intensity and a rare clean sheet, Tosin starts over Fofana, and £60m Joao Pedro proves a focal point.
McFarlane benched in-form Jorrel Hato to start Tosin Adarabioyo for height against Leeds’ aerial threat and set pieces. Tosin impressed as Chelsea kept a clean sheet in the 1-0 Wembley win over Leeds.
Robert Sanchez, rated 9/10 and described as ‘world-class’, says Chelsea can beat Man City if they perform like vs Leeds after his key saves and clean sheet under McFarlane.
After the 1-0 FA Cup win over Leeds, Calum McFarlane hails Enzo Fernandez’s fight, praises Lavia and Caicedo, explains using Sanchez to go direct, and says Chelsea can raise their level against Man City.
Trevoh Chalobah says Chelsea’s players must ‘take responsibility’ for the slump after Liam Rosenior’s sacking, despite the FA Cup semifinal win over Leeds, and insists European qualification is essential.
Agent says Nicolas Jackson will return from Bayern after loan, with ‘trust the process’ message. Chelsea already have Joao Pedro, Delap and Emegha, so his Stamford Bridge future remains uncertain.
A Bola’s Fernando Urbano warns Geovany Quenda’s Chelsea move enters a ‘close to chaos’ setup, citing instability and a crowded squad, though he concedes the 18-year-old’s talent and upside if he adapts.
Chelsea eye managerial options after Rosenior’s sacking, with a Tuchel-like candidate now ‘keen’ on the job amid the club’s goal struggles.
Behdad Eghbali and ex-Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel were seen near each other at Wembley during the 1-0 Leeds win, with Tuchel present as England manager amid Chelsea’s search for Rosenior’s successor.
Fernandez’s header ends Chelsea’s goal drought and sends them to the FA Cup final. Joao Pedro shines, a rare clean sheet arrives despite absences, though a shaky second half let Leeds grow.
