A logical victory on paper but (very) difficult in reality. Manchester City won this Saturday afternoon at Wembley, against Chelsea (1-0), in the semi-finals of the FA Cup, at the end of a match that was as open as it was intense and particularly indecisive. From the start of the match, the Citizens – as usual – put their foot on the ball, looking for gaps on the wings or between the lines. A strategy which allowed them to obtain some clear situations in the first half, in particular through Phil Foden (13th), aligned in the axis unlike Wednesday in the Champions League. Insufficient despite everything to deceive the vigilance of Dorde Petrovic. And in reality, it was the Blues who were the most dangerous in the first act, thanks to their speed in defensive-offensive transitions. Nicolas Jackson had several opportunities to open the scoring but the Senegalese lacked spontaneity and sometimes precision in finishing (7th, 30th). It is therefore quite natural that the two teams returned to the locker room with a parity score.
After the break, we saw the same thing: Manchester City tried to control the game and Chelsea tried to take advantage of the spaces left by the Skyblues on the counter-attacks. The opportunities have multiplied. Nicolas Jackson had an incredible double situation shortly after half-time (49th) but (again) lacked realism while Phil Foden did not come far from beating the Blues goalkeeper with a spontaneous left-footed strike in the penalty area (53rd). The match began to swing in favor of Pep Guardiola's men when Jérémy Doku replaced Jack Grealish on the left side (66th). Twirling, as often, the Belgian made big differences thanks to his speed, his dribbling and his good choices. And it is from him that deliverance for the Citizens came. In the 84th minute of play, on the left side, the ex-Rennais served Kevin De Bruyne perfectly in the penalty area. The Belgian, without thinking, tried to find a partner. His cross was deflected by Dorde Petrovic but Bernardo Silva, alone at the far post, inherited the ball and was able to adjust the Chelsea goalkeeper to open the score...and give victory to his team. Manchester City are therefore qualified for the FA Cup final, which will take place on May 25. Kyle Walker and his partners will face the winner of the Coventry City-Manchester United match.