Ziyech Propels Tuchel Towards First Chelsea Trophy
For a game that was highly anticipated, it was a disappointing affair in the first semifinal clash of the FA Cup between Chelsea and Manchester City, moreso, a lacklustre performance on the night by Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola may as well rue his decision to rotate his team, starting the sensational Phil Foden from the bench and opting for a midfield partnership of Rodri and Fernandinho which has over time proven not to be productive, especially in the loss to their Manchester neighbours.
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Thomas Tuchel, having seen his side overcome FC Porto in the quarterfinal of the Champions League, decided to go for an attacking duo of Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech playing just behind him.
Both teams struggled to take hold of the game with several loose passes and uncoordinated play. It was no wonder they could both only manage just one shot on target in the first half.
Chelsea looked the better side even on a poor showing for both teams as Pep Guardiola's men looked a shadow of themselves.
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Mason Mount, who has been heavily involved for both Chelsea and England this season, was once again at the heart of the making, when his defence-splitting pass freed Timo Werner who raced on to play a square ball into Hakim Ziyech, who had to dig back to drag a tap into the back of the net.
This turned out to be the only goal of the game as Man City were unable to bring out any magic from their box. It ends their hope of a quadruple this season. Their attention would now be drawn to their Carabao Cup final against Tottenham, next weekend.
Chelsea have now reached two consecutive FA Cup finals, having lost 2-1 to Arsenal in last year's edition.