Three Chelsea players given 8/10 ratings, including ‘terrific’ star after bang average FA Cup triumph

Chelsea were far from their best as they beat Leeds United 1-0 to reach the FA Cup final on Sunday.

However, talkSPORT’s Adrian Durham has picked out a trio of standout performers at Wembley Stadium.

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Enzo Fernandez’s first half strike proved to be the difference between the two sides.

Calum McFarlane’s side will now take on Manchester City in the showpiece clash on Saturday May 16.

The win came in Chelsea’s first match since Liam Rosenior was sacked, with McFarlane now in charge until the end of the season.

His handling of the tie stood out as Chelsea reached their first FA Cup final since 2022.

Fernandez excelled in the Chelsea midfielder, with Robert Sanchez and Joao Pedro also impressing for the Blues.

‘Exactly what Chelsea needed’

Pedro’s display in attack provided Chelsea with exactly what they needed on a difficult afternoon against Leeds.

The Brazilian was a constant threat for the opposition as he caused problems for the defence.

A terrific performance saw Pedro hold the ball up and win free-kicks as he provided an outlet for the Blues.

He also played a key role in the winning goal having won the ball back inside the Leeds half. Pedro then played the ball to Pedro Neto, who crossed for Fernandez to score.

On Pedro’s performance, Durham said: “He led the line superbly, caused problems, held it up, won free-kicks. A terrific striker’s performance, he did exactly what Chelsea needed him to do.”

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Safe hands

At the opposite end, Sanchez was required to keep Leeds out on more than one occasion.

Despite the match’s lack of quality, Daniel Farke’s side did create several chances to score.

However, Sanchez was on hand to deny them, including a save from Anton Stach on the edge of the box.

The Spaniard’s kicking also impressed, with his long ball kickstarting the move which led to the winning goal.

Sanchez benefitted from not being pressed effectively by Leeds, according to talkSPORT’s Adrian Durham.

Discussing the goalkeeper’s performance, he said: “He’s taken a lot of stick, and rightly so, but this was better. Amazed Leeds didn’t press him.”

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Chelsea will now face City following Pep Guardiola’s side’s dramatic 2-1 win over Southampton on Saturday evening.

The final will be the first time Chelsea and City have met at that stage of the competition.

Chelsea have failed to win any of their last 13 meetings, with their last competitive victory over City in the 2021 Champions League final.