Chelsea overcame a stubborn Crystal Palace side to book their place in the FA cup final, winning 2-0. Chelsea will face Liverpool, a rematch of the Carabao Cup final earlier this season. Goals from Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Mason Mount in the second half secured the win for Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Edouard Mendy- 7/10 :
A solid performance from Chelsea’s shot stopper. He spent large parts of the game uninvolved, but made a good save to deny Kouyaté’s dangerous strike.
Reece James- 8/10 :
Another solid performance from James playing at right centre back. Neutralised Crystal Palace’s main threat in Wilfred Zaha throughout the first half, and the dangerous attacker switched sides in the second 45 to avoid James, testament to his defensive ability.
Andreas Christensen- 7/10 :
The man who seems destined to head to Barcelona at the end of the season has faced criticism for his last few performances. He showed his defensive ability, however, in the FA cup semi final, making a few key interceptions, and controlling the back line well.
Antonio Rudiger- 7/10 :
A typical Antonio Rudiger performance. Aggressive defending, a speculative long shot, and a clean sheet. Winning the ball high up the field for Chelsea’s second goal capped off a solid performance for the German.
César Azpilicueta- 7/10 :
Chelsea’s club captain saw himself playing further forward than perhaps he has become accustomed too during his career. His creative ability might not match that of Reece James, but his tenacity cannot be questioned. A tackle on the edge of the Crystal Palace box on Mitchell won the ball in the build up to Chelsea’s opener.
Marcos Alonso- 6/10 :
A quiet performance from the Spaniard, which for Alonso is not necessarily a bad thing. Was not involved in the attacking third as much as he would have liked, but kept things tidy in defence.
Jorginho- 5/10 :
A player who divides opinion in the Chelsea fan base showed his weakness in the first half. Thomas Tuchel took particular issue with the Italian’s slow use of the ball, screaming at Jorginho after he was caught in possession leaving Chelsea’s back three exposed. Improved well in the second half, and as a result Chelsea’s entire team play improved.
Mateo Kovačić- 6/10 :
An unfortunate afternoon for the Croatian, who was forced off the field after only 25 minutes played with an injury to his ankle area. Chelsea’s midfielder looked in some discomfort as he left the pitch.
Timo Werner- 8/10 :
Chelsea’s biggest threat in the game. His runs in behind were Palace’s only concern in the first half. Got a crucial assist to secure 2-0 for Chelsea, and should have had another when he put the ball on a plate for Lukaku. His finishing was slightly lacking, but more promising signs of improvement for the German.
Kai Havertz- 5/10 :
Havertz struggled to impose himself in the game today. He was very quiet in the first half, and only managed one shot on target in the entire 90 minutes. An embarrassing dive, for which he was booked, was the highlight of the 22 year-old’s game.
Mason Mount- 7/10 :
The man who has been in the goals in the last two games, got another crucial one today. Mount had a quiet first half, but a tidy finish to seal the game for Chelsea means the Englishman continues to have an impressive season.
Subs :
Ruben Loftus-Cheek- 8/10 :
What a moment for Loftus-Cheek, who scored a fantastic goal to open the scoring for Chelsea. His first goal in three years for the Blues, Ruben made the most of his opportunity when he came on due to Kovačić’s injury early in the first half. A couple of driving runs were reminiscent of pre-injury Ruben, and he will look to continue this form as the season comes to an end.
Romelu Lukaku- 5/10 :
He didn’t have long to make an impact, but he managed it in all the wrong ways. His movement was poor, as Werner and Ziyech put balls into the six-yard box, with Lukaku nowhere to be seen. Hitting the post from an open goal put on a plate by Werner, means doubts will continue to be raised about the Belgian’s future.
Hakim Ziyech- 6/10 :
Coming on after Mount put Chelsea 2-0 up, Ziyech managed some decent passes, without doing anything spectacular. He really should have scored after Lukaku’s effort that struck the post rebounded to him.
N’golo Kante- N/A
Thiago Silva- N/A
Thomas Tuchel- 8/10
Chelsea’s head coach will be glad his side have made it through to the FA cup final, after their Champions League exit earlier this week. Sticking with Werner in attack, and Reece James in right centre back paid off. After a subpar first half, the Blues controlled the game in the second half, and Tuchel will be eager for revenge against the team that beat them in the Carabao Cup final earlier this season.
