Chelsea have done it
If this proves to be Antonio Conte’s final act as Chelsea manager, it was certainly a memorable one, as the Blues held on to edge a gripping FA Cup final against Manchester United at Wembley.
United pressed for an equaliser in the second half but Eden Hazard’s first-half penalty proved the difference as Conte got one over on his nemesis, Jose Mourinho.
Here are our player ratings for the game.
Chelsea – Rated by Matt Gault
Thibaut Courtois – 8
A virtual spectator in the first-half, with the exception of claiming a couple of crosses, the Belgian was called into action to beat away Rashford’s effort ten minutes after the interval. Just after the hour mark, he did brilliantly to keep out Phil Jones’ header at full-stretch. Courtois then produced a wonderful piece of goalkeeping to deny Rashford again, racing off his line and spreading himself brilliantly to block the striker’s effort in a one-on-one.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 7
Chelsea’s model of consistency, Azpilicueta was once again rock-solid and encountered few problems up against Marcus Rashford. Unquestionably the unsung hero of this Chelsea side, the Spaniard has missed just a single game over the last two seasons.
Gary Cahill – 7
Led Chelsea’s defence with conviction to get Chelsea over the finish line, especially when United penned the Blues back for much of the second half. However, he was nowhere to be seen when Pogba was allowed a free header from a corner barely six yards out. Thankfully for Cahill and the Chelsea defence, however, the Frenchman directed it wide.
Antonio Rudiger – 8
Very impressive. Powerful, quick and organised, the German looks to have fully settled in the Chelsea back-line after a slow start to his first season in England. Neutralised United’s threat and showed composure on the ball, often producing fine, searching balls upfield to an often-available Hazard.
Hazard will take the plaudits, perhaps deservedly, but this was an immense performance by Rudiger.
Victor Moses – 5
Had his hands full with Ashley Young, who dropped a shoulder to beat the Nigerian on a few occasions. Not naturally a defender, of course, Moses seemed the weak link in an otherwise impenetrable Chelsea back-line, and it was a reflection of United’s lack of ruthlessness, especially in the early stages, that they failed to expose him.
Cesc Fabregas – 7
The Spaniard was selected for his powers of invention and he duly delivered, finding Hazard with an incisive pass to set the Belgian on his way. Was forced to fulfill his defensive duties as United pressed in the second half but he did so diligently.
N’Golo Kante – 7
Typically extremely effective in retrieving possession, particularly early on, the Frenchman refused to let United settle into any discernible rhythm in midfield, winning six tackles in total. Kante showed his ability to break through the middle with wonderful poise, too, when he cantered straight through the heart of United’s defence before setting up Alonso. Yet another masterful midfield performance to add to his extensive portfolio.
Tiemoue Bakayoko – 6
The powerful midfielder tried to claim a penalty when he collided with Matic in the penalty area but Michael Oliver wasn’t interested. Like Rudiger, Bakayoko has had his struggles this season but did not look short on confidence here, full of aggressive running and sharp passing.
Marcos Alonso – 6
An enterprising outlet on the left, the Spaniard combined well with Hazard at times and caused United problems but spurned an absolutely glorious chance to make it two, blasting an effort straight at De Gea having been played in by Kante.
Eden Hazard – 8
Playing in his 300th Chelsea game, the Belgian looked dangerous early on and forced a smart save from De Gea at his near post having beaten Jones. That turned out to be an omen as Hazard tore past the England defender on his way to winning a penalty when Jones scythed him down in desperation.
Hazard’s gossamer first touch to kill Fabregas’ pass was sublime, too, and, to the surprise of nobody inside Wembley, the Blues forward coolly stroked the spot-kick past De Gea.
The match-winner and man of the match.
Eden Hazard scores his 89th goal for Chelsea on his 300th appearance for the club across all competitions.
Cool as you like. ❄️ pic.twitter.com/jKeTdUG2Rl
— Squawka (@Squawka) May 19, 2018
Olivier Giroud – 5
The Frenchman’s effective performances of late convinced Conte to give him the nod ahead of Alvaro Morata but he was strangely subdued as Hazard ran the show. Ultimately, it didn’t matter as the former Arsenal forward picked up his fourth FA Cup winners’ medal.
Manchester United – Rated by Robert Redmond
David de Gea – 6
De Gea made a decent stop from Hazard in the first-half, a key save from an Alonso shot in the second-half but could do little to stop Hazard’s penalty.
Antonio Valencia – 5.5
He wasn’t as impressive as United’s other full-back but got forward when possible. This often left space for Chelsea to exploit behind him, but United and Valencia had no option but to chase the game after Hazard’s goal.
Chris Smalling – 7
Smalling won several aerial challenges against Giroud in the first-half and was aware of his limitations on the ball, keeping it simple with his passing. He made one particularly impressive challenge on Hazard in the second-half, and on today’s evidence, will be wondering why he’s not in the England World Cup squad instead of Jones.
Phil Jones – 4
He attempted a desperate lunge on Eden Hazard and inevitably gifted Chelsea a penalty, which Hazard dispatched. Jones was also poor in possession and a bag of nerves alongside Smalling at the back for United.
Ashley Young – 6.5
Young pushed on following Chelsea’s goal and got the better of Moses in their personal duel on the flank.
Nemanja Matic – 6.5
The midfielder was arguably United’s best player in the first-half, his passing was accurate and he provided a defensive shield for his team attempted to mount a siege of Chelsea’s goal.
Ander Herrera – 6
He had little effect on the game in the first-half, but improved after the break. Herrera was neat in possession and played some incisive passes. With Hazard getting the only goal of the game, it could be argued that Herrera fell short in his task to man-mark the Chelsea forward – a tactic that is admittedly archaic in modern football.
Paul Pogba – 5.5
He struggled to impose himself on the match in the opening period and found himself dropping deeper and deeper to find space. Pogba played some nice passes and was involved in United’s most threatening moments in the match. But he missed a huge chance in the final minutes, scuffing a header wide when it was more difficult to miss the target.
Jesse Lingard – 5
Lingard’s movement was sharp, but his teammates failed to link up with him, often choosing to pass it long and sideways, rather than try break the lines. As the game went on, he drifted further and further to the margins.
Alexis Sanchez – 4
Anonymous in the first-half – making just 11 passes – and didn’t particularly improve after the break. Young got the better of Moses throughout the match and Pogba found himself drifting to United’s left. There was scope for the pair to link up with Sanchez and exploit Chelsea’s weak-link, but it never materialised. At times, Sanchez played as though his teammates were strangers.
Marcus Rashford – 4
The United striker put in a frustrating performance. With Chelsea sitting-off United, Rashford dropped deep and wide to collect the ball and often ran down blind alleys when in possession. The England forward did little to convince Mourinho that he warrants a starting spot, and he didn’t provide the focal point in United’s forward line that the team lacked in the first-half. His final ball was often lacking.
Substitutes
Romelu Lukaku – N/A
He wasn’t on long enough, or involved enough, to rate.
Anthony Martial – N/A
He looked lively when he came on the final minutes and could possibly have had an impact against Moses if brought on sooner.
Juan Mata – N/A
Not on long enough to rate.
