Chelsea booked their place in a thirteenth FA Cup final with a 2-0 win over Southampton at Wembley. Second half goals from Olivier Giroud and Alvaro Morata helped Antonio Conte’s side reach the final of the competition. The Blues reached the final last season under the Italian but were 2-1 losers to Arsenal. Chelsea will be hoping that history won’t repeat itself, as they host Manchester United in next month’s final. Here’s who impressed in Chelsea’s 2-1 semi-final with over Southampton.
Willy Caballero – 7
Kept his place as Chelsea’s FA Cup goalkeeper, and repaid the faith by keeping a clean sheet. Made a brilliant save from Redmond, and was perhaps lucky to be given a free kick.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 7
Added another assist to his collection this season. His great cross to compatriot Morata gave him an easy header for 2-0.
Gary Cahill – 7
The Englishman has struggled for form this season, but he is putting some decent performances in time for the World Cup.
Antonio Rudiger – 7
Kept Charlie Austin quiet for the majority of the game. Dependable at the back, as usual.
Victor Moses – 6
Didn’t influence the game too much, but was still promising in both areas of the pitch as he coped well attacking-wise and defensively.
Cesc Fabregas – 6
Not the usual performance from Fabregas, who lacked his killer pass. Subbed off for Pedro.
N’Golo Kante – 7
It was his usual high-level performance, and he dominated the middle of the pitch at Wembley. Big game for the Frenchman.
Emerson – 6
Looked bright coming forward, and is capable of breaking with pace and skill, which Marcos Alonso usually lacks.
Willian – 7
Hit the crossbar early on, and looked a threat going forward. A surprise first substitute.
Olivier Giroud – 8
Opened the scoring with a brilliant goal. The skill and quality shown by the Frenchman to score was sublime.
Eden Hazard – 9
A superb performance from the Belgian. Assisted Giroud for his goal, and was full of skill and energy throughout.
Substitutes
Tiemoue Bakayoko – 6
A surprise first substitute, as he came on for Willian after an hour. A good performance from Bakayoko.
Pedro – 6
Added pace and energy late on into the second half.
Alvaro Morata – 7
Scored Chelsea’s second of the game, and could’ve had more.
