Eden Hazard ensured Chelsea’s lackluster season ended on a high note by securing the FA Cup in a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the final on Saturday. Days after raising doubts about his Chelsea future, Hazard netted from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute at Wembley Stadium after being brought down by Phil Jones. Whether Hazard remains a Chelsea player next season could depend on whether “good players” are signed in the offseason, based on the winger’s pre-match comments.
HIGHLIGHTS:
MOMENTS:
20′ Both teams are wary of making a mistake and are dropping into deep defensive shapes when the other has the ball. Sanchez is having a decent game though and is taking it upon himself to run at the Chelsea defence and make things happen – something United have really needed.
PENALTY! What a brilliant run by Hazard! And Jones has brought him down!
GOAL! Chelsea 1 (Hazard 22′ PEN) Man Utd 0; Such a cool penalty. Hazard steps up, waits for De Gea to make his move and then slots the ball low into the bottom corner.
28′ Corner, Herrera has just hit the worst shot in FA Cup history. A free-kick wide left is passed short instead of crossed into the box and Herrera tries to cut across the ball and power it at goal. Instead he sort of thumps it into the ground and it bobbles off somewhere to the left.
36‘ Sanchez catches Bakayoko 25 yards out and Chelsea have a decent chance to hit a shot at goal now. The United defence look really nervous, I am 100 per cent behind Southgate’s decision not to take Smalling to the World Cup.
44′ Attempt missed, JONES AT THE BACK POST! But it’s wide! United put the ball in from a corner, Young delivers from the second ball and Jones can’t get a shot at goal as he goes for a header.
50′ Attempt missed, United start on the attack and win a corner! Well, they think they have but it’s a goal kick.
82′ WHAT A MISS! Pogba has missed a free header from inside the six yard area. It’s a dreadful effort.
STATISTICS:
PLAYER RATINGS:
LINE UPS:
