Chelsea have won the FA Cup in the 2017-18 season by defeating Manchester United with a margin of 1-0, as Conte lifted yet another title with the west London outfit. Eden Hazard’s spot kick in the first half proved to be the winner at the end of the match. After finishing fifth in the Premier League this season it was much needed for the Blues. First take a glance how both the sides were lined up before the big occasion :
Chelsea : (3-5-2)
Goalkeeper : Courtois
Defenders : Azpilicueta, Cahill , Rudiger.
Midfielders : Moses, Kante, Fabregas, Bakayoko, Alonso.
Attackers : Hazard, Giroud.
Manchester United :(4-4-2)
Goalkeeper : De Gea
Defenders : Valencia, Jones, Smalling, Young.
Midfielders : Matic, Herrera, Pogba, Lingard,
Attackers : Sanchez, Rashford.
Here are the talking points of the FA Cup Final match between Chelsea and Manchester United :
1. Eden Hazard Proved His Class Again :
The Belgian star player is proving his worth in every passing days at Chelsea FC. He was undoubtedly the best player present on the pitch today. He collected a brilliant ball provided by Cesar Azpilicueta and his pace was enough to overtake the apparently slow Manchester United defender Phil Jones. Phil Jones had no option but to tackle him in the penalty box of Manchester United and the referee was clearly right to award a spot kick to the Blues. Eden Hazard didn’t commit any mistake to put the Golden Gloves Winner of Premier League- David De Gea in the wrong side and scored the winner in this big match.
2. Manchester United Missed The Presence Of Romelu Lukaku :
Romelu Lukaku’s presence was clearly missed by the Red Devils. The physicality of Romelu Lukaku at the upfront would surely give Manchester United the edge in the match. But the injury of Romelu Lukaku was really really crucial for the Red Devils. The World Cup is very near too. So, Jose Mourinho did not take the risk of playing the half fit player in an intense match like this. This decision has backfired against them in the Final match against the Blues.
3. Chelsea Defense Were Solid In This Match :
The defensive unit of the Blues were solid in this match. Antonio Rudiger was phenomenal once again. Cesar Azpilicueta and Gary Cahill were brilliant too. With this performance Gary Cahill almost sealed his position in the starting XI of England in the upcoming World Cup in Russia. N’Golo Kante was brilliant too as always.
4. Manchester United Failed To Utilize Chances :
Manchester United had 67 percent ball possession and 18 shots on target in the match; while the Blues had 33 percent of ball possession with 5 shots on target in the whole match. In a big match like this the team should utilise those chances to become the Champions. Manchester United failed to grab those chances and that’s why the Blues have taken it away from them.
5. Is Antonio Conte Leaving ?
The chances of Antonio staying at Chelsea in the next season have increased a bit. The Italian boss has won one Premier League and one FA Cup in these two seasons at Stamford Bridge. It will now be a decision to take for the Chelsea Board about the future of Antonio Conte at Chelsea in the next season.
