Three key moments that dictated Chelsea’s FA Cup victory over Manchester United

Add as preferred source on Google

N’Golo Kante’s winning goal – 51 minutes

Man of the match on the night, and many people’s player of the season this year and last, N’Golo Kante came up with a rare goal which ultimately decided the tie.

Kante’s strike was his second of the season, and unfortunately for Manchester United both have come against them. The French international usually wins plaudits for the vast distance he covers, an immense number of interceptions and constantly harassing opponents with tackles. On this occasion, however, he performed in all areas, finishing off a long passing move that had seen Chelsea show patience to hold possession around the penalty area.

Having shifted the ball from right to left, centrally, and back again, the home side waited for a gap in United’s smartly organised defence. The gap never really arrived, but Willian found Kante outside the box, who cleverly shifted across and away from Paul Pogba, to create a shooting opportunity. De Gea had just stepped to his left as Kante fired at goal, and was unable to recover necessary ground to prevent the ball nestling into the bottom corner.

Embed from Getty Images

A combination of an extra player and the single goal advantage proved enough to see Chelsea through into the semi-finals. The second half was dominated by the home side, who should have easily scored more from the chances they created.

The profligate forward line was indebted to their ‘keeper Thibaut Courtois, who succeeded in keeping out Rashford around the hour mark. The Englishman’s chance was by far United’s best of the match, and one he should have scored after twisting compatriot Cahill inside and out.

Regardless of the slightly contentious sending off, Chelsea’s win was well deserved. United performed well with a weakened team and can take positives from the game going into the future, particularly for the upcoming Europa League, now Mourinho’s only chance of a double following their League Cup triumph.