Match Report and Player Ratings: Manchester City 1-0 Chelsea (Emirates FA Cup Semi-Final)

Manchester City advanced to the Emirates FA Cup final following a 1-0 victory over Chelsea, where they will meet the winners of Manchester United vs Coventry City.

It was a first-half which proved the aftermath of the Real Madrid encounter during the week left a lingering affect, with fatigue certainly prominent in the play of the champions in the opening 45.

City eventually managed to find the breakthrough which takes the treble-winners to a second consecutive FA Cup final, which will take place at Wembley Stadium next month.

Despite both goalkeepers being rounded by Phil Foden and Nicolas Jackson respectively, the first-half ended goalless with both sides having a few decent chances to score but lacking a clinical edge.

A couple of crucial saves from Stefan Ortega Moreno kept the score level at 0-0 in the second half, denying Nicolas Jackson on two separate occasions within quick succession.

Chelsea would eventually rue the missed chances, when City would take a priceless lead six minutes before the end, when Kevin De Bruyne was slipped in before cutting the ball back to Bernardo Silva, who’s deflected effort ripped the back of the net.

Silva’s late goal was the only of the game, to keep the hopes of the double alive for Manchester City, as they advanced to the final of the FA Cup.

With that being said, here’s how we rated the players’ performances following the 1-0 victory over Chelsea!

Player Ratings

Ortega Moreno – 8 (MOTM)

The German goalkeeper did his job perfectly today, making crucial saves when needed and displaying some flawless distribution. You wouldn’t be blamed for thinking Ederson was in goal.

Kyle Walker – 6.5

Walker showed his pace a couple of times to defend Jackson and co, but looked sloppy in possession unnecessarily.

John Stones – 6

A standard afternoon for Stones who was replaced at the break by Ruben Dias.

Manuel Akanji – 7

Operated in the “John Stones role” today and did it well enough, making good runs into midfield and finding space in the pockets.

Nathan Ake – 7

A tidy return to action for Ake who didn’t do much wrong against Noni Madueke.

Rodrigo – 6.5

Sloppy in possession at times which never bodes well when Rodri is off the mark. A surprise selection for the Spaniard to start.

Kevin De Bruyne – 6.5

Not at the races today which is understandable given the fatigue, but an overall tame performance, despite the assist for Bernardo Silva’s goal.

Phil Foden – 7

Tried hard and worked well in the midfield, but missed that final end product when it mattered.

Bernardo Silva – 7.5

Similar to De Bruyne, Silva looked tired until his fairytale redemption to give City the lead after 84 minutes.

Julian Alvarez – 6.5

Not as involved as he might have liked but Alvarez did his job, tracking back well and always involved in the build up play.

Jack Grealish – 7

Displayed some tidy footwork before unfortunately coming off injured after 65 minutes, being replaced by Jeremy Doku.

Substitutes:

Ruben Dias – 7

Looked assured upon arriving in the game after replacing John Stones at the half-time break.

Jeremy Doku – 7

Doku looked lively after replacing Jack Grealish, giving Malo Gusto a difficult time on the left wing, creating chances and giving the defenders something different to think about.

Oscar Bobb – N/A