Leeds United’s FA Cup run ends in flat Wembley semi-final, Chelsea edge it and key moments off camera | OneFootball

Leeds United’s stirring FA Cup journey ended at Wembley with a flat semi-final defeat to Chelsea, and no goal for travelling fans. According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, it felt an unfitting conclusion to a dramatic run.

Beyond a routine home win over Norwich City, the road crackled. Derby County were beaten in an eventful tie lit by a Willy Gnonto strike, Birmingham City went out on penalties, and West Ham United served up a nerve-jangling quarter-final.

Anton Stach’s early return from injury was a clear positive, he brightened Leeds’ play and went close from distance. Brenden Aaronson, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Ao Tanaka had chances but could not beat Robert Sanchez. For Chelsea, Enzo Fernandez proved the more clinical presence.

Pascal Struijk, outstanding last time out, lost the ball for the winner and was visibly distraught at full-time. Jayden Bogle’s fitness was a boost and one burst left Marc Cucurella trailing, yet his display also reflected the nervous, clumsy football Daniel Farke referenced.

Referee Jarred Gillett swung from whistle-happy to laissez-faire after the break, hardly worthy of a semi-final, though not decisive. A stoppage resembling a tactical timeout underlined a wider blight, the game needs rules that deter momentum-breaking goalkeeper incidents.

Away from the cameras there were lighter touches. Jermaine Beckford joked with Willy Gnonto, Lucas Perri crossed himself before work, and Ally McCoist saluted the Leeds end. Tony Dorigo received his England legacy cap and announcer Leigh Nicholson was loudly welcomed.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk