Chelsea player ratings vs Man City: Cole Palmer invisible as Levi Colwill boosts World Cup hopes | OneFootball

Blues’ season hits new disappointment after FA Cup final defeat

In a game lacking quality, it was always going to take a moment of magic to break the deadlock, and Semenyo provided it with an impudent flick past Robert Sanchez in the 72nd minute.

City had chances to double their lead, but Semenyo’s goal proved the difference as Chelsea’s wait for a first FA Cup title since 2018 continues.

Sam Tabuteau was at Wembley to rate the Chelsea players…

Chelsea XI:

Robert Sanchez 6: Wearing a Petr Cech-esque scrum cap, he did well to deny Erling Haaland right before half-time. Nothing he could do about Semenyo’s goal. Kept the score down with a couple good saves late on.

Wesley Fofana 6: Grew into the game after a few chaotic moments early on. His partnership with Levi Colwill has always made Chelsea stronger as a defensive unit.

Levi Colwill 7: Included in England’s preliminary squad, his line-breaking passes helped Chelsea bisect City’s press in the first-half. Not much he could have done to stop Semenyo.

Jorrel Hato 7: Did well given the pressure City put Chelsea under in the first-half. Defended maturely but also had the energy to get up in support of Marc Cucurella and later Pedro Neto.

Malo Gusto 7: Constantly provided an option in behind and was Chelsea’s main attacking outlet in the first-half. Did not have the same impact after the break.

Reece James 5: Nearly allowed Haaland to score midway through the first-half after being dispossessed. Produced a few excellent deliveries, with Chelsea mainly threatening when they were able to cross into the box.

Disappointed: Enzo Fernandez and Calum McFarlane

PA

Moises Caicedo 5: Saw his header cleared off the line by Rodri. A second off the pace when trying to win back possession, he conceded the most fouls of any Chelsea player.

Marc Cucurella 5: Playing as a more traditional wing-back, he struggled against Semenyo and was booked for a foul on the City winger. Replaced in the 74th minute by Pedro Neto as Chelsea chased a goal.

Cole Palmer 4: Has not been at his best this season, and he could not find his rhythm in the final third. Heavily booed by City fans before kick-off, he had a few nervy moments when asked to defend against Doku.

Enzo Fernandez 5: Chelsea’s go-to man in times of need, he was lucky not to see red for a rash challenge on Bernardo Silva in the first-half. Nearly got Chelsea straight back on level terms when his effort landed on the roof of the net.

Joao Pedro 5: City’s defence marshalled him well and his frustrations were best summed up when he played for a penalty he was never going to get at the end of the first-half.

Isolated: Joao Pedro

Getty

Substitutes:

Pedro Neto 6: Forced a strong save from Trafford, but did little else as City had the better oif the chances late on.

Liam Delap 4: City’s defence used his physicality against him, drawing some crucial fouls late on to relieve pressure. Headed over from a promising position when he should have found the target.

Alejandro Garnacho 4: Had no impact after coming on. His struggles in recent months have put his Chelsea future in doubt less than a year on from signing from Manchester United.