Leeds United’s FA Cup run ends flatly as Chelsea edge semi-final, plus unseen Wembley moments | OneFootball

Leeds United’s FA Cup run ended flatly at Wembley, Chelsea edging the semi-final and sending the Whites home without a goal. It felt an unfitting close to an otherwise compelling campaign.

Aside from a routine Elland Road win over Norwich City, it had been high drama, as reported by yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk. Derby County were beaten in a tie lit by Willy Gnonto, Birmingham City on penalties, and West Ham United in a nerve-jangling quarter-final.

A bright note was Anton Stach, back from injury ahead of schedule and impressive against Chelsea. He helped tilt momentum and nearly scored with a crisp strike from distance, a timely boost for the final few games.

Pascal Struijk had a day to forget. His misplaced pass led to the Chelsea winner, uncharacteristic for a defender usually assured in possession, and he looked devastated at full-time.

Jayden Bogle was fit to start and skated past Marc Cucurella in one dazzling moment, yet too often mirrored the nervy play Daniel Farke referenced and struggled defensively. He should not have been booked after being confronted.

Brenden Aaronson, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Ao Tanaka all had chances but could not beat Robert Sanchez, with Aaronson at least forcing a save. In games like this, chances must be taken, and Enzo Fernandez was clinical.

Tactical stoppages, with keepers going down to break rhythm, again blighted the spectacle and need addressing. Referee Jarred Gillett swung from whistle-happy to indulgent, not why Leeds lost but short of semi-final standard.

Off camera, Jermaine Beckford joked with Willy Gnonto, Ally McCoist saluted Leeds fans and Tony Dorigo received his England legacy cap. Lucas Perri’s ritual, Leigh Nicholson’s ovation, Ethan Ampadu’s rallying and a late Farke huddle framed a desolate finale as team-mates consoled Struijk.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk