Enzo Fernandez propelled Chelsea into the FA Cup final against Manchester City, scoring the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory over Leeds United in the Blues’ first match following Liam Rosenior’s dismissal.
Fernandez’s first-half header at Wembley on Sunday provided a dramatic twist in Chelsea’s tumultuous season, coming just days after Rosenior’s turbulent tenure ended in chaos.
The 25-year-old midfielder had become a polarizing figure late in Rosenior’s brief spell, having been dropped for two matches after publicly suggesting he might leave at season’s end. Rosenior’s handling of the situation further strained his already tenuous relationship with the squad, as Chelsea’s form collapsed with five consecutive goalless defeats—their worst streak since 1912—culminating in a 3-0 loss to Brighton on Tuesday. Rosenior, who lasted only 106 days after arriving from Strasbourg, sealed his fate by questioning his players’ desire and spirit in the aftermath.
That criticism proved to be the breaking point for Chelsea’s owners, highlighting a growing rift between Rosenior and his team. Issues such as leaked team selections and public frustration from players, including Fernandez, over the departure of former coach Enzo Maresca, deepened the discord.
Chelsea’s disastrous run has derailed their hopes of Champions League qualification, leaving them 10 points adrift of fifth-placed Aston Villa with only four matches remaining.
Now under interim manager Calum McFarlane, the Blues have a chance to salvage some pride by securing their first FA Cup triumph since 2018. They will meet Manchester City in the final on May 16, after Pep Guardiola’s side came from behind to beat Southampton 2-1 on Saturday.
Chelsea, who have won the FA Cup eight times, are making their 17th appearance in the final and their first since losing to Liverpool in 2022. Should they overcome City at Wembley, the inexperienced McFarlane—promoted from his role with the Under-21s—would become one of the most surprising FA Cup-winning managers in history.
Despite inheriting a fractured squad, McFarlane deserves credit for quickly instilling greater cohesion in Chelsea’s play after Rosenior’s exit.
Leeds, meanwhile, were left to rue a missed opportunity in their first FA Cup semi-final since 1987, having not reached the final for 53 years. Brenden Aaronson squandered a clear chance to give Leeds the lead in the 15th minute, failing to beat Robert Sanchez after breaking clear on goal. Moments later, Chelsea’s Joao Pedro struck the post from close range.
Fernandez eased Chelsea’s nerves with his 23rd-minute goal, capitalizing on Pascal Struijk’s costly turnover. Pedro Neto intercepted and delivered a precise cross for Fernandez to head home from six yards—ending nearly 300 minutes without a Chelsea goal since their quarter-final win over Port Vale.
Leeds improved after halftime, with substitute Anton Stach forcing Sanchez into a superb save with a long-range effort, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin heading straight at the Chelsea keeper from a promising position. Sanchez then required treatment, prompting accusations from Leeds of time-wasting and sparking a touchline confrontation.
Despite rising tempers, the match never devolved into the infamous bruising encounter of the 1970 final between these historic rivals. Chelsea maintained their composure, securing a victory that restored some pride after the turmoil of the Rosenior era.
