A Golazo by Youri Tielemans Sends the FA Cup to Leicester City and Spoils Chelsea's Party
The Belgian midfielder unlocked the game and tipped the balance to break down Thomas Tuchel's side, who were denied an equalizer in the last minute by a millimeter offside call, just two weeks before the Champions League final (0-1).
The tactical battle between Brendan Rodgers and Thomas Tuchel did not disappoint. Both teams built on defensive solidity and prioritized five-man defenses. The German coach continued to trust Kepa and benched Ben Chilwell in favor of Marcos Alonso. With Kovacic injured, Kante continued in midfield and with no confidence in Tammy Abraham, the attack was led by Timo Werner.
As always, the German did not start off well and took Azpilicueta's goal in the final away from him. In a combination after a corner, Thiago Silva, turned into a '10', delivered a cross to the far post where Werner advanced, just touched the ball enough to prevent it from going towards the goal or reaching Azpilicueta, who was completely unmarked and had an open net.
Chelsea combined their pressure on Leicester, which resulted in long-range shots from Mount and Werner, with moments in which the 'Foxes' timidly approached, especially with a header from Soyuncu. However, Jonny Evans' injury changed Rodgers' formation, forcing him to bring on Marc Albrighton and switch to a back four after half an hour.
As the minutes went by, the pace slowed down and the game became more equal, but for the worse. Neither team threatened with any danger, both fearing a counter-attack that could compromise their chances.
That is why an incredible wonder goal had to open the scoring. A loss of possession by Reece James resulted in Youri Tielemans receiving the ball unmarked. The Belgian midfielder looked up and fired a shot with his right foot into the top corner. A sensational goal that Kepa couldn't do anything about and that was enough to prevent Mount, Werner, Ziyech, and Havertz from turning the situation around.
Chilwell came close with a header that was brilliantly saved by Peter Schmeichel. With the threat of an equalizer imminent, Rodgers exhausted the team's defensive reserves and brought Wes Morgan onto the field to clear balls. But the hero would still be Schmeichel. The Danish goalkeeper denied Mount's last-minute shot with a close-range save, minutes before VAR disallowed a goal from Chilwell for offside due to a millimeter offside shoulder. And that's where the hopes of the 'Blues' died.
This is how Leicester City won their first title since the 2016 Premier League and their first FA Cup in history, on their fifth attempt. Their previous four finals, in 1949, 1961, 1963, and 1969, had ended with them as runners-up. EFE