Playmaker Eden Hazard’s penalty secured Chelsea the FA Cup for the eighth time as they beat Manchester United in what could be Antonio Conte’s final match in charge.
Hazard sent goalkeeper David de Gea the wrong way at Wembley, having won the kick when brought down by Phil Jones. United, having offered minimal attacking threat in the first half, were much better in the second.
Alexis Sanchez had a goal ruled out for straying just offside – referee Michael Oliver using VAR to confirm the call. Thibaut Courtois later denied Marcus Rashford, before Paul Pogba headed wide with a clear chance from a corner.
Romelu Lukaku and Anthony Martial, who had both been doubts for the final because of injury, appeared as substitutes for the final 17 minutes, but United were unable to find an equaliser. Conte has been widely tipped to leave Chelsea at the end of the season, teasing the media when asked about his future on Friday.
Victory in the cup final provided a positive antidote to a disappointing Premier League season, with Conte’s side failing to qualify for the Champions League after finishing fifth. Herrera was nowhere to be seen in the build-up to the winner as Hazard ran clear on to Cesc Fabregas’ through pass, and was brought down for a penalty by Jones, who was shown a yellow card.
Mourinho’s side threw off their defensive shackles after half-time, and may well have saved the match had they been more ruthless in front of goal. Sanchez was judged – correctly – to have strayed just offside as he turned in the loose ball, after Courtois had saved Jones’ header from a Rashford free-kick, and the Chelsea goalkeeper was alert to beat away a Nemanja Matic shot.
Yet it was Pogba, perhaps, who had the best chance to equalise, putting his head into his hands in frustration after nodding wide from just seven yards following a set-piece.
Photo Credit: Getty
