David Awopetu
Chelsea put on a spirited performance to beat Manchester United 3-1 on Sunday to book their place in an all-London FA Cup final, helped by two errors from United goalkeeper David de Gea and an own goal by defender Harry Maguire.
The Blues, who will face city rivals Arsenal in the Aug. 1 showpiece, had already lost to United thrice this season but looked brighter from the start at Wembley and took control with goals either side of halftime from in-form striker Olivier Giroud and the lively Mason Mount.
Chelsea’s pressure had United on the back foot early on but Reece James’ stinging drive was the only save De Gea had to make, with Marcos Alonso wastefully putting a free header over.
De Gea made a flimsy attempt to deal with Giroud’s flick in first-half stoppage time then weakly fumbled Mason Mount’s tame 20-yard shot into the net moments after the restart.
Chelsea’s relentless performance fully merited this victory and United’s abject misery after a dreadful performance was complete when captain Harry Maguire diverted Marcos Alonso’s cross into his own net at the near post with 16 minutes left while Fernandes’ clinical spot-kick after Callum Hudson-Odoi’s clumsy challenge on Anthony Martial providing scant consolation.
Frank Lampard’s boys were in complete control from first to last as they comprehensively ended Manchester United’s 19-match unbeaten run in all competitions.
