Chelsea ended the 2017-18 season and perhaps Antonio Conte’s tenure in charge with a victory in the FA Cup final against Manchester United.
For the most part, the game lacked pace and fluidity as an early Chelsea goal from the penalty spot allowed the Blues to stifle Jose Mourinho’s men, sitting back and soaking up the pressure. United lacked the sort of killer instinct necessary to topple a defence that has at times leaked goals this season.
One moment of electric counter-attacking movement from Eden Hazard was enough for Chelsea to score the only goal of the game, as he raced past Phil Jones and into the area before the calamitous centre-half wiped out the Belgian forward to give away a penalty. This was calmly dispatched by Chelsea’s number 10 on what could well be his last game for the club.
The second-half was one-way traffic as United looked for a way back into the game but a combination of tight marking and ponderous attacking play limited Paul Pogba and co. to just a handful of clear-cut chances. One of these fell to the French midfielder, who headed wide despite being left free in the area.
Alexis Sanchez also had a goal correctly ruled offside, as VAR came into use to good effect.
Chelsea held out to secure their first FA Cup in six years, having failed to beat Arsenal in last year’s final, bringing a small glimmer of satisfaction to an otherwise disappointing campaign.
Here are our player ratings.
Thibaut Courtois - 8
Made some fantastic saves, most notably rushing off his line to deny Rashford one on one before clawing a header off the line. Important stops made at crucial times to play a huge role in Chelsea’s triumph, easily his best game this season.
Cesar Azpilicueta - 7.5
Made some crucial interceptions and blocks to stop the likes of Rashford and Sanchez getting shots on goal. Made five interceptions, two tackles and four clearances in a complete performance.
Gary Cahill - 7
Winning his first FA Cup final as Chelsea captain, Cahill showed all the attributes of a leader, marshalling the backline brilliantly and covering occasional lapses in concentration with some last-ditch blocks and interceptions.
Antonio Rudiger -7.5
Didn’t quite warrant the man of the match award he was given at the end of the game, but nonetheless, he played with exceptional diligence and foresight to predict where United were moving and adapt his body accordingly.
His physicality prevented United from breaking in behind Chelsea’s rigid backline and meant that everything had to be played in front of the back three.
Victor Moses - 6.5
Having been sent off in last year’s final to a chorus of boos from the Chelsea fans, Moses did his bit to repay their faith as he defended astutely in what was typically a back five – his two tackles and three clearances played a part in a fantastic defensive display.
He was at times, however, haphazard in his eagerness to dispossess his opponents, giving away fouls in some dangerous area, in what could’ve seen a repeat of last year’s infamous dismissal.
N'Golo Kante - 9
Yet another superb performance and this time on one of the biggest stages. He was everywhere, putting in tackle after tackle to regain possession, whilst his lung-busting retrieval of possession from Pogba towards the end of the game was representative of what he has done for so long since he came to England three years ago.
Cesc Fabregas- 6.5
A lovely ball into the feet of Hazard allowed the Belgian to just touch the ball past Jones before he was bearing down on goal. Three tackles and four clearances were necessary in helping Chelsea slow down the pace of the game.
In the second-half, he was far less energetic, as his lack of pace began to cause problems for Chelsea but with both Kante and Bakayoko supporting him adeptly, he was not exposed to the extent he has been at times this season.
Tiemoue Bakayoko - 6.5
Didn’t put a foot wrong, when usually he’d falter under the pressure, and despite not winning many tackles or interceptions, he did at times use his body well to regain possession.
Marcos Alonso - 7
Should’ve put the game to bed when played through by Kante in the second-half, but luckily for Alonso it didn’t matter as Chelsea went on to win the game. His four tackles were bettered only by Kante in the number won by a Chelsea player and his composure on the ball in tight areas allowed Chelsea to regroup well in anticipation of another United attack.
Eden Hazard - 8
Got the all-important goal, showing great calmness to just stroke the ball into the back of the net, and despite becoming isolated by the mounting United pressure, he held on to the ball extremely well. This bought Chelsea precious seconds to push up the field and take a well-earned breather.
Olivier Giroud - 6.5
He never fails to deliver when it comes to his ability in the air. He won seven aerial duels in his time on the pitch and proved a useful asset in defending set pieces, of which United had many.
Substitutes
Willian – N/A: Only played the five minutes of injury time but his energy allowed Chelsea to bomb up the field and keep hold of the ball.
Alvaro Morata – N/A: Again, came on too late to actually make a telling contribution but his hold up play also played an important role in helping Chelsea see out the remaining few minutes.