Even though Chelsea have struggled for quite a few years now, they have somehow retained the ability to get through cup competitions. Last season, they won a couple under Enzo Maresca. And this time around, they have booked an FA Cup final date at Wembley, where they will be taking on Manchester City.
That comes as a result of their 1-0 win over Leeds United. Of course, it is easy to overlook the opposition, but the Peacocks have been in great form and came into this contest on the back of a seven-game streak without tasting defeat.
So, Chelsea deserve their fair share of credit for bouncing back following Liam Rosenior’s sacking. They looked very good in the first half and while their performance level dropped after the break, they showed enough character to see it through. It was their first win against a top division side since March 5.
It was Enzo Fernandez who made the difference on the day with his brilliant header to convert Pedro Neto’s cross. There has been a lot of speculation around the Argentine’s future lately. But did he drop a hint that he is staying after his goal?
Enzo Fernandez drops possible hint about staying at Chelsea
Fernandez decided to celebrate his goal by pointing at the Chelsea badge. Of course, this could be me reading too much into it, but when players generally do that, it is a message, especially when take the recent rumours about the Argentine’s future into consideration.
Obviously, anything can happen in football. That being said, many will view Fernandez’s celebration as a positive sign.
The overall performance was also a reminder of what Fernandez is capable of. Chelsea should try their best to keep him at the club. It might be difficult without Champions League football on offer. But if he does leave, the Blues will have a tough time finding a replacement of his quality.
Fernandez does not get enough credit
This was Fernandez’s 13th goal of the season. Overall, he has 19 goal contributions across all competitions. That is a very good return, especially when considering how badly the Blues’ have struggled going forward this season.
It often feels like Fernandez does not get enough credit for what he brings to this team. His output has improved massively over the past couple of seasons. And without him, Chelsea offer very little in front of goal.
One could argue that they should have put the game to bed much earlier. Pedro missed a glorious chance and came close on more than one occasion. That is what makes a goalscoring midfielder like Fernandez even more important.
