Enzo Fernandez led Chelsea to victory in the FA Cup semi-final against Leeds with a crucial header, ending a goal drought. His performance comes after a challenging period for the team, showcasing his importance in the final.
Key points
Enzo Fernandez scored a crucial header for Chelsea
Chelsea defeated Leeds in the FA Cup semi-final
Fernandez wore the captain's armband during the match
His performance followed an internal ban and team changes
Enzo FernandezChelseaFA CupLeeds
There was something of an inevitability about Enzo Fernandez being Chelsea's match-winner in the FA Cup semi-final against Leeds. This is a player who relishes the big stage.
The Argentina international, wearing the captain's armband and playing like a man on a mission, ended a Chelsea goal drought with a super header and powered his team to victory at Wembley.
Enzo Fernandez heads Chelsea in front
Image:
Enzo Fernandez heads Chelsea in front against Leeds at Wembley
Following an internal ban for comments around a move to Real Madrid and in the wake of Liam Rosenior's sacking, Fernandez stood up and delivered when it mattered for Chelsea.
"When it gets tough, you see the fight in him," said interim Chelsea boss Calum McFarlane afterwards. "You see him driving the group on, you see him making tackles, you see him fighting for every loose ball."
Chelsea fans may argue they should have seen more of that must-win mentality from Fernandez and the rest of the squad throughout this largely disappointing campaign. But expect Fernandez to be in the thick of the action again in the FA Cup final against Man City, in what will be his 150th start for Chelsea.
Fernandez's rollercoaster season is already linked with Pep Guardiola's side. He scored a last-gasp equaliser at the Etihad in McFarlane's first game as interim boss in January and was then dramatically left out by Rosenior for the return Premier League game as part of a two-match punishment.
Q&A
How did Enzo Fernandez perform in the FA Cup semi-final against Leeds?
Enzo Fernandez scored a vital header, helping Chelsea secure a victory and end their goal drought.
What challenges did Enzo Fernandez face before the FA Cup semi-final?
Fernandez dealt with an internal ban related to comments about a potential move to Real Madrid and the sacking of Liam Rosenior.
What is the significance of Fernandez's role in Chelsea's FA Cup final hopes?
Fernandez's leadership and performance as captain are crucial for Chelsea's chances in the FA Cup final.
What impact did Fernandez's goal have on Chelsea's performance?
His goal not only ended a scoring drought but also boosted the team's morale heading into the final.
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Fernandez also comes into Saturday's showpiece off the back of another big contribution for Chelsea and McFarlane, having scored in the draw at Liverpool last time out. A fortuitous free-kick but another big-game moment.
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Highlights from the Premier League clash between Liverpool and Chelsea
"I am very excited and determined to win this title," he has said ahead of a final which could, to some extent, salvage Chelsea's season.
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Stay up to date with the twists and turns of the FA Cup final on Saturday with our live blog on the Sky Sports website and App. Kick-off is at 3pm.
Fernandez has settled into the No 10 role off Joao Pedro in recent times, where he can combine is high-energy pressing out of possession with his probing passing in the final third. But it is his well-timed runs into the box which really stand out.
Former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard was the master at bursting into the box to convert and Fernandez has shown similar traits. His goal against Leeds was a typical example. So was the bundled finish from Malo Gusto's cross at the Etihad.
Eight of his nine goals in the Premier League this season have come from inside the area - with that free-kick at Liverpool last weekend the exception.
Eight of Enzo Fernandez's nine Premier League goals this season have come from inside the box
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Eight of Enzo Fernandez's nine Premier League goals this season came from inside the box
"I said to him, 'You like scoring at the back post for me'," smiled McFarlane following the win over Leeds. "He just laughed but he does that really well. He's done it all year.
"It's one of his biggest attributes that when you attack down the right, his timing of his runs, his ability to actually get good distance and height on his jump and his heading technique is really good."
Man City centre-backs Abdukodir Khusanov and Marc Guehi will have to be alert to his arrivals.
"He's a winner," added McFarlane. Chelsea and Fernandez haven't won nearly as much as they should so far this season. But Fernandez will be out to make amends at Wembley again on Saturday.
These are the moments he's made for.
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Palmer, McFarlane
Chelsea interim head coach Calum McFarlane was quick to disagree with a reporter on his assessment of Cole Palmerās season
Chelsea have Pedro Neto, Alejandro Garnacho and Robert Sanchez back in contention for a starting spot in the FA Cup final, says interim boss McFarlane.
Wingers Neto and Garnacho have missed the last two games since they both started the semi-final win over Leeds but are back in training.
So is goalkeeper Sanchez, who suffered a blow to the head during the Premier League defeat by Nottingham Forest on May 4.
McFarlane wouldn't reveal whether Sanchez would come straight back into the team, with Filip Jorgensen deputising while he has been out.
However, he confirmed both captain Reece James and Levi Colwill are in good shape after continuing their recovery from injuries with minutes in the draw at Liverpool on Saturday.
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Guardiola kept his cards close to his chest when asked about the fitness of Rodri for the FA Cup final with Chelsea.
The Man City midfielder has missed City's last five matches with a groin injury but could make a return at Wembley.
"We'll see," was Guardiola's response when asked whether Rodri would be involved.
Otherwise, Guardiola gave the rest of the squad a clean bill of health: "Everybody's fine."
City will play in their fourth-straight FA Cup final on Saturday and while they've lost their last two, Guardiola is urging his team to embrace the occasion.
"Definitely there is excitement," he said. "Hopefully we can do better than the last two times.
"New players, it's forgotten [the past two FA Cup final defeats]. A new game against Chelsea.
"The message is the FA Cup final at Wembley with two prestigious clubs, with our fans that make an incredible effort to come down to London, which today is not cheap, and try to perform as good as possible to win."
