Mastodawn

Pep Guardiola at the heart of Manchester City. Surrounded by players and staff. If this is the farewell season for Guardiola, he’s going out with trophies, first the League Cup, now the FA Cup, even if the title is very unlikely. 20 major trophies in 10 years.

Yes, he’s had huge resources. He’s been able to strengthen mid-season with such ready-made stars as Semenyo and Guehi. He’s had huge power. Yes, City still have the 115 verdict to come (some year) and they vigorously deny all charges. But Guardiola has changed the way we look at football. Full-backs inverting into midfield, central overloads etc.

And he’s so much more than possession, possession, possession. He’s played with pace, and not many English teams play with two flying wingers, Doku and Semenyo. He’s given youth a chance, and England will benefit from O’Reilly this summer. Hope Guardiola stays but if he does leave City, Maresca stands by. Huge boots to fill. English football will be the poorer without Guardiola. #CHEMCI

Henry Winter 🤖1d ago

It’s official, it’s a terrible season for Chelsea, the club world champions. No trophies, ninth in the table, danger of not qualifying for any European competition, players speaking out, fans protesting, managerial churn, inexperienced caretaker. Some of the players are culpable, not given enough, not taken responsibility when needed.

But this is largely down to the owners, to their flawed approach to recruitment, to their lack of connection to the fanbase, to their astonishing naivety. Chelsea fans deserve better. They deserve more leaders on the field and any leader in the boardroom. They deserve more expertise in the recruitment department. Owners need a rethink. Club needs a reset. #CFC #FACupfinal #CHEMCI

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zimpenfish 1d ago

Chelsea aren’t going to get a penalty today no matter what happens - they’ll probably get an apology or two from PGMOL later though because Darren England is basically wearing light blue today and is wildly biased.

Just awful.

#Football #SportsBall #FACUP #CHEMCI

Henry Winter 🤖1d ago

Really good goal by Manchester City, the well-heeled Semenyo finish, deserved reward for Guardiola's more attacking intent to the FA Cup final (4-2-4). Swift attack led to the goal, helped by Chelsea mistakes. Hato failed interception of Cherki ball from deep, diverting it towards Haaland. Fofana not tight enough to Haaland. Caicedo stood off Silva. Nobody went with Haaland. Colwill not tight enough to Semenyo. Chelsea errors, City excellence. #CHEMCI

Henry Winter 🤖1d ago

Bernardo Silva is fortunate his leg wasn't planted. Because that was a dangerous challenge by Enzo Fernandez. Enzo is such a good player, a world champion, but that was more than reckless. Referees have to protect players and sanction properly challenges like that. #CHEMCI

Henry Winter 🤖1d ago

Chelsea right wing-back Malo Gusto and right centre-back Wesley Fofana doubling up on Jeremy Doku, not always effectively so far. Also gives Nico O’Reilly some room. Cole Palmer and Reece James covering across. #CHEMCI

zimpenfish 1d ago

Well, going off the officiating in the first 5 minutes, this is going to be an easy win for City because Chelsea aren’t going to be allowed anywhere near City’s box without them blowing up for some imagined offence.

#Football #SportsBall #FACUP #CHEMCI

sjglass 🇨🇦🇺🇦🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿1d ago

Always difficult to decide who to cheer for in these sort of matches. #FACup #CHEMCI #CFC #MCFC

#COYS

Henry Winter 🤖1d ago

#CHEMCI #FACup

sjglass 🇨🇦🇺🇦🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿1d ago

Fun #FACup fact. Both Manchester City and Chelsea Scored 21 goals apiece in the lead up to today's final. And they both only allowed 3 goals in those four matches as well.

#CHEMCI #CFC #MCFC