Chelsea moved into the semifinals of the FA Cup with a 1-0 home victory over Manchester United in a bad-tempered match Monday. N’Golo Kante scored the only goal after 51 minutes with a shot from 20 yards, but the turning point in the match came after 35 minutes.
After a number of United players fouled Chelsea’s Eden Hazard, referee Michael Oliver called over United’s Phil Jones (who committed the latest foul) and United captain Chris Smalling to issue a warning. It was evident that the referee — and the winger — had had enough of the constant fouls.
From the free kick, United’s Ander Herrera, already on a yellow card, tripped Hazard. It was a breathtakingly stupid and obvious act. Oliver brandished a red card, and a shoving match erupted among the players.
Why United harboured a sense of injustice is anyone’s guess. It was clearly a bookable offence that forced the referee’s hand. The bad feeling would soon erupt again.
The melee on the sidelines had barely settled down when managers Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho squared up and had to be separated in the technical area. They were kept apart by their assistant coaches, and the fourth official was reduced to gesturing like a boxing referee keeping fighters at a distance. Oliver came over and issued a warning. The bad feeling between the men was evident.
Things calmed a little on the sidelines in the second half, but Chelsea slowly imposed themselves on the game. When Willian approached the left side of the area with United defenders closing, he looked infield and spotted Kante in space. Perhaps because of the Frenchman’s reputation as a defensive midfielder, the visiting side’s defenders were slow to close him down, and although the shot seemed to lack power, it crept into the corner of keeper David De Gea’s goal, sparking huge celebrations at Stamford Bridge.
United striker Marcus Rashford had a chance to level the tie after 59 minutes but was denied by keeper Thibaut Courtois’s legs. Rashford was an unexpected starter after appearing to be ruled out of the game through illness. Rashford worked hard but had few opportunities.
After that, United’s 10 men began to fade and the chances came for Chelsea. Hazard, Willian and Diego Costa had opportunities to double the score as Mourinho’s United men petered out tamely. Chelsea’s Cesc Fabregas, on as a substitute, also had two late chances.
The exchanges continued in the technical area, especially after United’s Ashley Young was booked for a foul on Victor Moses. Mourinho kicked the stray ball in Conte’s direction and the Italian replied with a volley of abuse toward the Portuguese. The crowd howled at Mourinho.
Once the Special One was the king of Stamford Bridge. Now Conte has replaced him in Chelsea supporters’ affections. Their new hero is Conte.
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