The FA Cup semi-finals began with a clash between Chelsea and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on Saturday. Both sides have gone through to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, and this was a chance for both managers to take a step towards another trophy as well. While this was not an entertaining match, Chelsea were able to grab the opportunity and advance to the final, where they will face Leicester City, who defeated Southampton in the other semi-final.
Pep Guardiola’s decision to rotate the squad was questioned by the media, but this loss was about more than just a (supposed) weaker lineup. In terms of tactics, Manchester City had a terrible first half as they struggled to create, while defensively their pressing failed to trouble the oppositions build-up.
In this tactical analysis, we will look at both teams tactics and the effect they had on each others approaches.
Lineups
Chelsea only made one change to the XI that started against Porto in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final. Hakim Ziyech started with Mason Mount and Timo Werner came into the lineup instead of Christian Pulisic. Jorginho and N’Golo Kanté started in midfield since Mateo Kovačić was out through injury.
Having had one fewer day to rest after their own Champions League quarter-final, Pep Guardiola made wholesale changes to his lineup, bringing in those who did not start on Wednesday. Gabriel Jesus, Ferran Torres, and Raheem Sterling did not start against Borussia Dortmund, but came into the lineup here.
