MX23RW : Saturday, November 23 19:36:42| >> :120:4446:4446:

Match Analysis: Chelsea 1-2 Manchester City

Match Analysis: Chelsea 1-2 Man City
© AP Photos
Sports Mole casts its eye over an entertaining FA Cup semi-final between Chelsea and Manchester City.

Manchester City set up an FA Cup final against Wigan Athletic by knocking out holders Chelsea this afternoon.

It was an end-to-end match at Wembley that was settled thanks to goals from Samir Nasri and Sergio Aguero.

Demba Ba pulled one back for the Blues but they were unable to find an equaliser to send the match into extra time.

Here, Sports Mole casts its eye over a fantastic FA Cup semi-final.

Match statistics:

Chelsea:
Shots 9
On target 4
Possession 44%
Corners 2
Fouls 7

City:
Shots 11
On target 7
Possession 56%
Corners 3
Fouls 10

Was the result fair?

Over the course of 90 minutes, just about. Chelsea had surging spells but City were the better team overall. Roberto Mancini's side started brilliantly and deservedly led at the break. Aguero's goal was slightly against the run of play and the Premier League champions did well to hold off the Blues' late charge.

Chelsea's performance

Rafael Benitez's side seemed happy to let City have the ball in the early stages and they were made to pay when Nasri drifted into the area unmarked and tucked home after a fortunate deflection. Chelsea came into it after their shaky start, though, and were somewhat unfortunate that City went two up. However, the defending was very slack that allowed Aguero to peel off and head over Cech in off the post. The introduction of Fernando Torres appeared to galvanise the side and they could very well have stolen a goal to send the match into extra time.

City's performance

A near-perfect first half from City as they had 69% of possession and many more shots than Chelsea. They couldn't resume this dominance after the break, though, as Chelsea roared back into the match. The defensive composure of Vincent Kompany and Matija Nastasic turned out to be just enough in the latter stages and get City to another cup final.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Yaya Toure: The Ivorian has tremendous energy and his powerful drives forward were just immense today. Aguero could have earned this award but his ugly lunge on David Luiz should have earned him a red card and may still do so retrospectively.

Biggest gaffe

Goes to Foy for failing to notice Aguero's horror challenge on Luiz. It would be very surprising if the Argentinian doesn't get punished by the FA.

Referee performance

Not Chris Foy's best afternoon. Somehow he managed to miss Aguero's two-footed jump onto Luiz's backside and also made a couple of other wrong calls, notably failing to award City a free kick when Toure was unbalanced right on the edge of the area.

What next?

Chelsea: Next up for the Blues is a trip down the road to face West London rivals Fulham on Wednesday.

City: Mancini's men also have a league game on Wednesday, they host Wigan Athletic in a rehearsal of the final which will take place on May 11.

ID:79539: cacheID:79539:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:5179:No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
City striker Sergio Aguero celebrates a goal against Chelsea with Samir Nasri on April 14, 2013
Read Next:
Holders out as City reach FA Cup final
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool119112161528
2Manchester CityMan City127232217523
3Chelsea126422314922
4Arsenal126422112922
5Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton126422116522
6Tottenham HotspurSpurs1261527131419
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest125431513219
8Aston Villa125431919019
9Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
10Fulham125341717018
11Brentford125252222017
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd114341212015
13Bournemouth124351617-115
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Everton122551017-711
16Leicester CityLeicester122461523-810
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves122372028-89
18Crystal Palace121561017-78
19Ipswich TownIpswich111551222-108
20Southampton11119721-144


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!