Liverpool legend slams these players who were totally at fault for Leeds United’s FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea

A lone goal from Enzo Fernandez in the first half was enough for Leeds United to fall to Chelsea at Wembley, ending their FA Cup run.

Going into the game, there was strong confidence among Leeds fans. Chelsea had recently suffered a heavy defeat to Brighton and had sacked their manager, with Calum McFarlane stepping in as interim boss just three days before the semi-final. However, Chelsea looked far more prepared on the day.

The Blues controlled large parts of the game and kept Leeds at bay, especially in the second half. In the first half, Chelsea drew Leeds into pressing traps and capitalized on them. One of those moments led to the winning goal, as Pascal Struijk was a step late in a duel, allowing the attack to develop before Enzo Fernandez finished it off.

Fernandez delivered an outstanding performance throughout the match. Speaking on TNT Sports, Steven Gerrard praised the Chelsea midfielder for dominating Ao Tanaka and Ethan Ampadu.

“Leeds were dominated in midfield in the first half, and that’s ultimately what cost them the game.

“Ampadu and Tanaka were run ragged by Enzo Fernandez. He was a class above them and they had no idea where he was.

“It was three against two in midfield, and Leeds were completely overrun. Tanaka and Ampadu were outclassed.

“The midfield battle is where the game is won and lost, and Chelsea clearly won it today, with Fernandez being the main reason.”


Leeds manager Daniel Farke may have got his approach wrong at Wembley. Instead of using a three-man midfield, Leeds started with just two, which left them exposed.

Brenden Aaronson was given a more advanced role and was not effective in central transitions, further weakening the midfield. The system struggled, forcing Farke to introduce Anton Stach in the second half to regain control.

By then, the damage had already been done. The midfield battle proved decisive, and Farke will likely be disappointed he didn’t adjust sooner. Leeds now turn their attention to their next match against Burnley later this week.