There was a certain inevitability that Enzo Fernandes was Chelsea’s winner in the FA Cup semi-final against Leeds. He is a player who enjoys playing on the big stage.
The Argentina international wore the captain’s armband and played with a sense of mission, ending Chelsea’s goal drought with a super header and leading his team to victory at Wembley.
Enzo Fernandes takes charge of Chelsea against Leeds at Wembley
Fernandes stood up and spoke out at a crucial moment for Chelsea following an internal comment ban on his move to Real Madrid and the sacking of Liam Rosenior.
Chelsea caretaker manager Callum Macfarlane said after the game: “You can see his struggle when the going gets tough.” “You see him pushing the group forward, making tackles, fighting for every loose ball.”
Chelsea fans might argue that they should have seen more of the winning mentality from Fernandes and the rest of the team throughout this largely disappointing season. But Fernandes will be in action again in the FA Cup final against Man City, making his 150th start for Chelsea.
Fernandes’ rollercoaster season has already linked him with Josep Guardiola’s side. He scored the last equalizer against the Etihad in MacFarlane’s first game as caretaker manager in January, but was then dramatically ruled out by Rosenior for his return to the Premier League as part of a two-match penalty.
Enzo Fernandes celebrates late equalizer against Man City
Adding to the intrigue are reports that City are considering a summer move for Fernandes.
Fernandes also scored in the draw against Liverpool last time out, making another big contribution for Chelsea and MacFarlane and will feature in Saturday’s feature match. It was a fortuitous free kick, but it was another important moment.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Highlights of the Premier League match between Liverpool and Chelsea
“I’m very excited and determined to win this title,” he said ahead of the final, which could restore Chelsea’s season to some extent.
Fernandes has recently settled into João Pedro’s number 10 role, where he can combine high-energy pressing out of possession with incisive passing in the final third. But what really stands out is his well-timed runs into the box.
Former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard is a master of darting into the box and scoring goals, and Fernandes exhibits similar traits. His goal against Leeds was a prime example of this. So was Maro Gusto’s neat finish from a cross against the Etihad.
Eight of his nine goals in the Premier League this season have come from inside the box, with the exception of last weekend’s free-kick at Liverpool.
Eight of Enzo Fernandes’ nine Premier League goals this season have come from inside the box.
“I said to him, ‘You like to score at the back post for me,'” smiled MacFarlane after the win against Leeds. “He just laughed, and he does that really well. He’s been doing that all year.
“One of his biggest attributes when attacking from the right side is his run timing, his ability to get really good distance and height on his jumps, and his heading technique is really good.”
Manchester City centre-backs Abdukkodir Kusanov and Marc Gehi will have to keep an eye on his arrival.
“He’s a winner,” MacFarlane added. Chelsea and Fernandes have not won as much as expected so far this season. But Fernandes will be avenged again at Wembley on Saturday.
These are the moments he created.
Chelsea team news: Neto, Garnacho and Sanchez set to start
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Chelsea interim head coach Callum MacFarlane was quick to disagree with reporters over his assessment of Cole Palmer’s season.
Caretaker manager McFarlane said Chelsea had Pedro Neto, Alejandro Garnacho and Roberto Sanchez back in contention to compete for a starting spot in the FA Cup final.
Wingers Neto and Garnacho have returned to training after missing the last two games since starting in the semi-final win over Leeds.
The same goes for goalkeeper Sanchez, who suffered a blow to the head during the Premier League defeat to Nottingham Forest on May 4.
MacFarlane did not say whether Sanchez would return to the team immediately and whether Filip Jorgensen would take his place during Sanchez’s absence.
However, speaking in the minutes of Saturday’s draw with Liverpool, he confirmed that both captain Reece James and Levi Colwill are in good condition as they continue to recover from injuries.
Man City team news: Guardiola coy about Rodri’s fitness
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
With his future at Manchester City up in the air, we take a look at Rodri’s top five goals for the club
Guardiola kept his cards close to his chest when asked about Rodri’s suitability for the FA Cup final against Chelsea.
The Man City midfielder has missed City’s last five games with a groin injury but could return at Wembley.
Asked if Rodri would take part, Guardiola replied: “Let’s see.”
Otherwise, Guardiola gave medical examinations to the rest of the team, saying “everyone is fine”.
City will play their fourth consecutive FA Cup final on Saturday and Guardiola has urged his team to take advantage of the opportunity, despite losing their last two games.
“There’s definitely excitement,” he said. “I hope we can do better than the last two.
“New players,[the last two FA Cup final defeats]have been forgotten, it’s another game against Chelsea.
“The message is with the FA Cup final at Wembley against two prestigious clubs, with the fans who make an incredible effort to come to London, which is far from cheap these days, and who strive to perform as well as possible to win.”
