"Chelsea has only itself to blame." Comments by experts on the English FA Cup semifinal
Manchester City and Chelsea battled for a place in the English FA Cup final.
The "Citizens" secured a hard-fought narrow victory thanks to Bernardo Silva's goal, while the "Blues" failed to capitalize on several chances throughout the match.
Former Everton midfielder and current BBC expert Leon Osman believes Chelsea can only blame their own poor finishing but acknowledged the team's overall good performance.
"There was a lot of promise from Chelsea, I saw an awful lot of good things that if they keep working on it they are going in the right direction. The decision making from Chelsea was poor. Taking an extra touch in crucial moments has cost them, such as that Ben Chilwell moment when he should have squared the ball earlier.
The chance was there to beat a wounded Man City today, so Chelsea will be frustrated. You've seen City much better, far better, they were sloppy and off it at times.
Pep Guardiola wanted a reaction from his players today, he needed them to win to get back on track and he is delighted".
Chelsea legend and former manager Frank Lampard, in his commentary for BBC, also praised the Londoners' performance and urged the team's fans to be patient. According to him, Manchester City was not at their best.
"I loved playing in so many competitions throughout the season, loved it. There were days where I loved it but I still felt leggy.
Fortunately when you play in top teams then you will get a team-mate that digs you out with a goal, like Bernardo Silva today or Kevin de Bruyne in midweek.
I think fans should show patience. They've shown good performances against top teams. They did it twice in the league against Man City, they've done it today and against Arsenal and against Aston Villa. Palmer was the man they needed in front of the goal for those cutting edge chances today.
I don't think you can analyse Manchester City today, that wasn't Manchester City. They haven't got the spark in the legs, the energy of the press, the sharpness, the killer instinct. Today was about character".
Former Newcastle forward and England international Alan Shearer, in his BBC commentary, criticized Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson for failing to convert his opportunities.
"A poor day at the office for Nicolas Jackson. Mauricio Pochettino feels Chelsea should be about fourth on expected goals and this is exactly what he's on about. Jackson never looked comfortable. They are absolute sitters, they really are. Three great chances for him.
Pep will be very, very proud of his players after what happened in midweek and finding a way to win this game. Chelsea can only blame themselves, they created really, really good chances. It's not unlucky, it's just lacking quality. It is very similar to their cup final defeat here".
In the English FA Cup final, Pep Guardiola's team will face the winner of the Coventry - Manchester United pairing, who will meet on Sunday, April 21st.
Liam Carter
Dailysports's expert
Translated by the editors
