Man City strike late to edge wasteful Chelsea and reach FA Cup final

Bernardo Silva’s late goal kept Manchester City’s hopes of retaining the domestic double alive after Pep Guardiola’s side secured a 1-0 FA Cup semi-final victory against Chelsea.

Reeling from their midweek Champions League exit on penalties at the hands of Real Madrid, which ended their hopes of back-to-back trebles, Guardiola’s side, who were without the injured Erling Haaland, struggled for rhythm for much of the game.

Chelsea were the team on the front foot at Wembley and in the end, they were made to pay for a host of missed chances. Nicolas Jackson was the main culprit as he was denied twice in quick succession by goalkeeper Stefan Ortega early in the second half.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side were also denied a penalty when Cole Palmer’s free-kick struck the hand of Jack Grealish. Referee Michael Oliver waved away the appeals before VAR stuck with the on-field decision, much to the bemusement of Pochettino and his players.

It is understood VAR officials decided not to punish Grealish for the handball because he was trying to make his body smaller as Palmer’s free-kick came towards him.

SkySports