3 things we learned from Chelsea vs Manchester City FA Cup final

It turned out to be another final defeat for Chelsea at Wembley. The Blues have made the grand finale plenty of times in recent years but fallen short time and again. And it was no different this time around as they could not get the better of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. It has been five years now since they beat them last, in the final of the Champions League.

Their manager on that day was in the stands today, now the England national team boss, watching his former side lose. To be fair, Thomas Tuchel has a few Wembley final defeats under his belt as well. This is a hurdle that the club have struggled to get over for a while now.

Now, there are two games left in the league and then, it might time to recharge and get back to pre-season. There is not much else to do. Champions League football is as good as gone, and this was their chance to make the Europa League. Let’s see if the Blues are able to even make the Conference League.

Cole Palmer needs a rest, not a trip to the World Cup

Once again, this was an underwhelming display from Palmer. Many had hoped that he would turn up on the big occasion but he did not. This has not been his season.

It looks like he needs a summer off. When fit, he has played constant football for several years straight. And at the moment, he seems short of confidence as well.

He does not take the shots that he normally would or attempt the through balls, instead playing it safe. That’s not what Palmer is known for though. Chelsea need him to be the main man again. It might be best for him in the long term if he is not in the World Cup squad and gets the summer off.

Chelsea’s inexperience shows again

The last 25 minutes or so of the game showed the difference between Chelsea and a top club. Manchester City were immaculate in their game management. Instead of sitting back and soaking up pressure, they held on to the ball and did even allow the Blues into the game.

It looked like City were chasing the game and not Chelsea. Calum McFarlane’s side could not even get out of their own half for the most part.

And that came after Chelsea had actually dominated the game for 15 minutes or so in that second half. That just goes to show the professionalism and confidence of this City team. That is the level Chelsea need to aim for.

Did Chelsea deserve a penalty?

All those finals that Chelsea have lost at Wembley, well, there have been some questionable decisions along the way. And we might have added to that list today.

Joao Pedro went down in the box in the first half and appealed for a penalty but it was not given. But on replays, it felt like he had enough reason to complain that a spot-kick should have been given.

On another place on the pitch, that would have been a free-kick. Did Pedro go down a bit theatrically? Perhaps. But that is no reason to not point to the spot if there was a foul. And many felt there indeed was.