Chelsea 0-1 Leicester City: 5 talking points as Leicester City clinch maiden title | FA Cup final

Chelsea v Leicester City: The Emirates FA Cup Final
Chelsea v Leicester City: The Emirates FA Cup Final

Leicester City have won the 2020-21 FA Cup after claiming a narrow 1-0 victory over Chelsea at Wembley on Saturday.

Chelsea came into this tie aiming to make amends for last season's final defeat to Arsenal under former boss Frank Lampard.

Leicester City, on the other hand, were looking to get their hands on the title for the first ever time in the competition's history.

The game started out slowly, with both sides taking a cautious approach while trying to win tactical battles in key areas.

With the Blues dominating proceedings, the Foxes sat deep, opting to soak up the pressure and allow Jamie Vardy and Kelechi Iheanacho to lead the counter-attack.

However, it was not until shortly before the hour mark that Leicester City grabbed the breakthrough strike.

After beginning the second half on the front foot, Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans was allowed space to roam deep in the Chelsea half, before picking out the top right corner with a sublime effort.

With Chelsea running short on time, head coach Thomas Tuchel threw the kitchen sink, sending on the likes of Kai Havertz, Christian Pulisic and Olivier Giroud in search of a way back into the game.

The Blues thought they had grabbed a last-grasp equalizer when Ben Chilwell connected with Thiago Silva's searching cross leading to Wes Morgan's own goal. However, the goal was ruled out after VAR revealed the former Leicester City man was slightly offside.

Chelsea have now lost in back-to-back FA Cup finals, while Leicester City will celebrate their maiden cup success. Below are five talking points from the game.


#5 Questionable team selection from Thomas Tuchel

Chelsea v Leicester City: The Emirates FA Cup Final
Chelsea v Leicester City: The Emirates FA Cup Final

Chelsea's starting lineup, which took on Leicester City, raised a few eyebrows considering the stakes of the game. Thomas Tuchel had earlier revealed that Kepa Arrizabalaga was going to start in goal ahead of Edouard Mendy.

The likes of Ben Chilwell and Christian Pulisic were also dropped to the bench as Marcos Alonso and Hakim Ziyech were given the nod by the Chelsea boss.

This came back to haunt Chelsea as Leicester City’s winner might just have been saved by the much taller Edouard Mendy. Marcos Alonso and Hakim Ziyech were also hooked off for Chilwell and Pulisic as Chelsea searched for an equalizer.

The change injected fresh life into the Blue’s build up play and attack, raising questions as to why they were originally overlooked by the Chelsea boss.


#4 Chelsea's attack was lethargic against dogged Leicester City defense

Chelsea v Leicester City: The Emirates FA Cup Final
Chelsea v Leicester City: The Emirates FA Cup Final

Chelsea failed to impose themselves at the attacking end of the pitch as they were beaten by a solid Leicester City defense.

German striker Timo Werner particularly failed to hit his stride in the game before getting hooked off for Olivier Giroud in the second half.

The former RB Leipzig man finished with no shots on target and was easily kept at bay, despite his blistering pace.

Hakim Ziyech and Mason Mount also failed to threaten the Foxes goal, finishing with just one shot on target between themselves.

#3 Wesley Fofana drops colossal performance for Leicester City

Chelsea v Leicester City: The Emirates FA Cup Final
Chelsea v Leicester City: The Emirates FA Cup Final

Leicester City’s defensive masterclass was highlighted by French defender Wesley Fofana, who put in a great performance against Chelsea. He made six interceptions, five clearances and two tackles while blocking four shots to help his side hold on to their slender lead.

The 20-year-old has been one of the standout performers for Brendan Rodgers’ side this season. Considering he was signed from Ligue 1 side Saint Etienne for just €35m, he has been an excellent piece of business for the club.

At age 20, he still has the bulk of his career ahead of him and enough time to grow into one of the best centre-backs across Europe.


#2 Leicester City end FA Cup trophy drought

Chelsea v Leicester City: The Emirates FA Cup Final
Chelsea v Leicester City: The Emirates FA Cup Final

Leicester City have finally ended their trophy drought in the FA Cup thanks to Youri Tielemans' 63rd minute strike.

The Foxes had previously made it to the final of the competition on four different occasions. However, they failed to claim the title in each attempt.

Their last finals defeat came back in 1969, when they lost to Manchester City at Wembley.

It was fifth time lucky for Brendan Rodgers' side after they finally got their hands on the elusive FA Cup silverware. Leicester City also ended their dire run of 10 straight defeats to Chelsea in the competition.

This is also Brendan Rodgers' first major title win since moving into the English top flight.


#1 Back to the drawing board for Thomas Tuchel and Chelsea

Chelsea take on Leieseter City and Manchester City in the coming days
Chelsea take on Leieseter City and Manchester City in the coming days

With another crunch game against Leicester City coming up on Tuesday, Chelsea will aim to shake off the disappointment and return to winning ways.

Separated by one place and four points in the league standings, both sides are in a heated race for a top-four finish.

Chelsea also have the UEFA Champions League final against Manchester City coming up in nine days. These are two key games that will undoubtedly determine the Blues season.

Defeat in those two games could see the Blues go trophyless and finish outside the top-four places for the first time in as many years.

However, they will be boosted by the return of star midfielder Mateo Kovacic, who has been on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

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Edited by Ashwin
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