Chelsea halt seven-game slide with spirited FA Cup final prep in 2026

Chelsea ended a seven-game Premier League losing streak with a battling 1-1 draw at Liverpool, providing a confidence boost ahead of their FA Cup final against Manchester City.

Cucurella hails Chelsea’s fighting spirit Chelsea’s left-back Marc Cucurella praised his side’s determination after they overcame a dismal run in the league to secure a draw at Liverpool. The Blues entered the match just one defeat away from setting an unwanted English football record with seven straight league losses. Chelsea equalized through Enzo Fernández’s 12th-minute free-kick after Ryan Gravenberch had put Liverpool ahead early. Cucurella told the media that while the performance wasn’t perfect, the collective effort showed what the team could achieve when united. He added that the result must now fuel their confidence for the upcoming FA Cup final clash with Manchester City. ## McFarlane’s interim reign begins with revival Interim manager Calum McFarlane made his first start in charge against Liverpool as Chelsea sought to halt their alarming decline. The Blues had suffered a disappointing 3-1 home defeat to Nottingham Forest in his debut game, raising questions about player response to management. McFarlane switched Chelsea to a three-back system for only the fourth time this season, a tactical shift that saw them rewarded with a hard-fought draw at Anfield. The performance drew applause from the visiting supporters, signaling a potential turning point under his leadership. ## Colwill’s leadership transforms Chelsea’s backline McFarlane’s decision to deploy a back three was underpinned by the return of defender Levi Colwill, who started for the first time in ten months. Colwill, alongside Wesley Fofana, formed a composed partnership at the heart of the defense and completed 65 of 73 passes in the match. McFarlane described Colwill as the best player on the pitch, highlighting his ability to play out from the back and his leadership qualities. Dutch midfielder Jorrel Hato also returned to the starting lineup, one of the few Chelsea players to show consistency during a difficult spell. ## Tactical adjustments spark attacking hope The three-at-the-back setup allowed Cucurella to advance as a wing-back, exploiting Liverpool’s makeshift right flank. Cole Palmer, who had struggled for form, nearly ended a ten-game club goal drought with a shot ruled out for offside by a narrow margin against Cucurella. The formation also accommodated academy players Mathis Eboué and Ryan Kavuma-McQueen on the bench due to the absence of four senior wingers. Chelsea hope key forwards Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto will return for the FA Cup final, while captain Reece James made his first appearance in nearly a month as a substitute. ## Chelsea’s season remains in turmoil despite cup hope Despite lifting the FIFA Club World Cup last summer with victories over champions from Spain, Italy, England, and France, Chelsea’s league form has plummeted. The Blues sit outside the top five and trail the Champions League places, with only one win in their last eleven Premier League games. They have failed to keep a clean sheet in fourteen consecutive top-flight matches, their longest such streak since a 15-game run in 1979. McFarlane acknowledged the improvement but admitted moments were missed in a game that could have been won. ## Cup run offers McFarlane early validation Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over Leeds in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley demonstrated McFarlane’s ability to organize a team under pressure. The draw at Liverpool provided a platform to build momentum heading into the season’s defining fixture. McFarlane stressed the importance of building on the reaction seen from his players after recent setbacks. He described the performance as much-improved and expressed satisfaction with the team’s response. ## Colwill and James praised upon return McFarlane commended Colwill and Reece James for their exceptional displays following their returns to the starting lineup. The manager emphasized the leadership and composure Colwill brought during his first 90 minutes in months. Both players featured in a match that served as a statement of intent ahead of the FA Cup final. Their contributions were seen as critical in stabilizing a side in transition.