Enzo Fernandez delivers Chelsea to FA Cup final with Leeds win in 2026

Chelsea secured their place in the 2026 FA Cup final with a 1-0 victory over Leeds United, thanks to a first-half header from Enzo Fernandez.

Chelsea's semi-final triumph Chelsea's players celebrated inside Wembley after reaching the FA Cup final with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Leeds United. The match-winning goal came from Enzo Fernandez, who scored with a header in the first half. Chelsea's victory highlighted both their talent and flaws under the previous management. Chelsea now face Manchester City in the final on May 16. ## Rosenior's short-lived tenure ends Liam Rosenior's time as Chelsea manager lasted just 106 days after his side suffered a disappointing loss to Leeds. Rosenior was dismissed following a run of five league games without a goal, a streak not seen since 1912. Chelsea's players displayed a lack of fight and determination during his spell. Once removed, Chelsea's performances improved dramatically, leading to their Wembley success. ## BlueCo's ownership and instability Under the ownership of BlueCo, Chelsea have experienced significant turnover in management. Since taking over, they have won two major trophies and reached three finals across eight managerial changes, including interim and caretaker roles. Roman Abramovich's 'hire 'em, fire 'em' approach during his tenure from 2003 to 2022 brought both chaos and success. Chelsea's current campaign has mirrored this pattern of instability. ## Fernandez's redemption and dominance Enzo Fernandez was the standout performer in Chelsea's semi-final win, scoring the decisive goal and controlling the game. His header, converted after 23 minutes, ended a 498-minute scoreless streak against Premier League opponents. Fernandez's performance came after a suspension imposed by Chelsea for remarks made following their Champions League exit. His 13 goals this season place him among the top midfield scorers in the league. ## McFarlane's impact as interim boss Chelsea's shift in fortunes coincided with the arrival of interim manager Calum McFarlane. The team's performance visibly improved when McFarlane took charge, suggesting a loss of confidence in Rosenior. Chelsea's ownership, including co-owner Behdad Eghbali, was present at Wembley during the victory. This marked a contrast to the dismissal of Thomas Tuchel 100 days into the new regime in September 2022. ## Critics question Chelsea's methods Former England goalkeeper Rob Green analyzed Chelsea's approach, describing it as 'ugly' but effective in reaching finals. He noted Fernandez's complete control over the game, highlighting how the Argentine dictated Chelsea's play. Green remarked that Chelsea's system rewards individual talent over collective structure. 'Give a player an inch, they take a mile,' Green observed, adding that Chelsea's big moments outweigh Leeds' missed chances. ## Owners' ambitions and player power Chelsea's owners have invested heavily in a multi-club model, which has led to both criticism and success. Fernandez's interview hinting at a potential move to Real Madrid under Rosenior's management drew suspension and controversy. Despite the turmoil, Chelsea's players delivered under interim leadership. The club now has a chance to salvage a poor season with silverware by beating Manchester City.