Chelsea vs Southampton: The two sides clashed in FA Cup semifinal on Sunday.
Chelsea vs Southampton: Two successive FA Cup finals for Chelsea as they defeat Southampton 2-0 with goals from Olivier Giroud and Alvaro Morata in the second-half of the semifinal at Wembley Stadium on Sunday. The dull first half ended goalless despite a solid start by the Blues. Chelsea’s energy fizzled out towards the half-time but made up for the dull first-half with a thrilling second half. Giroud scored the first goal for his side seconds after going into the second half. Antonio Conte’s decision to replace Giroud with Morata proved smart as Morata scored another goal to finish the match at 2-0. Chelsea now meet Manchester United in the final of FA Cup.
Southampton last reached FA Cup final in 2003. (Source: Reuters)
Two successive FA Cup finals for Chelsea as they defeat Southampton 2-0 with goals from Giroud and Morata. Chelsea meet Manchester United in the final of FA Cup! That is something to look forward to.
Five minutes of extra time added to the match as Chelsea look to make it 3-0.
What an exciting last ten minutes of the match. Both the teams take chances, attack and make up for the dull first half. Southampton almost made it 2-1 but the ball hits the crossbar. Chelsea counter-attack but it goes wide.
Morata makes a difference for Chelsea minutes after coming in place of Giroud. A brilliant header from the former Real Madrid player. Conte can be seen heading in an imaginary ball while watching the goal in the replay.
Alvaro Morata comes in for Olivier Giroud while Bednarek is off for Gabbiadini for Southampton
THAT WAS SO CLOSE! A free-kick given to Southampton after the ball goes past the line, atleast that's what it looks like on the tv screens. Austin is adjudged to have fouled Willy Caballero. Chelsea decide to make Southampton pay as they counter-attack but the ball goes wide.
Three corners in quick succession help to build some momentum for Southampton, who are 1-0 down, as a penalty appeal for handball is turned down.
Hoedt is booked for a challenge on Hazard, who has now been twice fouled by Hoedt by the corner flag.
Tadic and Redmond are on for Long and Hojbjerg while Bakayoko replaces Willian. Chelsea fans don't look too happy with the development.
Giroud, who scored the only goal so far, looks in pain after getting caught on the ankle by Romeu. He is getting treatment after the challenge.
Romeu gets a warning from the official for a challenge on Eden Hazard.
A brilliant start to the second half! Chelsea attack from the word go as Giroud keeps his cool and scores just 28 seconds into the second half. Giroud, who was in a tight spot, goes past four defenders and the keeper before giving his side lead.
The FA Cup semifinal between Chelsea-Southampton goes into half-time goalless. A solid start by Chelsea fizzled out as the score stands 0-0
Giroud was fortunate to get a second chance. It was a good run by Fabregas who passes it to Giroud but he sends it wide.
Southampton again look done with no expression in their play. Even Chelsea's early energy has gone as the game with both sides hardly taking any chances.
First shot by Southampton as Lemina sends a long-range effort which is comfortably saved by Caballero. Southampton look more settled in the last five minutes with more ball possession.
Southampton do well to dodge constant attack by the Blues in the first twenty minutes of the semifinal. Chelsea look dangers with Hazard and William, powered with Giroud.
Chelsea are awarded free-kick but Willian clips the free-kick onto the roof of the net.
Chelsea don't let a minute go waste as they attack from the beginning. A tackle from Yoshida though stops Hazard from converting a close range effort.
Good early effort by the Blues as Hazard picks out Willian, who cuts inside and sends a left-footed strike against the crossbar.
Chelsea vs Southampton FA Cup semifinal is underway at Wembley Stadium.
Chelsea's Marcos Alonso wishes his teammates good luck ahead of the match. The defender is serving three-match ban for violent conduct.
Here is how the teams look:
Chelsea: Caballero; Azpilicueta, Cahill (c), Rudiger; Moses, Kante, Fabregas, Emerson; Willian, Giroud, Hazard.
Subs: Eduardo, Christensen, Zappacosta, Bakayoko, Barkley, Pedro, Morata.
Southampton: McCarthy, Cédric, Hoedt, Yoshida, Bednarek, Bertrand (c), Romeu, Højbjerg, Lemina, Austin, Long.
Subs: Forster, McQueen, Tadi?, Redmond, Ward-Prowse, Gabbiadini, Carrillo.
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the FA Cup semifinal match between Chelsea and Southampton. This is the blues' only chance of some silverware this season.