Big picture 'gloomy' but Leeds win a 'huge boost' for Chelsea
· Yahoo Sports
Chelsea got a big result on Sunday against Leeds United, winning an FA Cup semi-final which was about more than just earning another chance to lift a trophy at Wembley.
The game brought a goal scored, a clean sheet and a win for the Blues. Those are three things the club have been desperately searching for in recent weeks. The confidence from such a win will be a huge boost in the remaining Premier League games this season. There may not be enough time left to force our way back in the right direction, but we at least go into those matches feeling we've got a chance.
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After the abject showing on Tuesday, it was a relief to see Chelsea playing with some grit and determination. It was also a little galling as it showed just how much of their recent slump has been a simple case of players downing tools.
It wasn't all just a product of renewed effort, though. Interim coach Calum McFarlane made some useful tweaks to his tactics and to the team's overall philosophy to beat Leeds' potent (but fragile) high-press, and he put the best players he had available in their most comfortable roles.
Robert Sanchez kicked the ball long, made some good saves, and was well protected by his defence, while Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia blocked up the midfield and slowed the game in possession. If Chelsea had a left-winger in better form than the desperately poor Alejandro Garnacho, we might have seen something a little more appetising in attack too.
But regardless - Chelsea have won a game, confidence is coming back, Joao Pedro is fit and Reece James could yet feature against Nottingham Forest in a week's time. Things are certainly brighter than they were a week ago, even if the big picture remains gloomy.
Find more from Will Faulks at Chelsea News