FA Cup: No Wembley return for two ex-Super Eagles invitees in May as Crystal Palace lose to Chelsea

Published: April 17, 2022

Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira deployed 2017 Super Eagles invitee Eberechi Eze in attacking midfield in the Eagles' FA Cup semifinals 2-0 defeat against Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on Sunday evening.

Chelsea will now face Liverpool in the final on May 14 at Wembley.

Eze played in the absence of Conor Gallagher who is a Chelsea player and is unable to face his parent club.

Another former Super Eagles invitee in Michael Olise made a second half entrance into the game but did not offer much in terms of goal threats.

The first half ended scoreless as there were few chances created by both sides though Edouard Mendy must be commended for producing some fine saves.

Germany forward Kai Havertz was yellow-carded for simulation as the Blues desperately searched for a win.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek came off the substitute bench in place of Mateo Kovacic.

Eze delivered a 60th minute corner kick which Cheick Kouyaté could not score from as the ball came off his shoulder.

Chelsea grabbed the opener in the 65th minute when Ruben Loftus-Cheek cracked a beautiful half volley after left back Tyrick Mitchell lost possession of the ball.

Mason Mount and Timo Werner combined beautifully before the former side footed the ball to the bottom right corner to double Chelsea’s lead in the 76th minute.

Joachim Andersen could not direct his header from a corner on target and the opportunity to get back into the game went away.

Romelu Lukaku struck the post as the game was winding up and the rebound that Hakim Ziyech latched on was magnificently blocked.

Izuchukwu Michael

Photo Credit : chelseafc.com

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