Chelsea interim coach Calum McFarlane said he felt relief after guiding the Blues to a 1-0 win over Leeds United and into the FA Cup final.

Chelsea booked their place in the FA Cup final after a 1-0 semifinal victory over Leeds United at Wembley, with interim manager Calum McFarlane admitting he felt “relief” after the result. Enzo Fernández scored the only goal of the game with a first-half header from Pedro Neto’s cross.

McFarlane, appointed three days earlier following Liam Rosenior’s dismissal, praised the team’s response after a poor run of form. “Relief is the correct word,” he said. “We wanted to shift the momentum… the character was the most pleasing part.” Chelsea had lost seven of their previous eight matches.

Chelsea will face Manchester City in the final on May 16. McFarlane acknowledged the challenge ahead but said the squad had shown they can rise for big occasions. “It’s going to be a massive challenge… but we seem to raise our level,” he said.

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Como president Mirwan Suwarso has given Cesc Fabregas the green light to join Chelsea, saying: “You want your employees to stay with you for as long as possible, but at the end of the day, we don’t own him and he’s free to go to Chelsea if he wishes.” Vanguard News

But Fabregas isn’t biting. “I didn’t even see any quote from our president. I believe I will continue my chapter as Como head coach. Focus on next games,” Punch he said coolly.

Chelsea’s managerial chaos continues.

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Chelsea have lost five consecutive Premier League games — and Leeds United’s Wilfried Gnonto is being tipped to make them pay in Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final.

Former Leeds star Dominic Matteo described the 22-year-old Italian international as “a bit of a secret weapon,” adding: “He’s got a lot of pace… as a defender, that’s the last thing you want.”

Blues’ shaky wings. Gnonto’s blistering pace. This could get ugly. ⚡

Eberechi Eze scored a stunning strike to send Arsenal back to the top of the Premier League—then limped off, leaving Gunners fans holding their breath ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid.

“I’m alright,” Eze told Sky Sports. “I’m all good; it was just a precaution. I’ll be OK.” Kai Havertz also went off injured. Arteta confirmed: “They are muscular niggles. We don’t think it’s too much. We have to wait and see.”

Robert Lewandowski’s move to Chicago Fire has stalled after the MLS side reportedly shifted their priorities, according to World Soccer Talk citing The Athletic. The 37‑year‑old’s Barcelona contract expires in June, but Chicago “cooled” their pursuit despite earlier interest. “Club’s priorities have shifted at least for the moment,” MLS insider Tom Bogert wrote. Lewandowski now appears more likely to join Juventus or AC Milan, with Barcelona offering only a reduced‑role extension

Manchester City are reportedly confident of signing Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson this summer, dealing a major blow to Manchester United, who regard the 23-year-old as their ideal midfield target. Sky Sports reports City are now in ‘pole position’ for the England international. Anderson is expected to leave the City Ground regardless of Forest’s relegation fate. City are prepared to pay up to £100 million for the former Newcastle man, who has established himself as one of the Premier League’s finest young midfielders.

Paris Saint-Germain have joined Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea as the most genuine suitors for Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, with sources indicating the 23-year-old England international is open to a move abroad and holds admiration for PSG coach Luis Enrique. Aston Villa could be willing to sell for anything north of £80 million, with some reports suggesting the fee could approach £100 million, potentially triggering one of the summer’s biggest transfer bidding wars.

“It was a good advert for the Premier League.

“They don’t allow you to go through the process, they’re so aggressive. They are good in the duels and one of the most competitive teams I ever faced in my career in terms of duels and one against one, long balls with Havertz and Rice, second balls – fantastic.

“We had momentum, they had momentum, we had chances, they had chances. At the end in these type of games, it is little margins.”

On quality of the game: “Absolutely, both teams are good – really top managers! And really top players for both sides.

“I’ve been so demanding but the reality is, it’s just one game. They are top of the league with one goal difference [better than City].

“We have to enjoy it, celebrate it, take the good things but don’t lose the focus. The focus is in three days, we go to Burnley.”

On Arsenal adjustments from cup final: “Maybe they played more direct than at Wembley.”

Ball sticks more with Havertz up front? “Yeah but Gyokeres is also strong and, especially the second balls, they are so good. It’s good delivery from Raya.

“But we know the speed that they have and the set pieces. When we concede a lot of corners, free-kicks and they are top. They had four or five strikers and Gabriel at the end, and good delivery as well.

“Sometimes it is difficult to control because we are tired. At the end I’m happy because we can extend the hope and, maybe until the end, we will try.”

The Man City bottle guy sticking it to Arsenal again after 1-2 loss to Citypic.twitter.com/lTYGDyO7oh

— Rifnote Sports (@Rifnotefootball) April 19, 2026

He first did it when City thrashed Chelsea last weekend at Stamford Bridge:

A message to Bottlers FC from a Man City fan 😂😂
This Man City Fan brought an Arsenal bottle to the stadium to remind Arsenal they are bottlers 😭, this is elite BANTER! pic.twitter.com/WbdwNxc722

— V.I.C👨‍💻 (@VIC_kutz) April 12, 2026

Premier League odds on MARCH 19th:
📈91% Arsenal
📉9% Man City

Premier League odds on APRIL 19th:
📈56% Man City
📉44% Arsenal pic.twitter.com/0agd0zlVzd

— Polymarket Sports (@PolymarketSport) April 19, 2026