FA Cup 2018: 3 things Chelsea did right in their 2-0 victory over Southampton
Strikers Olivier Giroud and Alvaro Morata were on target as Chelsea reached their second successive FA Cup final with victory over a fighting Southampton.
Giroud – signed from Arsenal on deadline day in the winter transfer window – broke the deadlock 28 seconds into the second half, expertly stepping past challenges from Saints’ defenders and rifling home from close range.
Morata – who replaced Giroud late on – sealed matters less than 90 seconds after being introduced with a fine header from his eternal provider Cesar Azpilicueta’s cross.
Southampton had their fair share of chances, but will live to rue not converting them as they shift their focus back to staying in the Premier League.
Victory for the Blues means they will now contest the final against former boss Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United on 19th May.
We analyse the three things Antonio Conte got spot on en route to an ultimately comfortable victory against Mark Hughes’ relegation-battling side:-
#1 Starting cup-specialist Giroud ahead of Morata
In the build-up to the game, Conte would have been faced with a selection dilemma on whether to start his big-money, but recently out-of-sorts, striker in Morata or turn to his January recruit in Giroud.
The Frenchman certainly had the stronger claim with his double against the same opponents last week to overturn a two-goal deficit as well as a good record against the Saints, having also scored against them in Arsenal colours earlier in the season to save a point for the Gunners.
In addition, he was in the bracket of ‘been there, done that’, having won the FA Cup thrice in the previous four seasons with his former club.
Morata, on the other hand, had been in terrible form in 2018 thus far, scoring just twice and guilty of making a meal of clear-cut opportunities.
He was also not in his manager’s best books when he publicly displayed his frustration at being subbed off in the victory at Burnley in midweek.
So it was no surprise to see Giroud getting the nod for the big occasion. He didn’t disappoint. The 31-year old was a constant threat to the Saints’ back-three and his aerial prowess made him a constant force to deal with.
Uncharacteristically, it was his feet that provided the breakthrough for the London side seconds into the second half.
He picked up the pass from Hazard, skipped goal-side to avoid the challenge of Maya Yoshida, followed by another challenge-evading touch away from goal. His quick thinking also resulted in goalkeeper Alex McCarthy sprawling to the ground in anticipation of a shot.
The Frenchman, thus, had an opportunity to shoot and he made no mistake. Chelsea, though not always on top, got the lead and it led to the game opening up.
Giroud’s selection was justified and Conte, who has come under scrutiny in recent weeks, must be given credit where it was due.