Chelsea news: Thomas Tuchel hails 'very controlled and serious' Blues win in FA Cup semi-final
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace, FA Cup semi-final
In a tightly contested FA Cup semi-final clash, Chelsea scored twice late on to secure a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace and earn passage to the final.
Chelsea were made to fight hard at Wembley on Sunday afternoon, with Patrick Vieira's Crystal Palace side holding out for a goalless first half.
However, Ruben Loftus-Cheek was able to break the deadlock in the 65th minute, and Mason Mount doubled their lead 11 minutes later.
Edouard Mendy was kept busy as Palace searched for a goal of their own, but Chelsea defended stubbornly to book their place in the May 14 showpiece.
Following the match, Thomas Tuchel praised his side for a very "controlled" and "serious" performance, just five days on from their Champions League heartbreak in Madrid.
Made in Cobham. ?#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/dYpLWsY5TJ
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 17, 2022
"It was not easy because we played three games in three different competitions. It was very challenging physically and we are the team with the most minutes in Europe.
"The performance was very controlled, very serious."
The German manager also reserved praise for Loftus-Cheek, who came on from the bench to open the scoring.
"This is what he shows in training but it's not enough, you need to show it on the pitch.
"I think he hides his talent for a long time. This is the way to go and for him it's step-by-step and he can continue to grow in his confidence."
Chelsea are in the #EmiratesFACup final! ? pic.twitter.com/laLUCw8xj0
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 17, 2022
Loftus-Cheek stated it was his mentality that has allowed him to flourish despite only being handed limited game time for the Blues.
"It's been a tough road, injuries and going on loan to find my form again, I always believed in myself and I always wanted to play for Chelsea.
"The reason I'm still here is my mentality. I still believe in myself. I said for many years my time will come.
"Everyone wants to play and I feel I've done well in the last couple of games and wanted to keep the momentum. The strength in depth in the squad is fantastic but I have to be ready to step in."
Chelsea will now face Liverpool in the final, after the Reds edged rivals Manchester City in the Saturday semi-final.
