TheCable

Bernardo Silva scored late in the second half to hand Manchester City a 1-0 win over Chelsea in their English FA Cup semi-final tie at Wembley on Saturday.

The Portuguese midfielder was in the right place at the right time to tuck in six minutes from time and seal a win that dashed Chelsea’s hopes of a trophy this season.

Three days after crashing out of the UEFA Champions League, a jaded Man City were without Erling Haaland, while Stefan Ortega was also in goal ahead of Ederson.

Chelsea had several chances to take the lead in both halves but a wasteful Nicholas Jackson denied the Blues, while Cole Palmer was unable to make his efforts count.

Shortly after a penalty appeal by Chelsea fell on deaf ears, Man City scored the only goal of the encounter.

Jeremy Doku, on as a substitute, worked the ball to Kevin de Bruyne whose cut-back was diverted into the path of Silva by Chelsea’s goalkeeper, and the Man City player took full advantage to slot the ball into the net.

The victory is a second Wembley heartbreak for Mauricio Pochettino who lost the Carabao Cup final earlier in the year. The Blues have now failed to defeat Man City in nine consecutive matches.

Man City, seven-time FA Cup winners and current holders, will face either crosstown rivals, Manchester United, or Coventry City in the final.