Demba Ba scored the winning goal for Chelsea on Monday and ended Manchester United's quest for the domestic Double. Chelsea advance to the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City at Wembley. Ba produced an athletic finish early in the second half and United have only the Premier League left to focus on, looking for the 20th title as they currently hold a comfortable 15-point advantage. Chelsea remain in contention to win the FA Cup and Europa League.
Chelsea interim boss was criticized for fielding a weakened starting eleven in the Premier League match at Southampton on Saturday, as Chelsea lost the game, but the choice seems to have paid off on Monday. Man United were without Wayne Rooney, still injured, but his replacement Javier Hernandez came very close to netting the equalizer in the second half but was denied by a huge save from Petr Cech.
Both keepers did well to keep clean sheets in the first half as David De Gea denied Ba and Cech turned away Hernandez's effort from 25 yards out. The only goal of the match came four minutes after the interval when Juan Mata played one of his trademark wonderful passes for Demba Ba, who raced clear of Ferdinand before firing past De Gea. United replied and they nearly got the equalizer when Hernandez headed towards goal from the far post but Petr Cech pulled out a world-class stop to keep Chelsea ahead. The Blues could have extended the lead through Eden Hazard who was left clean through on goal following a mistake from Michael Carrick but the Belgian youngster fired just wide. Sir Alex Ferguson sent in Van Persie and the Dutch striker had his chance three minutes from time but his finish was poor.
Chelsea will now face Manchester City at Wembley on 14 April in the semi final, here are the odds for that match at Bet365:
Chelsea win - 13/8
Draw - 5/2
Manchester City win - 6/4
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