THE first semi-final of the FA Cup saw holders Manchester City edge out Chelsea to keep hopes of a double alive. Elsewhere in the league, Luton’s hope of survival was dealt a severe blow with a heavy home defeat to Brentford while Sheffield United look dead and buried.
Burnley though still has a mathematical chance of retaining their top-flight status. Arsenal resurrected their faltering season with a win away at Wolves to move back to the top of the table. FocusM looks at the talking points from all the fixtures played thus far.
FA Cup
Manchester City 1 v Chelsea 0
After the gruelling battle against Real Madrid, Pep Guardiola’s men look jaded and fatigued. Scrappy passes and an uncharasteritic lack of cutting edge upfront saw the cup holders struggle to impose themselves on the game. It was Chelsea who carved out the best chances in the first half with Nicholas Jackson spurning a couple of gilt-edged opportunities.
Ultimately, the contest was settled by Bernado Silva who got his moment of redemption after that horrid penalty miss against Madrid in midweek.
EPL
Luton Town 1 v Brenford 5
Just how Luton expects to survive or even bounce back from such a heavy home defeat is anyone’s guess. That’s ten goals conceded in two games after suffering a similar scoreline at the Etihad last weekend. Being soundly beaten by the reigning champions away is one thing, getting thrashed at home by a Brentford side that themselves dallied with relegation fears not too long ago is inexcusable.
Four games to go and the Hatters are just one point adrift of safety but this display does underline that they aren’t quite good enough.
Sheffield United 1 v Burnley 4
Burnley have spent the vast majority of this campaign in the bottom three. But they have now put together a run that gives them a glimmer of hope. Unbeaten in six of their last seven games has Vincent Kompany’s side is tantalisingly close to 17th spot, currently occupied by Nottingham Forest who are just three points above, albeit with a game in hand.
This was a comfortable afternoon for Burnley as the Blades look resigned to their fate. Can Burnley pull off the impossible? On this show, why not?
Wolverhampton Wanderers 0 v Arsenal 2
After the disappointing exit to Bayern Munich in the Champions League and a painful home defeat to Aston Villa, the Gunner’s season was fast unravelling. But Mikeal Arteta put things straight, and his side carved out a resilient away win that takes them back to the table summit.
Perhaps being knocked out of all other competitions will help sharpen focus as Arsenal looks to avoid a repeat of last season’s failed challenge. Goals from Leandro Trossard and Martin Odegaard sealed all three precious points for the Gunners on a night when anything less would have been calamitous. – April 21, 2024
All photos credited to The Guardian
