Evening StandardChelsea FC vs Manchester City tactics: Predicting where FA Cup semi-final will be won and lost
Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final between Chelsea and Manchester City will be the first time Thomas Tuchel and Pep Guardiola lock horns in English football — and it could be a thriller. While Chelsea have dominated the ball in the majority of the games since the German replaced Chelsea legend Frank Lampard at the end of Janaury, he has proved he can win, even when they have not. Liverpool enjoyed 54 per cent of possession in Chelsea's 1-0 win at Anfield last month, yet Tuchel's side dominated the chances, with five shots on target compared to the Merseysiders' one.
Evening StandardChelsea FC boss Thomas Tuchel can take on Pep Guardiola as FA Cup clash marks start of new rivalry
Pep Guardiola identified Thomas Tuchel as one of his greatest threats long before he was parachuted in to save Chelsea. Tomorrow, the pair will meet on English soil for the first time in a clash that promises to light the blue touch paper for the Premier League’s next great rivalry. How double-chasing Chelsea handle quadruple-chasing Manchester City will be instructive as to what is to come next season and beyond.
Evening StandardBukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe create ‘magic’ for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta marvels
Mikel Arteta asked his Arsenal players to create "magic moments" against Slavia Prague and, in the end, it was Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe who had the Czech side under their spell. The youngsters stole the show during Arsenal's 4-0 win last night, which set up a semi-final showdown with Villarreal and their old boss, Unai Emery. It was probably Arsenal's best display of the season, with a number of players catching the eye.
