Credit: Tung Manh Phan

Daniel Davis

Mon 27 April 2026 12:10, UK

Leeds United don’t often score or win at Wembley. Sunday’s 1-0 defeat by Chelsea was another grim reminder of that torrid record, as their FA Cup dreams faded away.

Despite arguably coming into this semi-final as the narrow favourites, history was not on their side. You have to cast all the way back to the Charity Shield in 1992 to watch their last goal at the national stadium, and even that came via a hat-trick from Eric Cantona no less.

They are now without a victory or a goal in their last four matches there, stretching across this setback, a Championship play-off final, a League One play-off final, and the 1996 League Cup final. Capping off a grim day, they became the first club to achieve this unwanted feat.

The tens of thousands of supporters did their part, creating a febrile atmosphere in the hopes of rallying their charges and intimidating Chelsea’s. It was just a shame, then, that too much of the contest passed the Whites by, culminating in a thud back down to terra firma.

Leeds must now turn their attention back to their Premier League survival bid, but having already effectively beaten the drop with four matches to go, they have very little to play for.

Noah Okafor bright again in Wembley loss

In the end, all it took was one loose touch. Pascal Struijk was the man who made the mistake, and by the time the final whistle sounded, he was standing away from the rest of his team-mates, downtrodden. It was clear he was replaying his fatal slip-up in his mind.

The defender looked to have done enough after beating Pedro Neto in the air, but a baggy intervention landed at the feet of Joao Pedro, who was able to release Neto down the left-hand side. He then delivered into the middle of the box for Enzo Fernandez to head home.

It was typical of Leeds’ misfortune on these big occasions that Chelsea, days from dispensing with Liam Rosenior, strode out at Wembley with a renewed nimbleness.

They rallied together for interim boss Calum McFarlane, who doesn’t even have the necessary UEFA Pro Licence to take charge for longer than 12 weeks. McFarlane, courtesy of a drastically improved structure and use of the dark arts, did enough to nullify the Whites.

Chelsea, though, couldn’t quite get a handle on Noah Okafor. While Leeds failed to give a proper account of themselves in the opening 45 minutes, the Swiss international was his typically tricky self. His team-mates looked nervous, but he embraced the challenge.

A switch to a 4-3-3 shape in the second half also played in his favour, to the extent that the Blues told goalkeeper Robert Sanchez to go down to receive treatment, allowing McFarlane to dish out instructions. Leeds needed more cutting-edge, and Okafor provided it.

There have been two sides to him since his £18million arrival at Elland Road from AC Milan last summer. He has been frustrating to watch at times. Okafor relishes playing right on the edge, but has been known to sloppily surrender possession and drift in and out of matches.

Still, his output has been impressive. He has scored seven goals in the Premier League this season and registered three assists in all competitions. Against Chelsea, he was the man who looked to create chances. He could smell blood even when those around him couldn’t.

It was far from an outstanding performance, mind, but his numbers were arguably symptomatic of a wider Leeds display that never really clicked through the gears. Indeed, he took just 30 touches in his 74-minute runout and completed only five passes all afternoon.

Okafor also registered one successful dribble and one accurate cross, while at the other end, he chalked up two clearances and three recoveries.

Secrets to Okafor’s success at Leeds

Just a couple of months ago, Okafor couldn’t understand why Daniel Farke was so reluctant to give him a full 90-minute runout. However, his camp pulled no punches, to the point that his fitness coach Rolf Fongue told him he hadn’t been showing “anything” in matches.

Now, he boasts five goals and three assists in his last nine appearances in all competitions, a welcome contrast to his run of 17 league and cup games from October without any goal involvements. Okafor is settled at Leeds, and this stability has been crucial.

Farke’s work has been just as instrumental, too. “He gave me confidence,” said Okafor. “When I do good things, he tells me straight. When I have to improve, he tells me also.

“So I feel really confident from him. That is what I need to be the best version of myself.”

While Okafor couldn’t quite reach his unstoppable peak against Chelsea, it was clear for all to see that he has become Farke’s talisman in attack. He has played his part in Leeds’ Premier League survival and road to a Wembley semi-final, but now, he’ll be hungry for more.