Credit: Imago

James Barker

Sun 26 April 2026 17:12, UK

Leeds United were beaten by Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday, but Brenden Aaronson could’ve changed that had he shown more confidence.

Daniel Farke‘s side fell frustratingly short of taking Leeds to their first FA Cup final appearance since 1973 on Sunday, as they were defeated by managerless Chelsea 1-0.

The Whites went 1-0 down after just 23 minutes via an Enzo Fernandez header, and despite a spirited second-half performance, they couldn’t find a way back into the game.

So, whilst it was ultimately a disappointing day at Wembley Stadium, it did also show just how far Farke’s team have come this season, and offered an early look into what could be a very bright and exciting future at Elland Road.

MOT Leeds News rounds up some of the moments that you may have missed from Leeds’ FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea.

Brenden Aaronson shows lack of confidence in Chelsea chance

Farke has persisted with Aaronson over recent games, despite the fact the 25-year-old attacking midfielder hasn’t scored in any competition since his double against Newcastle on 7 January.

The American international displayed why that’s been the case on Sunday too, as he spurned a massive opportunity to give Leeds the lead in the 15th minute.

With the score still reading 0-0, it was Aaronson who intercepted a Chelsea pass in the centre circle, before some smart link-up play in the midfield saw Dominic Calvert-Lewin play Aaronson through on goal.

However, the Leeds number 11 took the shot first-time, and it was a relatively weak effort that Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez had little problem repelling with his right foot.

All of Wembley saw that opportunity, but what you may have missed was the tell-tale sign from Aaronson that he’s not a player playing with confidence in front of goal at the moment.

As noted in an X post from LeedsLive reporter Isaac Johnson, the American took his eyes off the chance in front of him before striking the ball.

“The Aaronson of January finishes that. He glimpsed for the offside flag at one stage and you wonder whether that half-second made a difference,” Johnson wrote.

Ampadu and Leeds staff stand up to Chelsea ‘timeout’

Just past the hour mark of Sunday’s game, Chelsea decided to take what is often referred to as a ‘timeout’, in order for the Blues’ coaching staff to get a message across to their players without the game carrying on.

This was done by instructing Sanchez to hit the deck so that he could get ‘treatment’ for what was evidently an injury that didn’t exist, killing the momentum of the game.

Everyone connected with Leeds didn’t take kindly to that, with supporters making it clear they were wise to what Chelsea were doing, and so were those in the Whites dugout.

As noted by the Yorkshire Post’s chief football writer Graham Smyth via X, Ethan Ampadu took it upon himself to go and stand right in the middle of the Chelsea discussion to try and hear what was being said, but more to call them out on their ploy.

However, what you may have missed which was noted by Smyth was the fact that numerous members of Leeds staff also got involved, and began listening in on what the Blues players and coaches were conversing about.

Brilliant. Fair play to every single Leeds player and member of staff involved in taking a stance against that, as it’s totally farcical and something the governing bodies have to get a grip on.

Joel Piroe tries to console ‘gutted’ Struijk

Chelsea’s first goal came via a sloppy moment in the Leeds defence, and in particular, from Pascal Struijk cheaply conceding possession.

The Leeds defender didn’t seem to know what to do with the ball after winning it following a Chelsea goal-kick, and his uncertainty was pounced upon by the Blues who eventually found the head of Fernandez to make it 1-0.

After the full-time whistle blew, Leeds writer for The Athletic, Beren Cross, posted to his X account having spotted Struijk standing on his own away from his Whites teammates.

Cross states that Joel Piroe was the one to come over to try and console him, but the Dutch defender – who has been brilliant for Leeds this season – wasn’t at his best on Sunday, and will be thinking about that moment for some time.