Credit: Sky Sports

Cameron Smith

Mon 27 April 2026 19:10, UK

Paul Merson has had his say on Chelsea’s goalkeeping tactics in their FA Cup semi-final win over Leeds United.

After a superb run to the last four, Leeds’ cup adventure came to an end beneath the arch as Enzo Fernandez sealed a 1-0 victory for the eight-time winners.

It brought a fine run to a halt for Daniel Farke’s side, whose recent string of impressive performances had helped them pull clear of the drop zone.

But on their trip to the capital, the West Yorkshire club failed to reach the standards they had shown in recent weeks. Their frustration only grew as Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez repeatedly went to ground in an attempt to run down the clock.

Merson, however, insists it was simply gamesmanship – irritating for Leeds, no doubt, but all part of seeing out the win.

Paul Merson relates to Chelsea tactics in Leeds win

In truth, Leeds failed to rise to the occasion, with the magnitude of the moment perhaps getting the better of Farke’s side.

That should not overshadow what has still been a fine season after promotion, although Sunday brought obvious frustration, not least because Chelsea had dismissed manager Liam Rosenior only four days earlier.

Reacting to the frustration felt by Leeds, pundit Paul Merson insisted Chelsea’s gamesmanship was simply part of football.

“When George Graham was the manager at Arsenal, we were doing that,” the former midfielder said on Sky Sports News.

“In the team talks before a game, when we were going somewhere hostile, George would always say: if you are under the cosh and the pressure is on, someone go down and make out you are injured.

“I’m talking 30 or 40 years ago when we were doing it. Sometimes it’s clever – it just kills the game.”

While it was obviously frustrating for the other side in this instance, Merson argued that any attempt to change the rules would make little sense.

“How can you change the rules? One day someone will be hurt, and when they are, you haven’t stopped the game,” he said.

“For me, I don’t know how you’re ever going to stop this.”

Leeds to take frustration out as Burnley visit Elland Road

Sunday proved a frustrating afternoon all round for Leeds, who now find themselves with Premier League survival as the clear priority.

They remain in a relatively strong position, sitting six points clear of the bottom three with four matches left to play.

With already relegated Burnley heading to Elland Road on Friday, there is an immediate opportunity to channel that frustration into a vital result.

For all the heartbreak of their cup exit, there are still positives to take from the run to the semi-finals, with the momentum built during that campaign potentially proving crucial in Daniel Farke’s fight to keep his side up.

Now, with four league games remaining, the Whites have the chance to take a significant step towards safety when Burnley arrive in West Yorkshire.