Chelsea reach FA Cup final with a performance that reveals truth of their Liam Rosenior feelings

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Another week in the crazy world of Chelsea. And another final.

It was almost written in the stars that Enzo Fernandez, banned by his own club from playing in the last round, would be Chelsea’s match-winning hero this time. Only at Chelsea would they put Fernandez on the naughty step for flirting with Real Madrid and then a few weeks later reward him with the armband at the end of a week when player power saw off the last manager.

Calum McFarlane was put in caretaker charge just four days after they sacked Liam Rosenior and suddenly the Chelsea players decided to put in a shift after virtually downing tools at Brighton in midweek.

McFarlane needed special permission to take charge because he does not have the necessary UEFA Pro Licence and yet the owners are happy to put an unqualified coach in charge of a squad which cost £1.5billion to build.

Yet here we are with eight-time winners Chelsea into their 17th FA Cup final and it could end up being another glorious season with a trophy at the end of it.

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It was noticeable this time that, while Leeds sold their 33,000 tickets, there were big gaps in the Chelsea end because even some of the diehard fans have had enough of joint owners Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly. But while Chelsea are successful, how can you question the way they run their club? It is not very edifying but it gets results - and silverware.

Chelsea won the Club World Cup last summer, a European trophy last season and they also got into the Champions League. And now they could win the FA Cup - if they can see off Manchester City in the final on May 16 which will be no easy task.

They are a hard team to like when they turn performances on and off like a tap depending on who the manager is. They clearly wanted shot of Rosenior so lost five league games in a row without even scoring a goal.

Fernandez was one of the worst culprits in the no-show at Brighton, while there were a few cheers from the Chelsea fans when Alejandro Garnacho’s number went up. Even some of the supporters are not having their own players.

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The Leeds end erupted when keeper Robert Sanchez went down for treatment when there was clearly nothing wrong with him. It was just a delaying tactic. It is actually difficult to know how Chelsea can turn their image around.

There is certainly no love lost between them and Leeds with a rivalry which dates back to the brutal 1970 final when Chelsea won the replay at Old Trafford. And they have disliked each other since.

Leeds, who look to have secured their Premier League survival, gave it a good shot but fell short as they were trying to reach their first final in 53 years. It has been an entertaining ride which has actually provided the positivity to lift their battle against relegation.

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Leeds just did not take their chances. Their best came at 0-0. Chelsea were clumsy and careless at the back, Brenden Aaronson raced clear and yet his low shot was saved brilliantly by Sanchez. From then on, Chelsea took charge. Joao Pedro’s low shot hit the base of the post. Chelsea then took the lead after 23 minutes with a well-worked goal.

Pedro Neto raced down the right wing, looked up and picked out Fernandez with a brilliant cross and the Chelsea midfielder headed home to give Leeds keeper Lucas Perri no chance.

Chelsea were the better team but Leeds had chances. Sanchez made a brilliant save from Anton Stach’s pile driver and another decent stop from Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s header. Leeds pressed and never gave up. But ultimately Chelsea got the job done.

They know what it takes to get to finals and win trophies. When they feel like it.