Giroud, Morata put Chelsea in FA Cup final at Southampton’s expense

Southampton went close with Nathan Redmond’s low drive from distance while Charlie Austin hit the post.

However, Conte does not believe that Chelsea – beaten by Arsenal 2-1 in last year’s final, despite going into the match as Premier League champions – will be regarded as favorites to lift the famous old trophy.

Chelsea booked their place in the final against Manchester United with what proved to be a comfortable win, but it could have played out another way.

“The same way Manchester United wants to achieve this”.

With Mourinho having previously managed Chelsea on two occasions, it’s yet another angle to the game. “Always this season they showed great passion and pushed us in every moment, hard moments and positive moments”.

By extension, United have already won the greatest number of games this season than in any of the previous years, since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure.

There was a danger that Conte’s spell at Chelsea would be remembered as something of a failure after this peculiar, disappointing season in which he seemed entirely bored of everything about the club.

The FA Cup final will also be “the rubber match” in the United-Chelsea series this season. Charlie Austin nearly responded immediately as he hit the post moments before Morata had a chance cleared off the line by Wesley Hoedt.

Cahill, who was left out of Antonio Conte’s side for three successive games in March and April, says he is under no pressure to demonstrate his ability as he returns to peak physical condition. “I think they have the same respect for Chelsea’s story and my story”.

Reports in the Italian media suggested Mourinho told Conte: “You don’t celebrate like that at 4-0”.

The England defender was a mainstay in Chelsea’s 2016-17 Premier League title triumph but has struggled for his best form this time around – somewhat encapsulating the Blues’ limp defence of a crown that now lies in Manchester City’s possession. “We have gone into the final and the World Cup is coming, so let’s wait and see”.

Dele Alli stunned United with Spurs’ opener in the 11th minute but Sanchez soon brought the sides level as he headed home Paul Pogba’s enticing cross in the 24th minute.