Leeds United fans on FA Cup semi-final display vs Chelsea, Wembley record and 'joke' that needs eradicating

Leeds United’s first appearance in an FA Cup semi-final for 39 years ultimately ended in another 1-0 defeat for the Whites at Wembley - but what did the club’s fans think? Here is what our YEP Jury had to say including thoughts on an unwanted Wembley record but team praise and a ‘joke’ from Chelsea that needs eradicating.

NEIL GREWER

Ultimately it was disappointment for Leeds United and an unwanted record created of not having scored in four consecutive Wembley appearances.

But it could have been different. Had Brenden Aaronson beaten Robert Sanchez in a one-on-one before Chelsea scored or had Chelsea not rediscovered their mojo after their managerial change.

The decisive goal followed Pascal Struijk losing possession, then a great cross and an excellent header from Enzo Fernandez – a player who cost more than the entire Leeds starting XI.

Daniel Farke changed formation for the second half to a flat back four and introduced Joe Rodon and Anton Stach.

Leeds improved with the additional midfield presence and Stach forced a smart save from Sanchez, but unfortunately Chelsea resorted to the ‘gamesmanship’ tactic of Sanchez feigning injury to allow a tactical adjustment.

Leeds fans made their thoughts known. This is becoming a joke and needs to be eradicated.

Chelsea took their big chance, but Leeds did not make the most of several. Small margins and quality plus ‘cheating’ made a difference.

The result was a shame, but great for the players and fans to experience a semi-final which no-one expected to happen.

Man of the match: Anton Stach.

‘The whole team, at least they gave us a great day out’

DAVID WATKINS

Well, it was a great day out if you exclude the football!

The weather was great, and so many different venues, far and wide, were laid on, offering plenty of good food and booze.

Then we trekked off to Wembley, hoping for something different from our last few visits…

It didn’t happen for us yet again, did it?

A couple of gilt-edged chances, one very early in the game that, had it been taken, would have changed the whole flow of the game.

If Brenden had scored, Chelsea would then have had to come out and attack rather than, once they took the lead, playing those dark arts, we are all sick and tired of seeing.

Players feigning injury, going down at the slightest touch, wasting time at every opportunity to make the playing time as short as possible.

It became an awful football match to watch, but it’s the way, particularly the big, expensively put-together teams, seem to think the game should be played; win at all costs.

At the end of the day, though, it shouldn’t bother any of us, fans or players, the big game now is the next one, against Burnley at Elland Road on Friday night.

Man of the match: The whole team, at least they gave us a great day out.

ANDY RHODES

Maybe Leeds United just aren’t meant to win at Wembley.

This was a game very much there for the taking but that clear chance, that one moment was missing.

In the end it was your classic drab semi-final.

These games aren’t often memorable but the Leeds fans who made the trip to the capital will have memories for life.

It might have gone differently had Leeds taken the few chances they created.

Brenden Aaronson’s first-half effort was arguably the best it got for the Whites.

It wasn’t until the second half that Leeds really had a go, but they seriously lack a player who can take these games by the scruff of the neck.

Anton Stach’s powerful drive forced a less than convincing save from Robert Sanchez, but Chelsea didn’t need to do all that much to keep Leeds out.

Focus now turns to Premier League survival.

The game against Burnley on Friday is just as big after results elsewhere this weekend.

Three points would make the heartache of Wembley much easier to manage.

Man of the match: Gabriel Gudmundsson.

‘To be honest it was a very poor performance by Leeds in the first half’

KEITH INGHAM

Leeds fell at the last hurdle as Chelsea beat them 1-0 at Wembley. Yet another appearance under the ‘big arch’ when they failed to score. It’s now a record - four games, not one goal.

Games like these are usually decided by a moment of brilliance or poor finishing.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin superbly set up Brenden Aaronson to go one-on-one with Robert Sanchez, but the keeper stuck out a foot to deny the American midfielder.

Within minutes Pascal Struijk lost the ball and from a cross, Enzo Fernandez headed past Lucas Perri.

To be honest it was a very poor performance by Leeds in the first half.

James Justin and Jaka Bijol were withdrawn at the break and Anton Stach and Joe Rodon started the second half.

Leeds at least upped their game from the start of the second period. It took a superb save by Sanchez to deny Stach.

With under 20 minutes to play Farke brought on Lukas Nmecha and Willy Gnonto to try and give the attack a bigger threat but alas the only other chance, a header by Calvert-Lewin, was headed straight into Sanchez’s hands.

It was fantastic to be part of the masses at Wembley but unfortunately Leeds’ Wembley hoodoo continues.

Man of the match: Anton Stach.

MIKE GILL

Just after 5pm on Sunday, United’s FA Cup dream came to an end and we returned from Wembley empty handed once again.

It had started quite well with Brenden Aaronson’s shot was saved by Robert Sanchez’s outstretched leg but United found themselves struggling after 23 minutes. Pedro Neto took advantage of a defensive mistake and Enzo Fernandez was on hand to head his cross home.

This seemed to suck all the confidence from the Whites and they looked like a very different outfit to the team that beat Manchester United and shocked Bournemouth.

They seemed all at sea when Joao Pedro hit the post and didn’t really show signs of life until the second half.

Anton Stach forced a fine save from Robert Sanchez and Dominic Calvert-Lewin headed straight at the Chelsea keeper but the writing was already on the wall.

Throughout the game Chelsea were employing the worst kind of game management with players falling to the ground seemingly in agony only to miraculously recover.

Of course, goalkeeper Sanchez was prone for a lengthy period before bravely continuing! Onward to Friday and the important task of Premier League survival.

Man of the match: Ethan Ampadu.