(Credit: Imago, @BBCMOTD on X)

Evan Shaw

Mon 27 April 2026 7:15, UK

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Leeds United were left frustrated as Chelsea successfully quelled their second-half momentum during their 1-0 FA Cup semi-final defeat on Sunday.

Enzo Fernandez netted a close-range header to put the Blues ahead midway through the first half, but the Whites rallied after the half-time interval and looked set to hand their opponents a nervy finish.

However, Chelsea managed the game in calm and composed fashion, ensuring that they prevented Daniel Farke’s side from building up a head of steam and producing a game-changing moment.

In one particular moment, interim manager Calum McFarlane took the opportunity to call his players over to take on some instructions while goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was treated for an injury.

Leeds’ players were left seething by the incident, as they made it known that they felt Chelsea’s delay was used purely as gamesmanship rather than as a result of a genuine injury.

Danny Murphy calls for simple solution to ‘obvious tactical stoppage’

Goalkeepers going down for treatment has become an increasingly common sight across English football this season, with managers of both teams often taking the chance to have an impromptu meeting with their players.

Chelsea used it at a key moment of the game on Sunday, and it was clear that Leeds felt extremely frustrated that they were able to get away with it.

Captain Ethan Ampadu was fuming and went to remonstrate with several of the Chelsea players, including Romeo Lavia, as he protested against the delay.

Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has now weighed in with his verdict on the incident, and has suggested a clear way in which it could be prevented for next season.

“I can’t blame the Chelsea staff and players for doing it, there isn’t a law there that stops it,” the 49-year-old said during his analysis for the BBC.

“I don’t like it, and it needs clamping down. Something needs to be done because it was an obvious tactical stoppage. One of the outfield players needs to come off; that’s all you can do. You can’t not stop the game because it might be a genuine injury.”

Leeds must immediately refocus on Premier League aim

Tottenham gave their hopes of Premier League survival a significant shot in the arm on Saturday afternoon as they recorded their first victory of 2026 away at Wolves, while West Ham also won.

Both Leeds and Nottingham Forest will likely have seen themselves as being safe already in recent weeks, but it is now clear that they are not home and dry just yet.

Farke’s men are now just six points clear of the drop, and while it should be enough to see them over the line, they will undoubtedly be a little concerned about a potential Tottenham resurgence.

With that in mind, it is vital that they get their FA Cup disappointment out of their heads as quickly as possible, and ensure that they immediately switch their attention back to the league, and claim a valuable three points against Burnley in their next game.