Palmer puts on a show after Sterling & Disasi shockers

Cole Palmer delivers another outstanding performance as he helps secure a spot in the FA Cup semi-finals for his team. The young talent shines once again, overshadowing errors from Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi, which proved costly for the team.

The former Manchester City player found the net once and then set up the winning goal as Mauricio Pochettino's team managed to prevail over a 10-man Leicester City side.

Chelsea's quest for silverware this season remains intact, but they encountered a tough challenge from Leicester City in the FA Cup quarter-final. Despite initially leading by two goals, Mauricio Pochettino's team had to fend off a spirited comeback from the Championship contenders. Carney Chukwuemeka and Noni Madueke's late goals secured the semi-final spot for the home side.

Match report

In the first half, Pochettino's team dominated proceedings and could have extended their lead beyond 2-0. Marc Cucurella and Cole Palmer found the net with close-range finishes, while Raheem Sterling missed several clear-cut opportunities, including a saved penalty by Jakub Stolarczyk.

Leicester's resurgence began with an unfortunate own goal from Axel Disasi, whose misplaced back-pass ended up in the net from a considerable distance. Stephy Mavididi, formerly of Arsenal, then leveled the score with a stunning curling shot from outside the box.

Chelsea gained the upper hand in the last 20 minutes after Callum Doyle was shown a red card for a last-man foul on Nicolas Jackson. The momentum shifted in their favor, and it was substitutes Chukwuemeka and Madueke who ultimately sealed the victory. Chukwuemeka converted a fine backheel pass from Palmer, while Madueke scored a remarkable individual goal with the last kick of the game.

Chelsea Players rating vs Leicester

Goalkeeper & Defense

Robert Sanchez (3/10):

• Erratic performance, nearly conceded a goal to Daka due to hesitancy with the ball and struggled with crosses into the box. Questionable positioning for Disasi's own goal.

Malo Gusto (7/10):

• Another impressive display in attack from the full-back. Slightly less confident defensively, but still showed positive aspects in his game.

Axel Disasi (4/10):

• Will find it difficult to forget his own goal blunder and appeared to lose confidence afterward. Perhaps would benefit from a more experienced partner in defense.

Trevoh Chalobah (6/10):

• Looked composed in defense and seems to have regained favor in recent matches.

Marc Cucurella (7/10):

• Positioned well to score the opening goal from close range. Made important clearances at the back post when Leicester threatened.

Midfield

Moises Caicedo (6/10):

• Showed determination in challenges and maintained possession well for Chelsea. Created a great opportunity with a fine through-ball to Sterling, who failed to capitalize.

Conor Gallagher (6/10):

• Played in a deeper role due to Fernandez's absence and performed excellently in the first half. However, his performance dipped in the second half as he seemed to hold onto the ball for too long, leading to turnovers.

Mykhailo Mudryk (7/10):

• Initially played as the No.10 but frequently switched positions with Sterling. Posed a threat to Leicester's defense with his direct dribbling. Unlucky to be substituted with 15 minutes remaining.

Attack

Cole Palmer (8/10):

• Continued to impress, especially with his late first-half goal. Should have taken charge over Sterling for the penalty and second-half free-kick, but redeemed himself with a crucial backheel assist for Chukwuemeka's winning goal.

Nicolas Jackson (8/10):

• Leicester struggled to cope with his pace, which led to the opening goal and Doyle's red card. Showed good ability to hold up the ball, with only one poor finish letting him down.

Raheem Sterling (4/10):

• Apart from a fine assist for Palmer, Sterling had a disappointing performance. Missed crucial chances, including a poor penalty and a woeful finish when clean through. His confidence appears to have dwindled since his strong start to

Substitutes & Manager

Carney Chukwuemeka (7/10):

• Despite a few misplaced passes after coming on for Mudryk, he ultimately clinched the victory with a composed finish.

Noni Madueke (7/10):

• Made an immediate impact and scored a fantastic individual goal.

Ben Chilwell (N/A):

• Came on for Cucurella in stoppage time.

Mauricio Pochettino (7/10):

• Opting to start Mudryk as a No.10 instead of Palmer caused problems for Leicester's defense, and two out of three of his substitutions proved decisive. While not flawless, the opportunity for a trophy in his debut season remains within reach.