The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Chelsea cruise into final
FA CUP: Antonio Conte’s side through to face Manchester United
CHELSEA 2 SOUTHAMPTON 0
Olivier Giroud proved the scourge of Southampton once again, setting Chelsea on course for FA Cup semi-final success and a mouth-watering clash with Manchester United.
A week after coming off the bench to net a brace and inspire a remarkable comeback win at embattled Saints in the Premier League, the 31-year-old returned to haunt Mark Hughes’ side at Wembley.
Southampton’s first FA Cup semifinal appearance since 2003 ended in disappointment as Giroud showed impressive composure to slot home a goal added to by substitute Alvaro Morata as Chelsea ran out 2-0 victors.
Ex-Blues boss Jose Mourinho lies in wait for Antonio Conte’s men on May 19, when the west Londoners can atone for last year’s shock FA Cup final defeat to Arsenal – and perhaps give their manager a victorious send-off as speculation continues over his future.
United booked their place in the final by coming from behind against Tottenham on Saturday to win 2-1.
Dele Alli had put Spurs into an early lead at Wembley but United stormed back, with Alexis Sanchez levelling and Ander Herrera firing in the winner.
United striker Romelu Lukaku said: “We won and got to the final against a good side. It is something that we wanted and now we have four games to go in the league.
“Winning the FA Cup would be nice, but I just want to end the season well, hopefully take second and that will prepare us really well for the final.”