Manchester City clinched the Emirates FA Cup by beating Chelsea 1-0 in Saturday’s final at Wembley, but the consequence of the outcome could complicate the remainder of the season for both the Cityzens and Liverpool.
Antoine Semenyo’s lone goal was all it took for Pep Guardiola to deliver his 20th silverware as Manchester City manager, while the former Bournemouth man also set a new record for most goals, 20, by a Ghanaian for an English team in a single season.
Despite standing up to the Mancunians, Chelsea failed to create any real danger, although a couple of fouls by Abdukodir Khusanov could have handed them genuine opportunities but the referee and VAR overlooked them.
Nevertheless, City completed the domestic double, but this may come at a price, as it may cost them in the race for the Premier League title, while also affecting Liverpool’s chances of reaching next season’s Champions League.
How Chelsea’s FA Cup loss could cost City, Liverpool
With two more games before the conclusion of the ongoing Premier League campaign, Manchester City are locked in the title race with Arsenal, while Liverpool contests for the final Champions League spot.
Chelsea’s FA Cup final loss means the eighth-place team in the final league standings will have the chance to compete in the Conference League next season, and Brentford will look to at least secure that spot for themselves.
This opening poses a serious threat to Liverpool’s Champions League aspirations ahead of what could be a must-win final day clash with the Bees in Anfield.
Brentford are currently ahead of Chelsea by three points before the Blues face Spurs on Wednesday night, and may need a win to clinch eighth position on Saturday. In their form and Liverpool’s, a result that could crash the host’s party may be the outcome.
For Manchester City, their final two games must be won while they hope for an Arsenal slip-up to have any shot at the Premier League title, but they face a Bournemouth that is not only unbeaten in 15 games but is also eyeing a Champions League spot.
With Brentford potentially having something to fight for against Liverpool on the final weekend, the Cherries know winning their final two games, including the visit of City this Wednesday, could see them make history with a maiden Champions League qualification.
The Premier League drama continues
Heading into the final week of what has been a rollercoaster season, the drama continues in the Premier League with the title race, continental qualifications, and relegation battles, still alive and twisting.
Bournemouth and Brentford eye history in fixtures that could see them potentially crush the dreams of heavyweights, while relegated Burnley could also prove decisive in the title race, even with their recent 1-0 loss to Manchester City.
Arsenal play Burnley and Crystal Palace knowing winning these games will be enough to clinch their first Premier League title in 22 years while their neighbors Tottenham Hotspur are locked in a relegation battle with fellow Londoners, West Ham United.
The English trio of Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Crystal Palace, will also be competing in the finals of the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League respectively between this week and the final week of May.
A lot to watch out for in the coming days as several teams are on the brink of history at different ends of the table and on the continent, and Chelsea’s FA Cup final loss could be the reason Man City and Liverpool fail in their end-of-season ambitions.
Kehinde-Hassan Afolabi
