Spirited Chelsea stop rot with FA Cup final blueprint

McFarlane lined Chelsea up in a back three for the first time during his interim spell, and for only the fourth time overall this season. Under Rosenior, they lost twice against Premier League opposition using the system and only narrowly overcame Wrexham in the FA Cup. There was little to suggest the shape - never used by Enzo Maresca during his 18‑month spell in charge - would prove effective. However, the return of defender Levi Colwill for his first start in 10 months, since the Fifa Club World Cup final, brought composure in possession and greater stability when building from the back. "I thought Levi was the best player on the pitch," said McFarlane. "He gives you the ability to play out from the back, he's a leader and that was his first 90 minutes in a long time." The 23-year-old England centre-back returned alongside Wesley Fofana, who had previously been left out by McFarlane, in a partnership he enjoys. Dutchman Jorrel Hato was also recalled after being one of the few Chelsea players to perform consistently during a difficult run. The system also allowed Cucurella to push higher as an attacking wing‑back, exploiting makeshift Liverpool full-back Curtis Jones on that side. Cole Palmer, who has struggled for form, was also brighter and went close to ending a goalless run in club football that now stretches to 10 games with an effort ruled out for a marginal offside against Cucurella. …