It’s the morning after the night before, I’m a little hungover but buzzing.
The 2017 / 2018 season might not have been all that we wished but it didn’t end too badly did it!
I’d imagine that the celebrations, for the players and staff of Chelsea Football Club went on long into the night and that, like me, some might be a little fragile this morning.
But they deserve it.
At Wembley, there were so many heroes in blue shirts, players desperate to right the wrong of last year when Chelsea were deprived of a unique League and Cup double when they were beaten by Arsenal in the final.
One player who just, as always, never stopped running was N’Golo Kante. The Frenchman battled away and I’m still wondering if, instead of passing to Marcos Alonso in the second half, he’d have finished what was a sparkling run with a Cup Final goal.
Kante, using the power of Twitter, looked particularly pleased with his achievements after the game:
Another rich season ending with the @EmiratesFACup trophee!
An opportunity for me to thank everyone for rewarding me with individual awards @UNFP trophee @ChelseaFC and my selection for the world cup with the @equipedefrance
Thank you pic.twitter.com/JRAKQET898— N'Golo Kanté (@nglkante) May 19, 2018
When the team-sheet was revealed, the inclusion of Tiemoue Bakayoko, raised a few eyebrows, but the Frenchman, who has had an indifferent season, produced a display whereby he matched Kante for ground covered and was a rock in front of the defence as Mourinho’s side pressed for an equaliser.
Could this performance provide the platform for the real Bakayoko to emerge next season?
🤫🤫 First #FACupFinal2018 #Chelsea 🔵🔵💙 pic.twitter.com/o4jLkG1gJj
— T.Bakayoko14 (@TimoeB08) May 19, 2018
At times, yesterday, it looked to be only a matter of time before Manchester United equalized, but just as you thought the net would ripple, up popped Cesar Azpilicueta with a block, often throwing, in John Terry style, his body in front of the ball. Cesar has made more appearances for Chelsea than any other player this season, but he’s never let us down, the Spaniard is a real unsung hero.
So happy!! This is for you 🏆🙌🏻 Esta Copa es para vosotros! 💙 #cfc pic.twitter.com/W7oT8it2jE
— César Azpilicueta (@CesarAzpi) May 19, 2018
In every other round of the FA Cup this season, Antonio Conte has opted to play Willy Caballero in goal. In the final, the Argentine keeper had to be content with a place on the bench as Conte opted to play his number one keeper.
Courtois responded with a series of magnificent saves, including one from a header from Phil Jones that appeared destined for the back of the net. But, somehow, the Belgian kept the ball out of the net and Chelsea survived.
Winning is the best feeling!! Come on Chelsea!!💙💙🏆 pic.twitter.com/PK2IWHwmsm
— Thibaut Courtois (@thibautcourtois) May 19, 2018
Just a quartet of tweets from four of those who will go down in the history books as FA Cup winners with Chelsea.