Football legends explain clever tactics Thomas Tuchel adopted to defeat Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City “passing machine” at Wembley

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Alan Shearer, Ashley Cole and Micah Richards praised Thomas Tuchel’s tactics after the Chelsea manager masterminded a 1-0 FA Cup semi-final win against Manchester City on Saturday.

Chelsea exploited City’s high line throughout, with a goal narrowly ruled out for offside before Hakim Ziyech swept home for the only goal of the game after Timo Werner was played through behind the City defence.

The result ended City’s dreams of an unprecedented quadruple but keeps Chelsea’s hopes of winning the FA Cup and Champions League alive after an impressively disciplined and resolute performance.

And record all-time Premier League goalscorer Shearer hailed Tuchel’s tactical set-up as being key to the victory.

He said: “Chelsea definitely deserved the win. Their system stopped Man City playing and when they played against that high line, it worked to perfection. That’s why Werner was in the team today – Tuchel knew City would struggle with that high line.

“It’s good going (14 clean sheets in 19 games). They looked strong in the middle, Man City didn’t really create anything at all.

“Because of Chelsea’s resilience, they weren’t bothered about City passing the ball around in front of them. City will be really disappointed with the way they played.”

Former Citizens defender Micah Richards also had his say on the defeat for Pep Guardiola’s side, stating they missed the creative influence of Phil Foden, who came on as a second-half substitute for the injured Kevin de Bruyne.

He said: “Foden was magical. He seems to get better and better and better. They’re a better team with him in the side. There was no spark – Chelsea played really well today.”

Ashley Cole added: “The (Chelsea) defensive display today was brilliant. They put their bodies on the line, defended well, it was a terrific performance. It’s going to be a big few months for them until the end of the season.’

Chelsea could yet win the FA Cup and Champions League, while the Premier League, EFL Cup and Champions League treble is still on for City – the champions elect face Tottenham in the EFL Cup final next Sunday.