Steven Gerrard singled Joao Pedro out for praise after Chelsea booked their place in next month’s FA Cup final after a 1-0 win over Leeds United at Wembley.
The Brazil international returned to the starting line-up after he missed the recent defeats against Manchester United and his former club Brighton.
A run of 5 successive Premier League defeats without scoring, ultimately, cost Liam Rosenior his job and catapulted Calum McFarlane back into the highlight.
The interim head coach, who took charge of two matches back in January following Enzo Maresca’ shock exit, benefited from the return to fitness of Pedro who led the road with distinction.
Skipper Enzo Fernandez proved the matchwinner with a twenty third minute header, however it was the performance of Chelsea’s £60million summer recruit that basically stood out for Gerrard.
‘He was an awesome point of interest today,’ the previous Liverpool skipper told TNT Sport. ‘He’s a beautiful mover with the ball.
‘Remember within the second half when Cucurella wrapped one in and also you’re pondering as a centre forward thanks for that, it’s coming in neck high and his first touch was absolutely beautiful.
‘I feel Chelsea look a unique team with him in and he made a giant difference today.’
Those sentiments were echoed by Gerrard’s former England teammate, Joe Cole, who claimed Leeds didn’t know easy methods to handle the Chelsea striker.
He said: ‘He plays with that flair, I loved him today he was dropping off within the pockets. He did his centre forward job, he held up the play and when he got into good positions he was picking the appropriate passes.
‘They didn’t know whether to go together with him when he got into the pockets, he ran in behind. He was such an issue for Leeds and when he’s on song you’ll be able to see the influence.
‘He’s been out the team and we’ve looked a bit off it. When he’s within the team it’s so way more balanced.’
It was also a status enhancing afternoon for goalkeeper Robert Sanchez who made two match defining saves either side of Fernandez’s goal.
‘It’s amazing,’ said the Spain international. ‘The boys reacted in the way in which they need to have.
‘We’ve tried to maintain everyone positive in training and it’s the possibility to be in one other final. It’s something we’ve been working for and it’s amazing.
‘I’m comfortable. I at all times attempt to do my job. We undergo ups and downs. I’m very comfortable concerning the season I’ve had however it’s about ending it on a high. 4 Premier League games to go and a final.’
On what McFarlance has added in such a brief space of time, he added: ‘Keep it positive and give attention to the following games. We said six games to go and it’s on us to attempt to win the ultimate.’
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