_“Forget the cup final, there’s a relegation battle to decide”._ How sad, my seven year old self would never have considered for one moment the relegation (no pun inteneded) of the importance of the Wembley season showpiece: Back in the day, the [Cup final](https://www.claretandhugh.info/theyre-all-out-west-ham-boost-as-leeds-suffer-multiple-injury-blows-after-fa-cup-gamble/) was one of those events that brought families together in front of whoever had the colour TV.
Good indeed that the FA have returned the competition to its 3pm kick off time: At least there’s a nod now to the tradition of this once famous competition that became devalued as clubs startied fielding rotated squads some twenty years ago.
Whilst the competition finale lacked sparkle for Hammers fans more focussed on West Ham’s forthcoming crunch fixture against Newcastle United, _the result this afternoon could still have dramatic consequences for the relegation battle._
### Chelsea lost to Manchester City 1-0 for the record.
The best part? Chelsea take on the Hammers’ relegation rivals Tottenham on Tuesday evening just 72 hours after todays showpiece: Hardly time for the champagne to leave their bloodstream, you’d think, had the Blues’ players triumphed against the Cityzens.
However, Cole Palmer and co. could only stand, united in disappointment, as Blue Moon rang out over Wembley’s PA system: Thanks to a Semenyo flick of incredible quality, City have another trophy.
Which means that Chelsea head home to lick their wounds and – hopefully – take out their frustration by hammering old rivals Tottenham next week and doing West Ham a massive service.