Safe Hands Under Stress: The Crucial Saves That Defined A Week Of Big Games
Despite all the hype, cup finals and semifinals tend to disappoint. Nerves take hold of the players, and the play on the pitch is dictated by a fear of losing rather than a desire to win. These matches become cagey affairs defined by midfield battles and long clearances, both caused by an aversion to conceding.
This week was different. The FA Cup final was an end-to-end affair, the notoriously-prudent EFL Championship playoff semifinals were both entertaining affairs and the Europa League final was an emotive footballing masterclass.