McFarlane got his side back to winning ways at Leeds’ expense and hopes the result can act as a reset following the torturous end to Liam Rosenior’s tenure.
North of the border, Rangers have vowed to fight to the end of the Scottish title race despite losing ground to pacesetters Hearts.
Chelsea back in business after booking FA Cup final spot
Enzo Fernandez headed home the only goal of the game as Chelsea beat Leeds in the FA Cup semi-final, setting up a Wembley showpiece against Manchester City.
McFarlane was charged with getting his side over the line following the sacking of Rosenior, whose three-month reign ended after a sorry run of results in the Premier League.
And the 40-year-old believes Sunday’s narrow success can help put things back on track for the Blues.
“It’s tough in this moment when you’ve been on a losing run, but one moment, one result, one performance can change that,” said McFarlane.
“I did reinforce that at the end, but it goes without saying that Chelsea need to try and win every game. That’s our target from now until the end of the season.”
Opposite number Daniel Farke, having led Leeds to the last four for the first time since 1987, added: “We gave our fans so much to dream about. Of course, (we) would have loved to let them dream longer. Hopefully, we don’t want 40 years for another chance for a semi-final.”
‘It’s not over’ – Rohl bullish after setback
Rangers manager Danny Rohl wants his side to keep fighting for the title. (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Rangers lost a step in the William Hill Premiership title race after a 3-2 defeat to Motherwell, but boss Danny Rohl insisted the fight is not over.
The Gers went down 3-2, scrapping back from two down at Ibrox only to lose in the last minute as Emmanuel Longelo’s effort deflected off Emmanuel Fernandez.
That left Rohl’s side in third place, one point behind Celtic and four behind leaders Hearts – who grabbed an 86th-minute winner against nine-man Hibernian.
But the German was unbowed, declaring: “This is football – that’s why sometimes we love the sport and sometimes we hate it. But the most important thing is that it’s not over. It’s really not over.
“Really, we will keep believing. Otherwise, it’s difficult. We have four more finals, four games to go and it’s our job.”
Pep lets City stars off the leash
City’s players earned some time off with victory in their FA Cup semi-final against Southampton (Adam Davy/PA)
Pep Guardiola has given his treble-chasing players permission to jet off around the world before Manchester City’s final push.
Having booked their FA Cup final place and overtaken Arsenal in the Premier League title race, City are not in action again until next Monday’s meeting with Everton. From there on there are six games in 21 days, plenty to play for.
Giving his squad the freedom to get away before the run-in, Guardiola said: “They can do whatever they want. If they want to travel to wherever, they are completely free. As long as they arrive back on Wednesday afternoon for training.
“I’ve learned in this country, as much (sic) days off (you have), the team plays better. Managers believe as much (as) you train, you play better, but I’m completely the opposite.
“In the beginning I trained a lot but now it’s home and quality time.”
Carrick makes case for United defence
Manchester United defender Ayden Heaven (John Walton/PA)
Michael Carrick has brushed aside worries over Manchester United’s defensive options as they prepare to take one more step towards the Champions League but has not ruled out changes in the summer.
Third-placed United host Brentford on Monday as they look to seal their European spot, with question marks remaining over their back line.
Teenager Ayden Heaven was the only fit centre-half for last weekend’s win over Chelsea, but Harry Maguire is back from suspension and Leny Yoro could return from injury.
Lisandro Martinez will also be an option when his ban ends but there are lingering problems with Matthijs de Ligt’s fitness.
“It’s not an area of concern for me at this moment in time,” said Carrick, whose own future remains uncertain.
“Two promising young players (Heaven and Yoro) that have already shown what they can do. What goes beyond that, I think it’s difficult to elaborate on that really. What the future looks like, I can’t really get involved (in) because I’m not sure myself.”
Lampard lays out Sky Blueprint
Coventry celebrated the title after their win over Wrexham (Jacob King/PA)
Frank Lampard wants Coventry to remain a “special place” after celebrating the Sky Bet Championship title in style with a 3-1 over Wrexham.
With the title already secure, the Sky Blues marked their achievement in fitting fashion in front of their own fans at the CBS Arena.
“It felt like a family day for the players and staff and for the fans to enjoy without the stresses of trying to go up or becoming title winners,” Lampard said after late goals from Victor Torp and Ephron Mason-Clark.
“It needs to remain a special place because it’s been an incredibly supported club in the city, the tradition and history. There wasn’t that feeling when I came in.
“It compares with every trophy I’ve lifted, they’re all amazing. I can’t put it down in any way because it’s a collective effort.”
Sam Kerr equals Chelsea record
Your @BarclaysWSL Player of the Match, Sam Kerr! 🏆#CFCW pic.twitter.com/Ze6hQQbL9r
— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) April 26, 2026
Sam Kerr fired Chelsea closer to the Champions League and herself into the record books with a double against Everton on Sunday. The Australian’s brace in a 4-1 win at Goodison Park drew her level with Fran Kirby as the Blues’ all-time leading scorer in the Women’s Super League on 63 goals.
Ellie Carpenter and Erin Cuthbert were also on the mark as Sonia Bompastor’s side moved four points clear of Manchester United – who were held to a damaging goalless draw at Tottenham – in the third Champions League qualifying spot. Yuka Momiki scored Everton’s goal.
United’s result not only saw them lose ground to Chelsea, whom they face on the final day of the season, but left them just one point above fourth-placed Arsenal, who have three games in hand.
What’s on today
Manchester United face Brentford at Old Trafford, where victory would help take them to the brink of sealing a Champions League berth next term.
The fixture represents United’s game in hand on fellow challengers Liverpool and Aston Villa, with victory enough to put them three clear in third place.