It was a tempting match between the two fittest teams in the country; Coming into Wembley, City were on a 13-game winning streak and Chelsea on an 11-game winning run.
Interestingly, the last time either of these teams lost a game it was against the other, and unsurprisingly, it was an incredibly even affair throughout.
It was the first time that the men’s and women’s FA Cup finals had been played on the same weekend, and after Saturday’s draw between Liverpool and Chelsea, it became apparent very early on in Sunday’s final, played in front of a record crowd. of 49,094: I wouldn’t do the same.
After a hectic start, the tie was broken just after the half-hour mark, when Kerr headed Millie Bright’s deep, looping cross over the line at the far post. It was a deserved start for Chelsea, who had handled the occasion much better than their opponent in the early stages.
It was the second time that City and Chelsea had met in a major final this season, with City emerging as 3-1 winners in the Women’s League Cup final in March.
Kerr also opened the scoring that day, and Chelsea might have been fearful of déjà vu, as the lead lasted less than 10 minutes.
Lauren Hemp’s wonderful individual goal brought City level again, as the striker sliced inside Bright and hit a delightful effort at the far post, leaving Chelsea goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger pinned to the spot. .
However, Chelsea retook the lead just after the hour mark, and this time it was a wonder strike from Erin Cuthbert that put the team ahead. With very little lift back, she smashed a long-range shot under the crossbar that City goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck couldn’t get close to.
Chelsea must have thought they were aiming to secure back-to-back FA Cup titles, but the City team never know when they’re beaten.
With less than two minutes of the 90 remaining, Hayley Raso controlled a through ball with her chest and finished brilliantly with the outside of her boot to bring City level once again.
It was a very important moment for Raso on the biggest stage. Four years ago, she wasn’t even sure if she’d ever walk again after breaking three vertebrae in an on-court crash while playing in the US.
But Chelsea can boast of being one of the best women’s football has seen in the country.
There were some concerns whether the physical and emotional toll of winning the women’s league title on the final day of the final weekend of the season, following a grueling season-long battle with Arsenal, had taken too much of a toll on Chelsea, but Kerr’s relentless energy encapsulated the desire with which the team plays.
It was an error by Alanna Kennedy, missing an interception attempt, which gave Chelsea the ball 10 minutes after extra time. Kerr ran more than half the length of the field, before firing an effort that deflected past Alex Greenwood and off Roebuck on the wrong foot.
The win secured an 11th title with Chelsea for Hayes, who only further cements her place as one of the leading managers in women’s football.