Chelsea’s strength in adversity holds key to more Women’s FA Cup glory

Emma Hayes addresses her team during the recent win over Liverpool. ‘The entire squad are at their best level,’ she says. Photograph: Dave Shopland/Shutterstock

Heading into May, the gap between the Women’s Super League leaders, Manchester United, and second-placed Chelsea was four points and United had a goal difference superior by 10. Now, with the teams preparing to face each other in Sunday’s FA Cup final at a sold-out Wembley, that gap is one point and their goal difference is level. Chelsea played an additional game and still have one in hand.

Instead of looking fatigued and weary towards the end of a gruelling season that has taken its toll injury-wise, Emma Hayes’s charges have risen to the occasion, putting seven past Everton and six past Leicester with the swagger and style long associated with Chelsea.