Emma Hayes has taken Chelsea to yet another FA Cup victory. The women's team sustain a domestic double despite the ups and downs that dictated their season. They faced Manchester City in the FA Cup final and Sam Kerr was the woman to lead Chelsea to another title in extra time.
It was not to come easy for Hayes' side and she had known this judging from Chelsea's previous defeat to the Cityzens in the Continental Cup final. Gareth Taylor's team gave the Blues a tough game and had beaten them 3-1 overall. I cannot say that I am surprised with Chelsea's effort to get revenge and defend their FA Cup crown.
Goals from Millie Bright, Erin Cuthbert and Kerr made the difference and after the third visit to Wembley this year, Chelsea Football Club have finally won on that ground.
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It was a roller coaster of emotions for both teams. Chelsea took the lead twice to which Manchester City answered to twice. Two minutes before full time, Hayley Ruso scored the late equaliser and it felt as though City could grab another before the end of the 90 minutes.
Hayes reassured her side and visually told them to stay calm. This embodied the consistent pressure that the Blues have had to face all season. Especially within the WSL. Just when you thought they could overtake long term WSL leaders, Arsenal, they would fall short or luck would not be on their side. It went right down to the final day of the WSL before Chelsea could be crowned Champions. They needed to beat a stubborn Manchester United to stop Arsenal from lifting the trophy. It was just as close as it was against Manchester City, but Hayes has a smooth touch for calming her players down and getting over the edge.
Player of the match Erin Cuthbert left her heart out there on the pitch and carried the Blues through at times when they looked like they were struggling. Lauren Hemp and Caroline Wier ran the show in the first few minutes which threw the Blues off their game. Millie Bright's out of this world cross into the box landed in the back of the net with a Kerr touch, giving Chelsea a leg to steady themselves. Hemp provided the equaliser after 42 minutes and the Blues went in at halftime shaken up. It was a Cuthbert lightening strike that steadied the ship once again to make it 2-1.
It's yet another trophy added to Chelsea Women's cabinet and although Chelsea veterans, Drew Spence and Ji will be leaving at the end of this season, you have a strong feeling that this team will continue to just get better and better. Resilience was the key against a strong Manchester City side.
