Relentless Chelsea win FA Cup again in sun-drenched sold-out Wembley Stadium
A sun-drenched and sold-out Wembley stadium was the perfect host for the Women’s FA Cup final, with a record 77,390 people in attendance – the world record for a women’s domestic game.
It was a spectacular atmosphere, matched by an exciting game. From the kick-off, the game exploded into action as Chelsea thought they had scored in the opening minute, only for the linesman to call it off-side. But that set the tempo for the game and gave the crowd the start they needed.
These two teams are the two standout teams in women’s football in England, virtually neck and neck in the race for the title.
And once again, Chelsea’s Sam Kerr once again displayed her goal-scoring prowess in the final, her goal secured the Blues’ their third consecutive title with a 1-0 win over Manchester United.
The stadium was buzzing, the sun was out and the victory was not only witnessed by a full house at Wembley Stadium but by Royalty itself. With the Prince of Wales in attendance. The game also set a new world record attendance for a women’s domestic fixture, surpassing the previous record of 60,729 set during the Atletico Madrid vs. Barcelona match in 2019.
One thing we have learned from this game is that women’s football is going in the right direction.
Sam Kerr FA Cup final specialist – shines again
Despite concerns over a recent injury, the Australian striker is dubbed ‘Sam Kerr the FA Cup final specialist’. As once again she managed to find the back of the net in the 68th minute from a well-placed pass from Pernille Harder. Kerr has proven her ability to score in crucial moments time and time again, she previously found the back of the net in both the 2020/21 and 2021/22 finals, as well as in the WSL games against United this season.
The loss is disappointing for Man United who, in their first major cup final, had dominated the game during the first half. Leah Galton briefly thought she’d put United ahead, just 20 seconds into the game, but the goal was ruled out for offside by VAR.
The path to the FA Cup title wasn’t without its challenges as Man United showed no signs of being overwhelmed by facing the former champions.
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Superior squad depth
Chelsea’s win showed their superior squad depth and proved decisive, especially when Pernille Harder was introduced. Both Man United and Chelsea will now shift their focus back to the WSL, and find themselves battling for the title in one of the most closely contested league title races ever.
Despite missing key center-backs Millie Bright and Kadeisha Buchanan, Chelsea’s defensive line was tested consistently. Around the half-hour mark, Manchester United had two golden opportunities, with Mille Turner denied by an outstanding save from Berger and Galton misfiring from a low cross by Alessia Russo.
Chelsea’s most promising chance in the first half came just before halftime when Lauren James met a cross with a glancing header, only to be denied by Mary Earps, who tipped the ball onto the post.
Keepers forced into action
The second half presented a more balanced contest, with both goalkeepers forced into action. Earps made a crucial save from Kerr, while Russo and Galton continued to trouble Berger. Harder, on her introduction, should have scored with her first touch but missed the target.
Chelsea’s attacking threat significantly increased with Harder’s involvement, and her impact was duly rewarded with an assist. A brilliant run down the right wing allowed her to deliver an exquisite square pass to Kerr, who predictably found the back of the net.
Chelsea had an opportunity to extend their lead in the 80th minute, but Sophie Ingle failed to convert Kerr’s cross, sending her shot well over the bar. As the game approached its conclusion, Manchester United mounted a late surge during the six minutes of added time. However, Berger and Buchanan made crucial saves to deny them an equaliser, securing another triumph for Chelsea.
