Chelsea won the Women’s FA Cup with a 3-2 extra-time victory over Manchester City on Sunday, completing the double after winning the Super League title the week before.
Lauren Hemp had equalized after Sam Kerr’s opening, and Hayley Raso had cancelled off Erin Cuthbert’s screamer late in the game. However, Chelsea won their fourth FA Cup as Kerr scored early in the first period of extra time.
It is Chelsea’s 11th major trophy since Emma Hayes took over as manager in 2012.
A header from Australian attacker Kerr after a long cross from Millie Bright put the holders ahead around the half-hour mark at a damp Wembley. Shortly before halftime, though, they were beaten by a stunning finish by City forward Hemp. As the clock ticked down, Chelsea midfielder Cuthbert thundered a long-range strike in off the crossbar to reclaim the lead, and it looked like it would be enough to win.
Gareth Taylor’s City, on the other hand, never gave up, and in the 89th minute, a long cross-field ball from City’s Alex Greenwood was smartly taken down by Australian Raso, who raced for goal and fired in the equaliser to force extra time.
City pressed for a goal but were undone nine minutes into the first half when Kerr picked up the ball in her own half and sprinted at goal, only for her effort to bounce off Greenwood and trickle in.
Chelsea then held off City to win the FA Cup for the second year in a row in front of 49,094 supporters, breaking the previous record of 45,423 established in 2018.
Cuthbert told the BBC, “I don’t score goals like that, but it’s an incredible honor.”
“I believed it was going to be the game-winning goal, but it wasn’t; Sam’s goal was just as significant; it took a deflection, and it doesn’t matter how it looks as long as it goes in.” I’ll be thrilled if they go in like that at Wembley.
“We’ve had to use the squad so many times this year because of difficulties, COVID, and injuries.” Today we used the team, and I’m glad to say we finished strong.”
