When Sam Kerr received the ball in the box at Wembley Stadium, it was clear what the outcome would be. It was a day of many firsts – Manchester United’s debut in a major cup final, the first use of the video assistant referee in a showpiece, and a world-record crowd for a domestic women’s game. But two things remained the same – Chelsea won and Kerr scored the winner. Just as she had done 12 months ago when she netted in extra time to give Chelsea victory over Manchester City, and just as she had done in 2021 when she scored twice in a 3-0 win over Arsenal. Kerr had even predicted her goal, messaging a friend beforehand to say “back flip incoming today”, and she celebrated as promised after firing home Pernille Harder’s cross in the second half.
Chelsea’s achievements are hard to appreciate as their dominance on English women’s football continues to grow, but Emma Hayes was as emotional as ever after the game. This was their fifth FA Cup crown in total, making them the first team since Arsenal in 2008 to win three in a row. Hayes described the victory as her “most memorable FA Cup win” due to the manner in which they needed to win it. Kerr’s ruthlessness was aided by Harder’s impact when she came on, and Sophie Ingle’s impact off the bench, settling the rhythm in midfield and dictating control as momentum swung in Chelsea’s favour in the second half.
Chelsea knew that if they created one chance for Kerr, she would score. Hayes said of her: “I’ve never coached a player like her. A player that has such conviction, confidence and courage with the way she attacks everything.” The victory was a welcome gift to Chelsea fans who have watched a disappointing campaign on the men’s side, while overseeing a topsy-turvy ownership takeover. Hayes said: “I’m a football fan and I’ve watched my club suffer this season through ownership changes and the men’s team hasn’t been brilliant – Chelsea fans, this is for you.” She added: “When I have to sit at home alone and think about the work we do every day and the sacrifices we all make, I know I have given my whole life to it. No matter what, I have given it everything. I’m still the kid in Camden who has had an absolute ride of a time. I’m never tired of this. I hope Chelsea fans had a little bit of joy. The whole club – the owners included.”