When the ball arrived at the feet of Sam Kerr in the box at Wembley Stadium, there was only one result.
It was a day of many firsts. Manchester United were making their debut in a major cup final, the video assistant referee was used in the centerpiece for the first time and there was a world record crowd for a domestic women’s game.
But while several things were new, there were two key elements that remained the same – Chelsea won and Kerr scored the winner.
Just like Kerr did 12 months ago when she scored in extra time to give Chelsea the win over Manchester City, and just like she did in 2021 when she netted twice in 3-0 win over Arsenal.
Even Kerr herself had planned it, messaging a friend ahead of time to say “back flip coming in today” and she celebrated as she promised after firing home the center of Pernille Harder in the second half.
At times it can be difficult to appreciate the scale of Chelsea’s achievements as their dominance over English women’s football expands each year, but a ‘tired’ Emma Hayes was as emotional as ever afterwards.
It was their fifth FA Cup crown overall and they became the first team since Arsenal in 2008 to win three in a row.
“I felt tired on the touchline. For that reason, it’s even more impressive. The team can dig in and dig in when we weren’t at our physical best,” Hayes said.
“It was difficult. Manchester United made it so difficult. They will keep pushing, they are a wonderful football team. But this is a win for the grind.
“For me, hard work matters, and we can absolutely roll up our sleeves with the best of them and hang in there.
“What the team has become is the most flexible team. Our team has become hybrid monsters. We can float between things in a way that takes years to master. They’re so adaptable.”
“I have never coached a player like her”
Kerr told BBC One it was “a sign of a great team” to win when they weren’t playing their best.
It was a sentiment shared by his manager Hayes, who described the victory as his “most memorable FA Cup victory” due to the way they were to win it.
At the forefront was Kerr’s ruthlessness, aided by the impact Harder made when she arrived and Chelsea adapted their form, suddenly finding spaces behind United’s previously stubborn backline.
Wales international Sophie Ingle also had a huge impact off the bench, setting the pace in midfield and dictating control as the momentum turned in Chelsea’s favor in the second half.
Chelsea knew they just had to create a chance for Kerr and she would score.
“I’ve never coached a player like her. A player who has such conviction, confidence and courage with the way she attacks everything,” Hayes said.
“But what I like the most about Sam is that she is ready to take on her responsibilities at the top of the pitch. It is important to mention Pernille Harder because without her she would not have achieved this goal.”
“I had an absolute one-time ride”
Chelsea have been the team to beat for years under Hayes and competition is growing from the chasing pack in the Women’s Super League.
After losing the League Cup final to rivals Arsenal earlier in the season, before being knocked out of the Champions League semi-finals against Barcelona, Chelsea were hungry for silverware at Wembley.
They remain in a fierce battle with United to retain the Women’s Super League crown which they have also held for three years, but victory is always in Chelsea’s blood – and it doesn’t always have to be pretty.
“Sometimes we sneer and despise winning football games the way we do,” Hayes said.
“There are many times when everything has to be perfect, but I think anyone in management will tell you that over time there is such a mix of performance.
“Finding ways to win when you’re not at your best is always, always the hallmark of a great team.”
Their FA Cup success is also a welcome treat for Chelsea fans who witnessed a disappointing campaign on the men’s side, while overseeing a topsy-turvy takeover.
“I’m a football fan and I’ve seen my club suffer this season due to ownership changes and the men’s team hasn’t been brilliant – Chelsea fans this is for you,” added Hayes.
“When I have to stay home alone and think about the work we do every day and the sacrifices we all make, I know I’ve dedicated my whole life to it. Regardless, I have everything. given.
“I’m still the kid from Camden who had an absolute time. I never get tired of it. I can cry about it. Hope the Chelsea fans had some joy. The whole club – the owners included .”
