Chelsea clinched their third consecutive Women’s FA Cup title, thanks to Sam Kerr’s match-winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in front of a world-record crowd at Wembley Stadium.
Kerr, who has scored six goals in the competition this season, received a cross from Pernille Harder and celebrated with her signature backflip in front of Chelsea supporters.
Despite Manchester United’s dominant display in the first half, the game was evenly poised until Kerr’s goal broke the deadlock.
Manchester United, competing in their first major cup final, had an early advantage, with Leah Galton’s goal being ruled out for offside within 23 seconds of kick-off.
They came close to scoring again when Millie Turner almost converted a free-kick and Galton sliced a low cross from Alessia Russo wide at the near post.
Lauren James carried a significant threat for Chelsea and nearly scored with a looping header, which was expertly tipped onto the post by Manchester United’s goalkeeper Mary Earps.
With a world-record 77,390 crowd in attendance, Chelsea began to assert their dominance after the break.
Substitute Pernille Harder provided the quality that Chelsea needed when she teed up Sam Kerr for the match-winning goal.
This victory makes Chelsea the first team since Arsenal in 2008 to win three consecutive Women’s FA Cups and marks their fifth FA Cup title overall.
It is yet another phenomenal achievement by Emma Hayes’ side, who remain in a fierce battle for the Women’s Super League title against Manchester United in the upcoming weeks.