A stunning right-foot goal from Chelsea no.9 Sam Kerr has steered the Blues to their third-consecutive Women’s FA Cup victory.

In front of a record crowd of 77,390 the Australian captain’s finishing proved decisive in Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat of Manchester United.

Kerr, who was named the Vitality Player of the Match, celebrated the 68th minute strike with a series of her trademark cartwheels and backflips, sending the crowd wild.

Coming into the final at Wembley Stadium, United had never won a game against the Blues and were appearing in the final for the first time. Chelsea, on the other hand, were participating in their sixth FA Cup final in nine years.

 

Kerr and Chelsea didn’t have it all their own way, though, as United dominated the first half, keeping Chelsea’s goalkeeper, Ann-Katrin Berger, busy.

It was a ‘frantic’ start for both teams as 23 seconds in, Leah Galton found the back of the net; however, her goal was disallowed as she was offside. After this, Manchester United continued to push Chelsea’s midfield deep into their half, which saw them with 56 per cent of the possession by the 15-minute mark.

The 32nd minute saw another opportunity for Manchester United go begging as a free kick taken by Katie Zelem could not be finished by Millie Turner due to Berger’s one-hand save. However, by halftime, the Women’s FA Cup final remained at 0-0. Despite Chelsea having a slight advantage in possession in the first half they were kept to a single shot on goal by the Blues and the teams went to the break goalless.

United carried their first half’s momentum into the second half’s early stages, with many attacking chances in the first 10 minutes. However, the team could not get a shot to test the keeper.

Chelsea then began taking possession of the ball in their own half, which saw a flurry of goal attempts. In the 59th minute, Kerr crossed the ball to Pernille Harder. However, she could not find her balance to finish the goal.

In the 66th minute, Lauren James slipped Harder the ball, which Harder picked up, but she could not find the angle to pass the ball to Kerr. However, two minutes later Guro Reiten provided a through ball to Harder, whose picture-perfect cross into the six-yard box, set-up Kerr to slot home the winner with one touch. It was enough to earn Chelsea their 11th piece of silverware since 2015.

Following the goal, Chelsea dominated the game until the end, allowing United only a few opportunities.

 

Next up, Manchester United will face Manchester City in a derby where United will be looking to solidify their position above Chelsea on the Women’s Super League Table.

Kerr and Chelsea will face off in a London Derby against West Ham, aiming to clinch the top spot off Manchester United.

Main image of Sam Kerr, screenshot courtesy Optus Sport.