Chelsea Women 1-0 Manchester United: Reds lose out in FA Cup final
Chelsea Women 1-0 Manchester United- Reds lose out in FA Cup final
Manchester United Women succumb to a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Chelsea at Wembley, as the Reds missed out on winning their first FA Cup. Sam Kerr, who has a habit of scoring against us, came back to haunt us again. This was despite United having the better first half. Wembley saw a record attendance for a women’s domestic cup final as the atmosphere was incredible inside the stadium.
Head coach Marc Skinner went with four up front with Alessia Russo, Nikita Parris, Leah Galton and Ella Toone leading the attack with the midfield duo of Katie Zelem and Hayley Ladd behind them. The ever present back four of Hannah Blundell, Millie Turner, Maya Le Tissier and Ona Batlle were tasked with stopping the Blues.
United the better side in the first half
The Reds started the game well and within the first minute thought they had taken the lead through Leah Galton much to the fans delight. Galton had put the ball into the back of the net after United were quick in their transition. However, the celebrations were cut short as Ella Toone was ruled to be offside. Our confidence was high as the Chelsea side looked troubled.
United continued to test the opposition back line with constant pressure and retaining possession of the ball. As Chelsea began to fight their way into the game, Nikita Parris shot straight at Ann-Katrin Berger. This had come from Ella Toone’s back pass though she could have taken the shot herself.
A huge chance came United’s way in the 32nd minute when Zelem’s free kick into the box caused problems for Chelsea. The loose ball came into the path of Millie Turner who’s shot was saved by Berger. Leah Galton then had a big chance a few minutes later. Russo’s cross from the right and then Galton’s effort sailed over the goal.
Chelsea soon had their own effort on goal as Sam Kerr’s cross failed to be cleared by the United defence. Lauren James subsequent header nearly looped into the back of the net. Mary Earps got her hands to it before the ball went out after hitting the post.
United thought they have should have had a penalty just before half time. Nikita Parris was brought down inside the opposition box, however the referee awarded a free kick from the edge of the box. The replays clearly shows Parris went down in the box after being fouled on the line.
Second half sees Sam Kerr deliver the fatal blow
As both teams went into the second half, the game became more stretched as Chelsea started to attack with intent. Penile Harder who came on at the start of the second half made an impact and it would be Sam Kerr who would strike the devastating blow. United had lost the ball in the
midfield. Harder made the run on the right and her cross inside the box found Kerr at the back post to give the opposition the lead.
The Blues had been denying United any space or time in the second half and were getting to the second balls. They could have doubled their lead in the 81st minute. Sam Kerr went past Maya Le Tissier and her pass inside was meant for Harder. However, Sophie Ingle latched onto it but her effort skied over Mary Earps.
United pushed for the equaliser but couldn’t find that key moment that could have taken the game into extra time. The defeat will hurt but the Reds need to use this as motivation as we still have the chance to win the league title come the end of the season.