Women’s FA Cup final LIVE: Chelsea vs Manchester United result and reaction as Sam Kerr scores winning goal
Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United: Kerr’s goal wins Chelsea a third FA Cup in a row in front of a world-record crowd for a women’s club match
Chelsea beat Manchester United 1-0 to claim a third straight Women’s FA Cup title in front of a record crowd at Wembley, as Sam Kerr’s strike again proved to be the difference.
Kerr, who also scored the winner in last season’s final, turned in substitute Pernille Harder’s fine cross in the 68th minute to decide a tight game in front of 77,390 fans - the highest attendance for a domestic women’s match in England. “We didn’t have a great game today, but it’s the sign of a great team that we pushed on,” Kerr said.
United dominated possession and created numerous opportunities in the first half, but could not find a breakthrough as Chelsea struggled to match the WSL leaders. Leah Galton had a goal ruled out in the first minute for offside, while both goalkeepers, Ann-Katrin Berger and Mary Earps, made excellent saves as the teams went into the break level.
United were quickly made to rue their wasted chances after the restart, as Chelsea grew into the game and broke the deadlock through Kerr. The goal took the wind out of United’s sails and Chelsea were able to contain them as they held on to lift the trophy for a fifth time.
Relive the action from Wembley as Chelsea beat Manchester United to win the FA Cup.
Women’s FA Cup final 2023: Chelsea vs Manchester United
MISS! Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United - 81 mins
That should have been game, set and match Chelsea. A glaring miss by Sophie Ingle as she inexplicably blazes over from eight yards out. It was great work by Kerr to set her up but Ingle failed to keep her composure. Man Utd survive for now.
Women’s FA Cup final 2023: Chelsea vs Manchester United
Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United - 78 mins
United desperately looking for a spark to get themselves back into this FA Cup final. Two more subs as Blundell and Toone are taken off for Mannion and Garcia.
Women’s FA Cup final 2023: Chelsea vs Manchester United
The official attendance has been announced. 77,390 fans at Wembley - a world record for a women’s domestic football match (beating Barcelona vs Real Madrid). What an effort!
Women’s FA Cup final 2023: Chelsea vs Manchester United
Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United - 72 mins
Another sub for Chelsea as Niamh Charles comes off, Jess Carter on. She’ll hope to help Chelsea see this game out from here. 18 minutes to go.
Women’s FA Cup final 2023: Chelsea vs Manchester United
GOAL! Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United (Kerr 67’)
And there is the breakthrough. Sam Kerr scores for the third FA Cup final in a row!
Reiten slides a ball through for Harder on the right and it’s a brilliant ball arrowed to the back post where the onrushing Kerr hammers home from close range. Gorgeous play by Chelsea and they have the advantage.
Women’s FA Cup final 2023: Chelsea vs Manchester United
CHANCE! Chelsea 0-0 Manchester United - 65 mins
The game is getting more open now. Harder slips in behind the United back line and is through one or one. Earps makes herself big as the striker heads wide and blocks with her leg as Harder tries to square the ball for a tap-in.
Immediate impact from the Dane though
Women’s FA Cup final 2023: Chelsea vs Manchester United
Chelsea 0-0 Manchester United - 60 mins
Bit of a surprise with Man United’s sub. Rachel Williams comes on for Nikita Parris, who has been one of United’s most dangerous players.
A bit of a shape change perhaps, with Toone coming out to the right and Williams slotting into the No 10 role.
Women’s FA Cup final 2023: Chelsea vs Manchester United
SAVE! Chelsea 0-0 Manchester United - 58 mins
As if to prove that point, Harder immediately involved! Sam Kerr released down the left and she plays a sublime, precise ball across to Harder on the penalty spot. She takes a touch but the ball gets slightly stuck under her feet and can only shoot tamely at Earps.
A warning sign for United though
Women’s FA Cup final 2023: Chelsea vs Manchester United
Chelsea 0-0 Manchester United - 57 mins
Emma Hayes decides to change things up for Chelsea with a double sub. Pernille Harder and Sophie Ingle come on for Melanie Leupolz and Jessie Fleming.
Harder not exactly a bad player to bring off the bench with 30 minutes to go!
Women’s FA Cup final 2023: Chelsea vs Manchester United
Chelsea 0-0 Manchester United - 55 mins
Great ball across by the lively Parris, looking for Russo at the back post but Perisset reads it well and nips in front of her to head behind for the corner.
Turner wins the ball int he air from the set=piece once again but her header goes wide.
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