The Women’s FA Cup final was a testament to how far the game has come

Sunday saw a record Wembley crowd for a Women’s FA Cup final and a game more than worthy of it.

49,094 fans descended on the home of the English game – surpassing the 45,423 who saw Chelsea defeat Arsenal in 2018 – to watch as Chelsea edged a five-goal thriller against Manchester City to lift the trophy.

Star player Sam Kerr opened the scoring in the first half before England’s Lauren Hemp levelled the scores just before the break. Erin Cuthbert’s brilliant strike from the edge of the box restored the Blues’ lead before Hayley Raso’s late goal ensured the enthralled crowd got an extra 30 minutes of footballing bang for their buck.

The irrepressible Kerr though made sure this showpiece final wouldn’t go all the way to penalties as the men’s final had done 24 hours earlier, surging clear on the break and finishing with the help of a deflection for the winner.

The victory secured a domestic double for Chelsea after the league crown was won a week ago, a fourth Women’s FA Cup in club history and an incredible 11th major trophy for their all-conquering manager, Emma Hayes.

“I’m so f****** happy. I really am,” a jubilant Hayes said afterwards. “That was so amazing for the women’s game today, two teams who respect the crap out of each other, going toe-to-toe.”

It was a truly great advert, as the adage goes, and testament to just how far the women’s game has come in such a short space of time. With a Women’s Euros on the horizon on these shores this summer, the hope is that it’s only just the beginning too.

What next for Hayes and Chelsea before then? A long, strong drink if the manager got her way.

“The season’s over,” she said. “I expect to be carried home.”

Yours,

Ben Burrows

Sports editor