Sam Kerr strikes in extra-time as Chelsea defeat Man City to retain Women’s FA Cup

Once again, on the biggest stage of all, Chelsea found a way. The champions of England have added the FA Cup to complete the double and deny Manchester City of the same honour, after again digging to the depths of their resolve to get over the line. City looked superior for large parts of the contest at Wembley but Chelsea’s season has been a story of sensing the big moments and seizing them, and it has now finished on a resounding note.

Their mentality is typified by their goal scorers, the tireless Erin Cuthbert and Sam Kerr, who ensured that another FA Cup final would belong to her. The Chelsea striker had been quiet for much of the game but as legs tired and bodies waned in extra time, she found the energy to carry the ball from the half-way line and send a shot past Ellie Roebuck that took a heavy deflection off Alex Greenwood.

It was harsh on City, and particularly their captain Greenwood, who had been excellent in defence and set up Hayley Raso’s late equaliser to force extra-time with a perfect pass from deep. Lauren Hemp, who scored City’s first equaliser, was also outstanding, but although City had spent much of the match illustrating that on paper, they have the individual quality, it is in the individual characters of this Chelsea team that elevates them to do this all-conquering beast of inevitability under Emma Hayes.

It's evident through Kerr, who has another two goals in a FA Cup final at Wembley, but also through the selfless Cuthbert, who once again answered the call when Chelsea needed her. Cuthbert was everywhere and picked up the player of the match award, leaving her completely drained by the end. Her stunning strike from 20 yards, which cannoned off the underside of the crossbar, is an indication