Chelsea won the domestic Treble after beating Arsenal 3-0 in the 2021 Women’s FA Cup at Wembley on Sunday, as Fran Kirby and Sam Kerr starred once again for Emma Hayes’ side.
The final was scheduled to be held in May but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and is the last remnant of a disjointed 2020-21 season.
The match, which marked the league’s 50th anniversary, got off to a brilliant start as Kirby put Chelsea ahead in the first two minutes.
The ball hit a couple of players and fell in favor of Kirby, who was able to break free of the Arsenal defense and drag Mauela Zinsberger out of her goal before sending the ball into the net.
Kirby could have added to his tally with some nice shots saved by Zinsberger. The Arsenal keeper was often angry with her defense in the first half, at one point punching the goal in frustration.
Chelsea had a clear penalty when Kerr was fouled in the box by Jen Beattie in the 19th minute.
The Australia international should have scored in the first 45 minutes, hitting multiple shots straight at Zinsberger in the face of the keeper. She also witnessed a shot that went over the bar.
Arsenal struggled through midfield for most of the first half and while they were brighter in the second, they were overtaken by Kerr in the 58th minute.
Kirby made a long, low pass that allowed Kerr to sink and move around Lotte Wubben-Moy before finishing into the low corner.
Kirby had another hit from the left side of the box after 70 minutes when Kirby had a shot from the left side of the box.
However, that didn’t matter as Kerr made it 3-0 in the 76th minute when she had space to cushion the ball over Zinsberger’s head and into the net.
“I couldn’t ask for anything more from the team other than a few more goals in the first half,” Hayes said after the game.
“I think it’s Fran [Kirby] The best match in a Chelsea shirt. I think she ran the game. She chained Sam [Kerr] pass many times and have a great opportunity for yourself.
“They are two of many figures in this dressing room who are notable for their performance today.”
This is Chelsea’s fifth FA Cup final and third win, while Arsenal have entered 17 finals and won 14.
