Chelsea manager Emma Hayes has classed her side’s performance against Manchester City as ‘one of her favourite performances as Chelsea manager’ after The Blues booked their place in the Vitality Women’s FA Cup final with a 3-0 win at The Academy Stadium.
First half strikes from Erin Cuthbert and Melanie Leupolz set Chelsea on their way before Beth England added to the scoreline with a minute to go as the South West Londoners booked their place in the final for the first time in three years.
Speaking in her post-match press conference in which FAWSL Full-Time were present, Hayes spoke of her delight after her side had recorded an impressive victory in Manchester.
“Today’s game is one of my favourite performances because it is hard after the international break, we had a lot of players travelling all over the world,” said Hayes.
“This is a squad game and we had to pick a team that would do the first part and the rest would come from the bench.
“I thought our mentality was superb, our pressing, our counter pressing, how we created chances were all so efficient so I’m really pleased.”
The home side have struggled so far this season and sit in ninth position in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League table. City’s battles with lengthy and multiple injuries within the squad was something which Hayes understood heading into the game.
Their injury issues have been well highlighted” Hayes added. “I think these games after international breaks are always a little flat, I thought the game in the second half petered out a little.
“The job was done and it was just about keeping a clean sheet for us in the final 45 minutes”.
Last season, Hayes’ side achieved the double as they secured a second successive Barclays FA Women’s Super League title alongside success in the FA Women’s Continental League Cup. Hayes now wants her side to go out there and complete the treble in December at Wembley.
She said “I love the FA Cup, it is such a great competition to be in. I love being at Wembley and can’t wait to play whoever we face in the final.
“I’m here to win and the whole team is here to win. That’s our big value at the club, when you win things, you get used to it and want more of it.”
Arsenal defeated Brighton & Hove Albion 3-0 in the second semi-final meaning that Chelsea will meet their Barclays FA Women’s Super League title rivals at the national stadium.