Chelsea have qualified for the FA Women’s Continental Tyres League Cup final with a 7-0 victory over West Ham United at The Chigwell Construction Stadium this evening.
Given The Hammers’ recent good defensive record, tonight’s semi-final tie was set to be a tough assignment for Chelsea but it was anything but as The Blues cruised into next month’s final. Sam Kerr was the star of the show with the Australian international netting four of her side’s seven goals.
Chelsea broke the deadlock after just four minutes with Kerr poking the ball home from a cross. The Blues quickly doubled their lead with Lauren James slotting in Fran Kirby to score.
With 23 minutes on the clock, it was 3-0 to the visiting side. Erin Cuthbert capitalised on some slack West Ham United play before Kerr completed the move with a clinical finish.
Cuthbert was then denied by the outstretched leg of Arnold before Kirby left the field with what looked to be a knee injury, although it may not be a major problem.
An excellent first half ended with a fourth Chelsea goal. Some more really poor play from West Ham United at the back provided Kerr with the opportunity to complete her hat-trick, the forward taking her chance.
Despite the contest being done and dusted, Chelsea came out just as lively in the second half and they increased their lead in the 55th minute. James was the scorer, the player cutting in and curling a powerful shot into the net.
Kerr then headed home goal number six before a deflected effort from Guro Reiten made it 7-0 with 25 minutes to go.
Chelsea continued to push for further goals with substitute Johanna Rytting Kaneryd causing the hosts problems but the scoreline remained 7-0 as The Blues sealed their place in the final.
Chelsea will face London rivals Arsenal in the FA Women’s Continental Tyres League Cup final on Sunday 5 March 2023.
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