Own goal helps Chelsea to Women’s League Cup final success in Derby

Chelsea have won this season’s Subway Women’s League Cup after they recorded a 2-1 victory over Manchester City at Pride Park in Derby this afternoon.

Mayra Ramírez’s goal gave The Blues an early lead but Manchester City levelled matters through Aoba Fujino early in the second half. Extra-time looked like a real possibility until a low Ramírez cross hit the boot of Manchester City midfielder Yui Hasegawa before looping into the far corner of the net 13 minutes from time.

Chelsea made a strong start to the match and they were ahead after just eight minutes. Lauren James set Ramírez away and while her initial effort was saved by Manchester City goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita, she was able to convert at the second attempt.

Manchester City responded well and Leila Ouahabi forced a good save from Hannah Hampton before Fujino tested the Chelsea keeper with a powerful shot.

Chelsea should have doubled their lead just before the half-hour mark when Ramírez found herself clear through on goal. She rounded Yamashita but could only shoot into the side-netting.

The South West Londoners had another great chance to increase their advantage after the break. Erin Cuthbert played in Johanna Rytting Kaneryd but Yamashita came up with a huge block to keep Manchester City in the tie.

After keeping themselves within touching distance, Manchester City levelled matters through Fujino. The forward thumped the ball beyond Hampton after creating space on the right side of the box.

The Cityzens then almost went ahead when Khadija Shaw went through on goal but Hampton came out big and made a crucial block.

Chelsea looked rattled but they regained the lead in fortunate circumstances. Ramírez delivered a low cross and the ball diverted into the net off the boot of Manchester City midfielder Hasegawa.

Manchester City pushed hard to get back into the game for a second time but Chelsea held out for a somewhat fortunate 2-1 victory.

This afternoon’s result sees Chelsea become Subway Women’s League Cup holders for the first time since the 2020/2021 season.

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