Thrilling Battle at Wembley: Key Takeaways from Chelsea’s 3-2 Triumph Over Manchester City in the Women’s FA Cup Final
The 2022 Women’s FA Cup Final delivered a spectacle packed with intensity, resilience, and tactical intrigue, as Chelsea edged Manchester City 3-2 in an unforgettable showdown. Both sides showcased top-level talent, fluctuating fortunes, and strategic adjustments, with goals and drama till the final whistle. Below, we explore the essential moments, tactical trends, and individual performances that shaped this exceptional contest.
How Chelsea’s Tactical Versatility Powered Their Victory
Manager Emma Hayes orchestrated a masterclass in adaptability, deploying Chelsea in a dynamic 3-4-1-2 shape. This flexible system varied throughout the match, with players taking up different roles depending on the phase of play. Jess Carter and Guro Reiten took on responsibilities tracking City’s attacking full-backs, aiming to disrupt Manchester City’s build-up play from wide areas.
Chelsea’s defensive structure was narrow by design, funneling play away from City’s strikers and into wider channels. This approach limited central penetration but came with the tradeoff of increased space for City’s Lauren Hemp and Chloe Kelly (and later, Hayley Raso) to exploit along the flanks. As the match progressed, tactical adjustments saw Jonna Andersson introduced to provide defensive solidity and shift Chelsea into a more conservative 5-2-1-2 setup, helping to curb City’s threats from wide positions—especially as Magdalena Eriksson matched up against the lively Raso.
On the ball, Chelsea’s buildup leaned heavily down the left, featuring combinations between Pernille Harder, Reiten, and the two strikers. Sophie Ingle anchored the midfield, facilitating play as a deep-lying pivot, but Chelsea struggled to consistently break down City’s organized lines. Their most incisive moment came when Guro Reiten’s pass unlocked space for Bethany England, who quickly found Erin Cuthbert. Cuthbert’s sublime touch and finish exemplified the quality needed to breach City’s defence.
Despite struggling for attacking cohesion late in the match after substitutions, Chelsea’s relentless energy and clinical execution—epitomized by Sam Kerr’s solo effort for the decisive third goal—ensured their efforts were rewarded.
Manchester City’s Approach: Attacking Prowess and Risks at the Back
Gareth Taylor set Manchester City up in a familiar 4-3-3 formation, designed to maximize attacking firepower while maintaining possession. Lauren Hemp, a constant thorn down the left, used her pace and footwork to repeatedly trouble Chelsea’s Millie Bright, culminating in her expertly taken first-half equalizer.
Keira Walsh’s central presence controlled City’s rhythm, connecting short and progressive passes in midfield. Lucy Bronze alternated between overlapping runs and inverted movements into midfield, providing attacking width and supporting City’s build-up.
City recognized Chelsea’s threat on the counter and frequently maintained all defenders in a 4+1 rest defence to guard against quick transitions, especially given Sam Kerr’s speed and ability to exploit space behind. Georgia Stanway and Caroline Weir regularly pushed forward from midfield to join the attack, creating five-player offensive waves.
Khadija Shaw operated as the focal point up front, excelling in hold-up play and linking attacks—even under pressure from Chelsea’s back three. Shaw’s ability to drag defenders and open central spaces helped City create numerous opportunities, while Hemp’s tactical movement—occasionally drifting inside to draw markers—opened up the width for advancing full-backs like Demi Stokes.
Out of possession, City used a 4-1-4-1 press, but late in extra time, they became increasingly aggressive, pushing players forward at the expense of their usual defensive structure. This left them vulnerable to Chelsea’s counters, and they were ultimately punished when Kerr capitalized on tired legs and defensive indecision after a decisive breakaway.
Defensive Standouts and Critical Battles Across the Pitch
Despite the five-goal scoreline, both sides featured notable defensive performances. For Chelsea, Ann-Katrin Berger commanded her box with authority, while Aniek Nouwen played a vital role in repelling City’s dangerous crosses. Late shifts to a back five provided added security as City chased the game.
For City, Alex Greenwood and Alanna Kennedy worked tirelessly to subdue Chelsea’s front line. Kennedy’s aerial dominance and Greenwood’s positional sense were key, though ultimately not enough to contain Chelsea’s match-winning moments.
Key Moments That Defined the Final
– Lauren Hemp’s equalizer: Hemp’s superb dribbling and lethal finishing restored parity before halftime for City.
– Erin Cuthbert’s strike: A beautiful sequence down the left concluded with Cuthbert’s composed touch and shot to put Chelsea ahead.
– Sam Kerr’s late winner: With City stretched pushing for a late breakthrough, Kerr seized upon defensive hesitation to net the decider for Chelsea.
– Tactical adjustments: Throughout the match, both managers rearranged systems and personnel in search of superiority—a testament to the evolving chess match on the sideline.
Conclusion: Chelsea’s Resilience Secures the Double
This Women’s FA Cup Final not only highlighted the depth of talent and strategic sophistication in English women’s football but also showcased the relentless determination of both squads. In the end, Chelsea’s clinical finishing and tactical nous under Emma Hayes clinched the win—and secured a memorable double for the season.
Both teams produced a final worthy of the occasion, and the intensity, tactical innovation, and individual brilliance on display illustrated why Chelsea and City remain at the pinnacle of the English game.
