Aggie Beever-Jones' late winner sent Chelsea into the FA Cup final as they beat Liverpool 2-1 on Saturday.
Aggie Beever-Jones scored a late winner to undo Liverpool's spirited defence, booking Chelsea's ticket to the FA Cup final after a 2-1 win for the Blues at Kingsmeadow.
Chelsea dominated the possession in the early stages, but failed to test Rachel Laws in the Liverpool net. Their profligacy was punished as Liverpool Marie Hobinger dissected the Chelsea defence with a beautifully weighted through ball, setting up star winger Olivia Smith to calmly slot home.
The goal allowed Liverpool to grow into the game. The Reds frustrated the quadruple-chasers, harrying the Blues midfield out of possession and looking to unleash Smith in attack. Just as Chelsea appeared to be getting terminally frustrated, they found the equaliser. Sandy Baltimore popped up on the right hand side and centred the ball. As Liverpool failed to clear, the ball fell for Erin Cuthbert to turn a looping finish past a flailing Laws.
After a back-and-forth opening to the second half, the game entered a familiar pattern. Chelsea dominated the ball, but were met by a steadfast Liverpool block. Chances fell to Beever-Jones and Wieke Kaptein, but neither could convert, as the game seemed destined for extra time. In the 95th minute, Baltimore stood a teasing cross into the Liverpool box, which Beever-Jones duly nodded home, sending the Blues to the final.
GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Kingsmeadow…
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Hannah Hampton (5/10):
Maybe could have closed the angle to make life more difficult for Smith if we're being super critical. Almost caught out by a cross-cum-shot by Taylor Hinds in the closing moments of normal time.
Lucy Bronze (5/10):
Tried to influence the game but some overhit crosses wasted Chelsea dominance. Not up to her usual standard.
Nathalie Björn (6/10):
Provided an aerial threat from set pieces. Had little to do in the second half as Chelsea dominated possession.
Mille Bright (6/10):
Left high and dry by Smith's pace for the goal, but an otherwise calm and collected performance by the Chelsea captain.
Sandy Baltimore (7/10):
Out of position in build-up to Liverpool goal, but industrious all the same. Crucial in the build-up to Chelsea's first and provided the assist for the second.
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Wieke Kaptein (5/10):
Had her chance to seal the tie in regulation but badly fluffed her lines on a bouncing cross. Otherwise marshalled the midfield comfortably.
Keira Walsh (6/10):
Professional in the middle of the park. Kept things ticking over enough for Chelsea to maintain possession throught the second period.
Erin Cuthbert (8/10):
All over the park. Bullish off the ball and composed on it. At the centre of all of Chelsea's best moments including the improvised finish for the first goal.
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Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (5/10):
Linked up well with Beever-Jones in the second half, providing the key pass on a number of chances.
Mayra Ramírez (4/10):
Subbed just after the hour mark. Struggled to influence the game consistently, although she did get the flick-on for Cuthbert's goal.
Aggie Beever-Jones (8/10):
Provided Chelsea's most consistent attacking threat, both off the wing in the first period and more centrally in the second half. Nodded the winner home.
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Sjoeke Nusken (6/10):
Added more physicality to the Chelsea midfield allowing Cuthbert more freedom to dictate the play. '65
Guro Reiten (N/A):
On late.
Catarina Mecario (N/A):
Came on late.
Sonia Bompastor (5/10):
Resisted the urge to make changes. Maybe she could have been more proactive? Ultimately bailed out by Beever-Jones.
