Emma Hayes always dreamed of leading her side out at Wembley, but it is becoming a regular occurrence now – and she has the final she wanted in 2021.
Hayes’ Chelsea take on Arsenal in the Women’s FA Cup Final on Sunday, 5 December, in a rivalry that is set to define the season.
On Sunday, Chelsea cruised to a 3-0 win over an injury-depleted Manchester City side, who had lifted the trophy in the past two years.
Immediately afterwards, Hayes, whose team won the Women’s Super League last season and are second in 2021-22, said she wanted league leaders Arsenal in the showpiece at the national stadium.
“I want the Gunners in the final – that would be nice, a nice little derby, fill Wembley out,” said the Chelsea boss.
Hayes got her wish a few hours later as two goals from Beth Mead and another from current England captain Leah Williamson helped Arsenal beat Brighton 3-0.
For the neutral, too, it is the dream final between the two current powerhouses in the English women’s game.
Arsenal have won all five of their WSL matches this season, while Chelsea’s only blip was a 3-2 away loss against the Gunners in an opening-weekend thriller at Emirates Stadium.
From their five WSL matches, Arsenal have scored 19 goals, with Chelsea just behind on 17. By comparison, no other side has netted more than 10.