Chelsea midfielder hails “amazing” striker after another vital goal

Chelsea had the Australian hotshot to thank once again after her 69th minute strike secured a 1-0 win over Manchester United in front of a new record crowd at Wembley.

An attendance of 77,309 set a new world record for a women’s domestic game and helped Emma Hayes’ side to their third FA Cup victory in a row and Scottish midfielder Cuthbert singled out her team mate for special praise.

“She does it in training every day. Her habits, her daily behaviours and professionalism get her to where she is and get her the plaudits she deserves” said the former Glasgow City player.

“She’s been brilliant this season, she’s done all the right things off the pitch and made herself available. She’s never injured - it’s amazing how available she is all the time. To keep yourself at that fitness level all season is commendable” added Cuthbert.

It was far from plain sailing for the Blues who had to withstand heavy United pressure in the first half, however, the combination of Kerr and the inspired substitution of Pernille Harder on the hour mark meant they retained the FA Cup for the third year in a row.

“I’m buzzing. I don’t get tired of it (winning trophies). It was a tough one today, we weren’t at our best but I think that shows who we are and what we are about that we can win when we’re maybe not even playing at our best.

“We’re used to absorbing pressure in different games. We’ve got European experience so we know what to expect and we know football can change so quickly. It’s all about momentum, we just needed one moment in the game to shift momentum and when we got that goal we were the better side. We started to control the game and managed the time really, really well.

Cuthbert also hopes the win can power Chelsea through the final weeks of the season and see them edge past Manchester United in the league too with the club in pole position to retain their WSL title.

“For them, it’ll give them more fuel to try and do everything they can over the next two weeks. They know they’re still in a trophy but we know it is still in our hands. Hopefully this will give us the momentum to get over the line come the end of the season. I truly believe in the squad and we are hitting momentum at the right time.

“We maybe didn’t get the performance that we needed but nobody remembers a performance in a cup final when you’re a winner.”