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Arsenal 0-3 Chelsea LIVE! Blues seal treble - Women’s FA Cup final result, match stream and updates today

Arsenal 0-3 Chelsea LIVE! Blues seal treble - Women’s FA Cup final result, match stream and updates today

Arsenal vs Chelsea - LIVE!

Chelsea wrapped up a belated 2020/21 domestic treble with a dominant victory in Sunday’s one-sided Women’s FA Cup final.

The rampant Blues were simply sensational at Wembley, with the prolific strike duo of Sam Kerr and Fran Kirby leaving their WSL title rivals with no answers.

Kirby struck after only three minutes to set Chelsea on their way to a third FA Cup triumph, while Kerr notched a second-half brace - including a sumptuous lob - to put the result beyond any doubt.

Emma Hayes’ side are celebrating a historic and unusual treble, having already lifted both the WSL title and the League Cup last season.

Meanwhile, the defeat was below-par Arsenal’s first in domestic competition all season under new boss Jonas Eidevall, who will have to quickly lift his players’ spirits ahead of a tough Champions League clash with Barcelona in midweek.

The celebrations cannot last too long for Chelsea, who host Juventus on Wednesday.

Follow Women’s FA Cup final reaction with Standard Sport’s LIVE blog below, including expert analysis from Simon Collings at Wembley!

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Women’s FA Cup final highlights

  • FT: Arsenal 0-3 Chelsea - Blues win Women’s FA Cup and belated domestic treble

  • GOAL! Kerr nets again with brilliant lofted finish

  • WOODWORK! Kirby smashes against the post

  • GOAL! Kerr adds a second before the hour mark

  • WOODWORK! Kerr hits the crossbar

  • GOAL! Kirby strikes inside three minutes

16:19 , George Flood

Spare a thought for poor Millie Bright.

The lid came off the FA Cup trophy as the players hoisted it aloft and it struck her on the eyebrow!

She didn’t appear to get too much sympathy from her jubilant Chelsea team-mates.

16:12 , George Flood

Wild celebrations from Chelsea’s stars as they lift the trophy to a soundtrack of Rihanna and then Madness, with an accompanying light show and silver streamers pouring down.

An occasion to remember!

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

16:09 , George Flood

Arsenal pick up their second-place medals before huge roars for Chelsea and Emma Hayes as they go to collect their winners versions, before lifting the trophy.

16:06 , George Flood

16:05 , George Flood

Passionate celebrations from the Chelsea squad, who are revelling in this achievement with their fans as the club anthem blares over the speakers.

Contrasting scenes at Wembley as Eidevall has his crestfallen Arsenal players in a huddle for some words of encouragement.

They are still top of the WSL, remember.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Full-time

15:58 , George Flood

Arsenal 0-3 Chelsea

Kerr and Kirby shine as Chelsea ease to victory in the delayed Women’s FA Cup final and wrap up a belated domestic treble.

Never in doubt. What a performance and what an achievement. Incredible.

15:53 , George Flood

90 mins: Four minutes of added time signalled at Wembley.

This has long since finished as a contest.

15:50 , George Flood

86 mins: A late triple change from Hayes.

Kerr, Leupolz and Reiten are replaced by Beth England, Ji So-yun and Drew Spence.

Arsenal also send on Danish defender Simone Boye in place of Wubben-Moy.

15:47 , George Flood

83 mins: Chelsea are not content with this 3-0 lead as they look for Kerr on a hat-trick, with Harder now also trying to get in on the act.

Arsenal are demoralised and well-beaten. Nothing they can do now to avoid a first defeat in domestic competition this season.

15:46 , George Flood

15:43 , George Flood

80 mins: Arsenal are going even more for broke now, but it’s far too late.

Nikita Parris replaces Frida Maanum... and immediately picks up a yellow card for going over the top on Reiten.

GOAL! Arsenal 0-3 Chelsea | Sam Kerr 77'

15:40 , George Flood

77 mins: And that is that! A sublime finish from Kerr, who produces a fantastic dinked effort over the stranded Zinsberger.

Chelsea rampant. The FA Cup and domestic treble is theirs.

A passionate celebration from Hayes on the touchline. A remarkable achievement.

15:39 , George Flood

75 mins: Everything is going Chelsea’s way here as Cuthbert makes a brilliant intervention inside her own area after good link-up play down the right between Mead and Miedema.

Harder then glides effortlessly into the Arsenal box, but she can’t quite provide the finish and Zinsberger gathers gratefully.

Simon Collings at Wembley

15:37 , George Flood

Kirby comes off to a standing ovation from the Chelsea fans. She has been exceptional today. Player of the match, no doubt.

Hayes gives her a huge hug as she heads to the bench.

15:36 , George Flood

73 mins: Kirby hasn’t shaken off that knee injury despite just hitting the post and she’s going to head off here.

Pernille Harder is on.

15:35 , George Flood

72 mins: Woodwork!

Kirby races forward unchallenged and crashes an explosive strike against the post with Wubben-Moy backing off and Zinsberger beaten.

15:34 , George Flood

70 mins: A second change from Arsenal sees Beattie make way for Caitlin Foord.

Arsenal are essentially playing with five across the front now.

Nothing to lose of course trailing 2-0 with 20 minutes to go, but Chelsea will fancy there are more goals in this for them on the counter.

Kirby was in some discomfort with that knee issue, but thankfully she’s now back on and moving well.

15:32 , George Flood

68 mins: Wubben-Moy has just gotten away with making contact with a boot to the face of Kirby, who looked to sprint clear from the halfway line and is now down holding her knee.

But referee Helen Conley had already blown her whistle with Chelsea ‘keeper Berger down after an unconvincing punch, but she just seems to have cramp.

15:27 , George Flood

63 mins: Danger for Chelsea as Miedema delivers a low ball into the box that is thumped clear by Cuthbert, who collided heavily with Bright.

Arsenal utterly waste their set-piece delivery however and McCabe is booked for cynically bringing down Kirby on the break.

Watch Sam Kerr double Chelsea’s lead

15:26 , George Flood

15:25 , George Flood

61 mins: Eidevall reacts to that second goal by making his first change of the afternoon.

Lia Walti is replaced by Japanese forward Mana Iwabuchi.

Simon Collings at Wembley

15:23 , George Flood

That’s the second goal Chelsea deserve and, surprise, surprise, it’s Kerr who gets it. If Kirby doesn’t get you, she will.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

GOAL! Arsenal 0-2 Chelsea | Sam Kerr 57'

15:19 , George Flood

57 mins: Chelsea finally have a second!

Kerr shows good anticipation and strength to collect a low, long ball forward.

She then fires a shot through the legs of Wubben-Moy and in at the near post, with the unfortunate Zinsberger unsighted.

The (delayed) domestic treble is in sight.

15:18 , George Flood

55 mins: Chelsea are beginning to turn the screw again here as Cuthbert shows super feet out on the right flank and delivers an enticing cross that is headed straight at Zinsberger by Kerr.

She just struggles to generate the necessary power on that header, with the ball slightly behind her.

But another key chance nonetheless.

15:17 , George Flood

53 mins: Arsenal concede possession cheaply and Kirby looks to set Chelsea on another attack.

A brilliantly arrowed cross towards Fleming at the back post is watched and headed behind by Catley.

Vital defending.

15:14 , George Flood

50 mins: Little is beginning to conduct things nicely from that no10 role for Arsenal.

She fires a low pass into Mead, who turns Eriksson brilliantly before being thwarted by an excellent sliding challenge from Jess Carter.

15:11 , George Flood

47 mins: Chelsea have started the brightest again here as they immediately work the ball into the Arsenal box.

At the other end, a brief sight of goal for the Gunners, but a sliding Little can’t turn the ball on target after good work from Miedema.

Second half

15:07 , George Flood

Arsenal out first for the second half at Wembley.

What does Jonas Eidevall have up his sleeve? His side have yet to muster a single shot on target.

We are back underway.

14:55 , George Flood

Half-time

14:52 , George Flood

Chelsea 1-0 Arsenal

Fran Kirby’s goal after three minutes is all that separates the sides at half-time, despite Chelsea’s myriad of clear-cut chances.

But Arsenal weathered the storm and started to get into it, while both sides should have had a penalty.

Will Chelsea rue not putting this final to bed?

 (Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
(Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

14:49 , George Flood

47 mins: Chelsea have been quiet since that dominant first half an hour.

But they break just before half-time, though Kirby’s ball for Kerr is not up to scratch and the opportunity is lost.

14:47 , George Flood

44 mins: Mead looks to cleverly roll Cuthbert as she anticipates contact from the Chelsea midfielder following a low pass into space, with both players then colliding heavily.

Cuthbert has come off worse and will need to go off for treatment.

Three minutes of stoppage time signalled at the end of this first half.

14:45 , George Flood

42 mins: Arsenal are enjoying by far their best spell of this first half, but a free-kick is driven into the wall and Chelsea then defend resolutely to snuff out the danger.

A mix-up between Beattie and Zinsberger then spells big danger for the Gunners, but they get away with it.

Simon Collings at Wembley

14:43 , George Flood

That’s the second decent penalty shout we’ve had today. The calls for VAR in the women’s game are only going to grow.

14:43 , George Flood

39 mins: Arsenal are looking much better going forward now with the wide players swapped and Stephanie Catley playing in a more advanced role.

Another big shout for a penalty, this time for Arsenal, as Cuthbert slides in on Mead and the ball clearly hits her hand.

That looks like another stonewall spot-kick, but again nothing is given.

14:40 , George Flood

37 mins: Some work to do for Berger in the Chelsea goal as she confidently punches clear an in-swinging free-kick from the left-hand side.

Cuthbert then has to be alert to thwart Mead, conceding a corner as Arsenal get more joy having now swapped over their wide players.

Simon Collings at Wembley

14:39 , George Flood

How Chelsea haven’t put this game to bed is beyond me. It genuinely could be four or five nil, but they’ve been sloppy in front of goal.

Arsenal might start to think it’s their day.

14:38 , George Flood

35 mins: Woodwork!

Kerr brushes aside Lotte Wubben-Moy and cuts inside before bending a shot against the crossbar from close range.

Another massive chance for Chelsea goes begging.

This really could be 5 or 6-0.

14:35 , George Flood

32 mins: A couple of hopeful forays forward from Arsenal in the last few minutes, but Miedema’s touch lets her down on that occasion.

At the other end, Millie Bright volleys well wide after the ball breaks her way following a Chelsea free-kick.

14:32 , George Flood

28 mins: Chance, after chance, after chance for Chelsea.

Guro Reiten just gets the ball stuck under her feet and can’t get a shot away.

But the Blues quickly race forward again and a fine touch from Melanie Leupolz tees up Kirby, whose shot is deflected wide.

Arsenal have to get a grip here. Meanwhile, Hayes will be concerned that Chelsea can’t take advantage of all of these superb opportunities.

14:28 , George Flood

25 mins: A super save from Zinsberger!

The Austrian goalkeeper scrambles low to her left to tip behind a fine Kirby effort after the England star had spearheaded an incisive Chelsea counter-attack.

Blues captain Eriksson then heads wide from the subsequent corner. Two more big chances.

Arsenal riding their luck in a big, big way.

14:26 , George Flood

24 mins: They could easily be 3-0 down here, but there have been bright moments of interplay from WSL leaders Arsenal.

The latest quick passing move ends with Miedema’s deflected shot going high and wide.

A bit of afters there as McCabe appears to leave a foot in on Berger.

Simon Collings at Wembley

14:25 , George Flood

Eidevall is definitely looking to change something. He’s just walked out to the edge of the technical area and held up a red piece of paper.

14:24 , George Flood

21 mins: McCabe manages to find some space down that Arsenal left flank and whip in a cross that is too close to Berger, who gathers easily.

Simon Collings at Wembley

14:23 , George Flood

There’s a reason Emma Hayes compared Kerr and Kirby to Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole.

Their link-up play is devastating. Arsenal are lucky to only be one down.

14:22 , George Flood

19 mins: Serious pressure coming from Chelsea again, with a fine long ball into the path of Kerr, who provides a brilliant cut-back for Kirby.

Kirby is denied, but surely that was a penalty for Jennifer Beattie wiping out Kerr?!

Nothing given. Wow. Hayes will be furious.

14:21 , George Flood

16 mins: Katie McCabe has just flattened Erin Cuthbert - some heavy challenges going in early on at Wembley.

Another big chance for Chelsea as Fleming finds Kirby, who unselfishly plays a fine low pass into the path of Kerr.

Zinsberger makes another good stop, but the offside flag is up. There’s no VAR in use today, by the way.

14:18 , George Flood

14 mins: Better from Arsenal as Little and Miedema almost combine with a nifty-one two inside the Chelsea area.

They manage to sustain a spell of pressure from the subsequent corner, but a mix-up leads to a promising Chelsea counter led by Jessie Fleming.

14:16 , George Flood

12 mins: Kerr looks to make space inside the Arsenal box for another shot, but the danger is just about averted.

So little margin for error back there for the Gunners now.

14:14 , George Flood

10 mins: Chelsea looked to go for the jugular immediately after that early Kirby strike, but Arsenal have got their foot on the ball in the last few minutes and are now dictating much of the possession.

No chances to speak of just yet, however.

And Chelsea are carrying a big threat nearly every time they come forward, as you might expect with that attacking partnership.

Watch Kirby’s opening goal

14:11 , George Flood

Simon Collings at Wembley

14:11 , George Flood

Eidevall using a break in play to pull captain Kim Little for a chat.

Arsenal just need to settle down after that goal. There’s plenty of time left.

14:10 , George Flood

6 mins: Kerr looked to have hurt herself in the build-up to that early goal, but she’s back on after treatment and nearly makes it 2-0!

A fine close-range stop from Zinsberger.

Beth Mead into the book for a very poor challenge on Magda Eriksson.

Simon Collings at Wembley

14:06 , George Flood

A dream start for Chelsea, but not the kind of goal Eidevall will be happy to see Arsenal concede.

It was all rather scrappy and loose at the back from the Gunners.

GOAL! Arsenal 0-1 Chelsea | Fran Kirby 3'

14:05 , George Flood

3 mins: It’s a gift for Kirby and Chelsea are ahead inside three minutes!

Sam Kerr and Kirby combine as Arsenal repeatedly fail to clear their lines, with the latter getting clear and coolly firing beyond the helpless Zinsberger.

The perfect start for Hayes’ side, but a nightmare for Arsenal.

 (Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
(Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

14:04 , George Flood

2 mins: Both sides looking to start on the front foot with early touches for both goalkeepers, Manuela Zinsberger and Ann-Katrin Berger.

But Kirby is in here...

KICK-OFF

14:03 , George Flood

We are underway in the Women’s FA Cup Final at Wembley!

Will Chelsea belatedly complete a domestic treble, or can Arsenal win this competition for a record-extending 15th time?

13:58 , George Flood

Pre-match introductions over, it’s time for Ella Henderson to perform the national anthem.

Kick-off is just minutes away!

13:56 , George Flood

Chelsea boss Emma Hayes looks a picture of calmness in the tunnel ahead of kick-off.

Here come the teams! A cracking atmosphere at Wembley.

13:51 , George Flood

As well as this being the culmination of the 50th anniversary of the Women’s FA Cup, today is also the 100th anniversary of women being banned from playing football in England because it was thought “unsuitable”.

Such a ban, laid down in 1921, lasted for 50 years before finally being lifted by the FA in 1971, with Southampton beating Scottish club Stewarton Thistle in the first Women’s FA Cup final at Crystal Palace’s National Sports Centre.

The captains from that day, Lesley Lloyd and Elsie Cook, have just brought out the trophy at Wembley.

13:39 , George Flood

Ella Henderson is currently entertaining the crowds at Wembley. She’ll also be singing the national anthem ahead of kick-off.

Dreary conditions for the walk up Wembley Way today, but the crowd aren’t letting the wintry conditions affect the mood, with the atmosphere building nicely.

 (The FA via Getty Images)
(The FA via Getty Images)

Final preparations at Wembley

13:36 , George Flood

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
 (The FA via Getty Images)
(The FA via Getty Images)

Teams in full

13:28 , George Flood

Arsenal XI: Zinsberger, Maritz, Wubben-Moy, Beattie, Catley, Walti, Maanum, Little, McCabe, Miedema, Mead

Subs: Williams, Goldie, Boye, Patten, Schnaderbeck, Nobbs, Parris, Iwabuchi, Foord

Chelsea XI: Berger, Bright, Ingle, Carter, Leupolz, Reiten, Eriksson, Fleming, Kirby, Kerr, Cuthbert

Subs: Musovic, Nouwen, England, Ji, Charles, Harder, Spence, Andersson, Fox

Simon Collings at Wembley

13:22 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Simon Collings is in position at a chilly Wembley...

Arsenal unchanged from win over Manchester United

13:09 , George Flood

Meanwhile, Arsenal are unchanged from their 2-0 win over Manchester United at Leigh Sports Village a fortnight ago secured courtesy of goals from Vivianne Miedema and Katie McCabe.

Mana Iwabuchi, Simone Boye and Viktoria Schnaderbeck are back among the substitutes.

Arsenal team

13:04 , George Flood

One Chelsea change from Birmingham rout

13:04 , George Flood

That looks like one change from Chelsea boss Emma Hayes to the side that routed Birmingham 5-0 in the WSL last time out courtesy of Sam Kerr’s hat-trick and a double from Fran Kirby, who brought up her century of Blues goals.

Drew Spence makes way for Wales captain Sophie Ingle.

Pernille Harder and Aniek Nouwen both make the bench.

Chelsea team

12:56 , George Flood

Lineups on the way

12:53 , George Flood

Not long now until we get official team news from Wembley.

Stay tuned!

Faye White interview: ‘I didn’t get to walk up the Wembley steps, but FA Cup finals were still special'

12:31 , George Flood

When it comes to Women’s FA Cup finals, no one is better placed than Faye White to explain what it takes to win.

During her illustrious playing career, the defender lifted the trophy no fewer than nine times - with all of those triumphs coming at Arsenal.

This weekend, as Arsenal and Chelsea go head-to-head at Wembley Stadium, White will have to settle for being a spectator, but she can still remember what it was like in the days building up to those finals.

“You would always try and remember what you did the year before,” White tells Standard Sport.

“I wasn’t that superstitious but the one thing I always did before England games, and big Arsenal games, was to jot my thoughts down on a notepad. It generally had to be the notepad you’d find in the hotel.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

“I’d write a few notes about how I wanted to approach the game, be mentally focused, and some points about the player I was up against.

“I’d be hunting around the hotel room looking for a bit of paper, and then when I got to the stadium I’d read the notes. I’d go into a quiet space, normally the loo! I’d just read to myself and get myself in the zone.”

Click here to read Simon Collings’ full interview with ex-Arsenal captain Faye White

The pre-match scene at Wembley

12:24 , George Flood

 (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
(Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
 (Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
(Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
 (The FA via Getty Images)
(The FA via Getty Images)

12:18 , George Flood

Our man Simon Collings has arrived on what is a grey and gloomy December day at the home of English football.

Big final preview

12:11 , George Flood

One team is trying to complete a treble in a season which, to all intents and purposes, finished six months ago. The other is looking to herald the arrival of a new manager with a trophy that should have been lifted long before he took charge.

Such are the peculiarities of today’s (but last season’s) Women’s FA Cup final, delayed by Covid, as Emma Hayes’ League Cup and WSL-winning Chelsea take on an Arsenal side who, under Jonas Eidevall, have already set out their credentials as genuine challengers to that dominance in the new campaign.

A seismic fixture in its own right this may be, but the final’s unusual, wintery occurrence (though it was played in November last year for similar reasons) makes it impossible not to view through the prism of what may be to come. A fixture which usually provides the season’s crescendo, could in fact act as a tone-setter for a rivalry that looks set to define it.

Just a point separates the London rivals at the top of the WSL, Arsenal having beaten Chelsea on the opening day of the season before allowing the gap to narrow when being held by Tottenham in the north London derby last month. Such is the quality between them that those two matches represent the only time either have dropped points.

Click here to read Malik Ouzia’s final preview in full

 (The FA via Getty Images)
(The FA via Getty Images)

Standard Sport prediction

12:03 , George Flood

Given Arsenal’s form this season, they’re surely slight favourites.

That’s not to write Chelsea off completely, of course, and the fact that it’s so hard to judge should lead to a thoroughly entertaining spectacle.

Arsenal to win 2-1.

Chelsea team news - Harder and Nouwen could return

12:02 , George Flood

Chelsea, meanwhile, could be boosted by the returns of Pernille Harder and Aniek Nouwen this afternoon, but Maren Mjelde is set to miss out having only recently returned from a long injury lay-off.

 (Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
(Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal team news - No Williamson or Heath

11:59 , George Flood

Arsenal will be without both Leah Williamson and Tobin Heath at Wembley this afternoon due to injuries.

However, the trio of Jen Beattie, Caitlin Foord, and Simone Boye are all available.

 (The FA via Getty Images)
(The FA via Getty Images)

How to watch Arsenal vs Chelsea

11:55 , George Flood

TV channel: In the UK, today’s final will be broadcast live on both BBC One and BT Sport 1.

Live stream: Fans will also be able to watch the game on BBC iPlayer and BT Sport subscribers will be able to watch it through the BT Sport app.

Welcome to Women’s FA Cup final LIVE coverage!

11:30 , George Flood

Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of the delayed 2020/21 Women’s FA Cup final!

London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea go head to head in a high-profile clash at Wembley from 2pm GMT this afternoon, with a record crowd of over 45,000 fans expected to be in attendance.

Can reigning WSL champions and League Cup holders Chelsea belatedly complete a domestic treble under Emma Hayes, or will Arsenal - unbeaten this season under new boss Jonas Eidevall and a point clear at the WSL summit - add an incredible 15th triumph in this famous old competition?

Stay tuned for team news, match build-up and live updates, including expert analysis from Simon Collings at Wembley.