Everton Women 0-1 Chelsea Women
Manchester City Women 0-1 Chelsea Women
The FA Cup looms large in Chelsea’s history, ever since winning it in 1970 set the scene for the club’s successful modern era.
But this season the trophy is critical.
It’s the only route left back into European football for the men’s side, who take on Leicester City at Stamford Bridge this weekend in the quarter-final (being shown live on BBC One).
And lifting the women’s FA Cup would help cement Emma Hayes’ legacy, before she departs for the United States.
Back to back cup victories
Chelsea Women advanced in both domestic cups by 1-0 margins last week. They eased past Everton on Sunday to reach the semis of the FA Cup, thanks to another goal from Catarina Macario.
At times it seemed that the stubborn Toffees would triumph, in a match which really only came to life for the Blues after a triple substitution in the second half.
The hard work was done by the increasingly impressive Aggie Beever-Jones, who pushed down the wing and teed up Macario.
It followed Chelsea grinding out a 1-0 win in midweek, to squeak past Manchester City and reach the League Cup final.
But while Hayes enjoys the undying adoration of Chelsea fans, the future for Mauricio Pochettino still looks rocky.
The men's manager is out of favour with the crowd (although lifting the FA Cup would change that), and the American owners are well aware that Thomas Tuchel – sacked prematurely – is available this summer when he leaves Bayern Munich.
Summer overhaul looming
In the meantime, another widespread squad shuffle looks inevitable in June. This is partly to comply with financial fair play rules after the last spending splurge, and partly because Nico Jackson is set to be shipped out.
He has been one of the most disappointing up-front signings in recent Chelsea history, in an all-too crowded field.
The club really needs to refocus on long-term building, not short-term fixes, if it is to regain the top-six status it has enjoyed for so long.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and unless specifically stated are not necessarily those of Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
