Chelsea cruised into the final of the delayed 2020-21 Women’s FA Cup after a routine 3-0 win over Manchester City at the Academy Stadium.

Emma Hayes‘ side were the better team throughout the contest, though City could – and perhaps should – have taken the lead through England striker Ellen White when the scores were level.

Instead, it was Chelsea who opened the scoring midway through the first half thanks to Erin Cuthbert;
the Scottish winger rifling in a drive from the edge of the penalty area that goalkeeper Karima Taieb should have done a lot better with in the City goal.

The Blues doubled their lead five minutes later when German midfielder Melanie Leupolz punished some more slack defending from Gareth Taylor’s side – and more iffy goalkeeping from Taieb – and never really looked like relinquishing their grip on the game thereafter.

Taieb redeemed herself somewhat with a string of fine saves as the game progressed, but there was nothing she could do just a minute before injury-time as Beth England headed home Jessie Fleming’s centre to top off what was a very controlled and professional performance by Chelsea.

As for City, most of their bright work came through winger Lauren Hemp, although Chelsea’s defence stood strong throughout the game and never really came under any severe pressure.

The defeat was City’s biggest home defeat since 2014, while victory for Chelsea gives Hayes the opportunity to win her third FA Cup as manager. They will play either Arsenal or Brighton in the final, who meet in the competition’s second semi-final.