For the third season running Chelsea Women won the FA Cup and for the third season running, the name of Sam Kerr was on the scoresheet in the Wembley showpiece.
The Australian added to the braces she scored in the finals of 2021 and 2022 with the winning goal against Manchester United yesterday, a typically predatory finish from Pernille Harder’s immaculately weighted pass.
Not since Didier Drogba has a club footballer enjoyed so much success in front of goal at Wembley, but as she reflected on a hard-fought 1-0 victory, a modest Kerr, voted Player of the Match, wanted to deflect the attention away from her contribution.
‘P [Pernille] did amazing, the team did amazing, I’d be lying if I said it was all me,' said Kerr. 'I’m just blessed to be the nine in this team.
‘It didn’t go as well as we would have liked in the first half, no denying that, but that’s the sign of a great team: fight through, stay in the game and then we knew we had so many players off the bench.
‘We are very lucky to have a strong squad that changed the game. Emma said that from the start, it’s not going to take the 11, it’s going to take the whole squad. We stuck at it and got the win in the end. It’s the sign of a great team.
‘I don’t deserve this,’ added Kerr of her award. ‘People were way better than me but I will take it on behalf of the team – thank you!’
The Australian celebrated her goal in some style, bringing out a special celebration she saves for the big stage.
‘The occasion needed a backflip! A lot of people have been asking me for it.
‘Millie [Bright] asked me for it, a few friends asked. I text one friend and said backflip incoming, so I knew it was coming!’
Kerr also acknowledged the impact the Blues support in north-west London had, even if our fans’ celebrations would likely go on longer than that of the players with attention quickly turning to our WSL title tilt, and a trip to West Ham on Wednesday.
‘We have to enjoy winning trophies because they don’t come around often, but it will definitely be a tame one because we have Wednesday.
‘The fans are amazing, they come out every week and support us. We always have great support here at Wembley so it’s nice to get them the win and bring another trophy to Chelsea.’