Chelsea cruise through United for WSL U21 cup Rory Davidson St Johns

On the afternoon of the 23rd April, champions, Chelsea came back from 1-0 down to win 3-2 in a thriller of a final located at Loughborough University Stadium against Manchester United.

The two football giants met after crushing their previous opponents with Chelsea beating Ipswich 7-1 in round 1, followed by a 4-0 against reading in the quarter finals, and then a comprehensive 2-1 win against London rivals Arsenal. Similarly, Manchester United played against Leicester, Aston Villa and Birmingham in the rounds leading up to the final, winning 4-1, 2-1 and 5-1 respectfully.

Pre match nerves were high, with English football representatives, scouts and fans flocking from every corner of the country to Loughborough as the U21s stepped onto the hallowed turf for warm up. With an undermining sense of tension felt across the stadium, everyone knew just how big this game was.

5 minutes before kick-off. The opposing teams marched onto the pitch. Ready for war. The game was underway. Chelsea were feeling good going into this match up, already beating Manchester United 2-0 just weeks before. However just 10 minutes in, it seemed like this result was not going to be repeated with Manchester remaining dominant and sucker punching Chelsea with a calm finish into the bottom left. A huge blow for Chelsea at the beginning of the game of the season. Manchester remained on top with momentum swinging their way, drowning out any chance of Chelsea comeback. This was until a cleverly orchestrated attack down the left channel led to a pocket of space being found by the left winger to swing the ball into the box right onto the feet of the striker, with a strike too powerful to be saved by the keeper. Leaving the ball to gently slide itself into the side netting. 1-1. Chelsea were hungry for more. Momentum had shifted completely, and Manchester were now up against the ropes. Chelsea fired more and more attacks until a second blinding goal came from the right side, just outside the box, a beautiful strike landing in the top left corner. The crowd was in complete shock, silencing the Manchester supporters while euphoria set over the Chelsea side. To put the nail in the coffin just before half time, Chelsea struck once again. Developing their crucial lead and letting know how much they want this cup. Half time Chelsea 3 Manchester United 1.

The start of the second half came with some tactical changes from both sides. Chelsea adopting a more defensive approach, seeking to control the game and not let Manchester back into the game, with Manchester, given that they were trailing, adopting a much more attacking structure. From the very start of half time Chelsea remained dominant yet composed on the ball. As the minutes ticked down, Chelsea relaxed more and more into the game, with Manchester failing to convert from attacks, hopes to win the cup progressively worsened. 

Five minutes before the game finished Manchester through everything they had at Chelsea, keeping pressure high and tensions rising in the final minutes Manchester snuck a goal back. Beating the now lackadaisical Chelsea defence who had been sure of certain victory. 3-2 heading into the dying moments of the game. Only one goal in it now. All or nothing for Manchester. But Chelsea kept their cool. Managing the game excellently until the final whistle blew.

Pure elation. The entire squad steaming onto the field to celebrate. The battle over and the cup won. The Manchester squad all fallen to their knees, a valiant journey all to fall short at the final frontier.