‘Best in the world’ Kerr wins FA Cup
MATILDAS captain Sam Kerr was dubbed the “best striker in the world” after scoring a brace in Chelsea’s 3-0 FA Cup final win against Arsenal at Wembley.
Player-of-the-match Kerr netted goals in the 57th and 78th minutes, with her second being a sensational chip over oncoming Arsenal goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger.
“I think we deserved it,” Kerr told the BBC after the win. “I think we played really well, as we have done in the past few weeks. We kind of went in as underdogs so we had a point to prove and we are buzzing.
“I’m paid to score goals but our defence was amazing and it was a team effort.
“I can’t wait to party.” Chelsea manager Emma Hayes hailed Kerr’s performance.
“Champions don’t make excuses, or become victims or look for anybody else to manage them,” Hayes said.
“Sam takes responsibility, and every time I listen to her and every time I watch her perform every day, she’s in charge, she’s in control of making sure that she sets the standards for herself, and that’s what I admire about her.
“There was no way she was going to be on the losing team today. She sets that tone in such a way that I’ve rarely seen.
“Kerr wondered how she would cope in the English game. As far as I’m concerned, she’s the best striker in the world.”
Kerr’s joy in front of 40,942 fans was in contrast to the pain felt by Arsenal’s Matildas trio of Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord and Lydia Williams.
Defender Catley started the match, attacker Foord came off the bench in the second half, while goalkeeper Williams was an unused substitute.
Chelsea set the tone from the outset, with Fran Kirby giving the Blues the lead in just the third minute.
Kerr’s second-half double sealed the win and also secured them England’s domestic treble for the first time. The Blues have also won this year’s Women’s Super League and the League Cup.