I’M FEELING FRANTASTIC
Kirby has grip on Wembley dream after heart shock THE VITALITY WOMEN’S FA CUP FINAL
IT’S three years since Fran Kirby scored in the Women’s FA Cup Final as Chelsea beat Arsenal.
And Blues ace Kirby admits that Chelsea’s treble-chasers are well overdue another Wembley success when they take on 2018 victims Arsenal today in the conclusion of the Covid-rescheduled 202021 FA Cup competition.
The game is being played on the 50th anniversary of the end of a ban on the women playing the sport.
The fact that a crowd of almost 50,000 is expected shows just how far the women’s game has come.
Kirby has faced personal challenges since that 2018 Wembley triumph. In the November of that year, she was diagnosed with pericarditis, a condition causing inflammation of the fluid-filled sack around the heart.
There were times when the 28-year-old questioned whether she would ever return to the game.
But despite her own rollercoaster journey in the past three years she insists it will be business as usual for Chelsea as they hunt a treble, having won the 2020-21 WSL and League Cup.
A repeat of that 3-1 win against Arsenal, in which Kirby grabbed the third Blues goal three years ago would be perfect.
Kirby said: “You’re just going to try and approach it like any other game. Don’t get too caught up with it.
“I’m not really thinking about the journey to get there, I’m just thinking about what I’m going to do when I get in that moment.
“I’m really enjoying it. I feel like I’m in a good space. I feel like I’ve got good form.
“When you play with world-class players it can only increase your own
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ability. You have to get alongside them, and perform at the same level.
“I really enjoyed that 2018 final. The mentality going into it – we were all extremely focused.
“I was happy to score, it’s an honour to score at Wembley – somewhere you dream about, growing up. So to be able to do that was a dream come true.”
On the eve of this final, there will clearly be an extra derby edge with
London bragging rights at stake.
But despite the added pressure,
Kirby believes her side can put that to one side and focus on getting their hands on the cup for the third time in Chelsea’s history.
“We will have to approach it calmly and just do what we have done throughout – focus on what we can control,” she added.
“It’s nice two London clubs have made it, but we won’t think about any of that outside noise.”