Manchester City Women Come From Behind To Beat Chelsea And Reach FA Cup Final

Manchester City reached the FA Cup final after a 3-2 extra-time victory over Chelsea, sealed by Khadija Shaw. Chelsea led 2-0 and appeared in control, but City scored twice late on and then struck again in extra time to secure a Wembley meeting with Brighton on 31 May.

Shaw delivered the decisive moment in the 103rd minute, rising to head in Yui Hasegawa’s cross after earlier forcing extra time. That winner came following a loose pass from Hannah Hampton, which Hasegawa intercepted before delivering a precise ball that allowed Shaw to outjump Chelsea’s defence and complete the turnaround.

Chelsea made a sharp start and went ahead after eight minutes when Erin Cuthbert punished a defensive mistake. Manchester City lost possession trying to play out from the back, allowing Cuthbert to race onto a loose ball. The Scotland international drove a powerful low shot into the bottom-left corner, leaving Khiara Keating beaten.

Soon after, Chelsea believed a second goal had arrived as Sam Kerr forced the ball over the line with a thigh finish. The assistant ruled Ellie Carpenter had taken the ball out of play in the build-up. Television replays suggested the ball had not fully crossed the line, but the on-field decision stayed.

Chelsea regained control after half-time, pressing Manchester City deep and creating a series of clear chances. Sjoeke Nusken saw one effort cleared off the line, keeping the holders within reach. However, another lapse from City changed the score again and seemed to put Chelsea on course for the FA Cup final.

The second Chelsea goal came on 59 minutes when Lauren James delivered a cross that Keating failed to claim. The goalkeeper misjudged the flight and allowed the ball to slip through both hands, presenting Kerr with a simple close-range header. Ten minutes later, Kerr headed in again, but an offside flag denied a potential third.

FA Cup Manchester City vs Chelsea: Fowler strike and dramatic Shaw equaliser

Manchester City’s response began in the 86th minute when Mary Fowler dragged the tie back to 2-1. Fowler was initially forced wide on the left, but created space for a right-footed effort. The Australia international bent a precise shot into the same bottom-left corner Cuthbert had found earlier in the match.

Shaw then took the semi-final into extra time with a composed finish deep into stoppage time. In the first of seven added minutes, Shaw received the ball with back to goal inside the area. A sharp spin created room for a low strike that slid beyond Hampton and levelled the score at 2-2.

FA Cup Manchester City vs Chelsea: extra time drama and Keating’s late save

Extra time opened with Manchester City creating several promising opportunities but missing key chances to move ahead. Chelsea also carried a threat on the break, yet the decisive moment arrived when Hasegawa reacted first to Hampton’s misplaced pass. The Japan international’s accurate delivery allowed Shaw to power in the winning header.

Chelsea almost extended the contest to penalties during the closing stages, pushing Manchester City back inside their own area. Nusken met a cross with a firm header that appeared destined for the net. Keating produced a crucial fingertip save, diverting the ball onto the crossbar and preserving City’s place in the FA Cup final.

FA Cup Manchester City vs Chelsea: Brighton await and semi-final numbers

Manchester City will now face Brighton at Wembley after Brighton also completed a 3-2 comeback win. Brighton trailed Liverpool yet advanced thanks to Nadine Noordam’s 95th-minute strike, setting up a final between two teams who both overturned deficits. The showpiece on 31 May will decide this season’s FA Cup winners.

WE'RE GOING TO WEMBLEY!!! 2-3 @okx pic.twitter.com/Cr3bJiRFJnManchester City Women (@ManCityWomen) May 10, 2026

Much of the build-up had focused on Shaw’s future, with Chelsea reported as leading contenders for a move. Shaw responded with a dominant display, registering 10 total attempts. Both efforts on target finished as goals, while Shaw also recorded 15 touches in Chelsea’s box, the highest figure of any player on the pitch.

Match statistics underlined how Chelsea created more chances despite the defeat, with City proving more ruthless. Chelsea produced 27 shots worth 3.14 expected goals, compared with Manchester City’s 18 efforts generating 1.37 expected goals. Kerr saw three finishes ruled by either decisions or narrow calls but maintained a strong scoring run in this competition.

Kerr could easily have left with a hat-trick, and continues a prolific FA Cup campaign. Kerr has now scored in every FA Cup round played this season, despite the semi-final loss. For Manchester City, Shaw’s influence, late goals and penalty-area presence ultimately decided a tense tie and secured another Wembley appearance.