Analysis: Midfield battle was where FA Cup final was won and lost

Manchester United held the upper hand with their energetic midfield display at Wembley for an hour until Chelsea unleashed Pernille Harder

Ella Toone was one of those who enjoyed a positive first half in behind Chelsea’s midfield. Image: Gary Oakley / Sportimage

It is easy after a big game to look at the match winner, and in truth it was no shock to see Sam Kerr's name as the only goal scorer at Wembley on Sunday, such now is her penchant for a big game goal.

In fact, while her tap-in from Pernille Harder's low cross was one of the easier goals she will ever score, it was also the sixth major domestic final she's found the net in for Chelsea, and whichever way you spin it that's pretty incredible.

But Kerr was not the focal point of this final. As so often, the game was won and lost in midfield, with some vital tweaks and the introduction of the aforementioned Harder at the heart of what helped Chelsea turnaround an opening hour where they looked anything but the free-flowing side we've come to expect.

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On the face of it, there was nothing major which stood out in the midfield battle when the teams lined up. Chelsea opted not go with a back three and matched up Manchester United's usual midfield three.

Marc Skinner went with the tried and tested trio of Hayley Ladd, Katie Zelem and Ella Toone, while Hayes went with Erin Cuthbert, Melanie Leupolz and Jessie Fleming.

Harder started on the bench, and while her superb 30-minute cameo won the game, it would have been interesting to see how the game had developed if she'd started, such was her impact in changing how Chelsea played, and indeed restricting their opposition.