One step closer to silverware: Five things we learned from Chelsea’s 2-0 League Cup win over West Ham | OneFootball

Chelsea are now just one game away from securing their first trophy of the season after a commanding 2-0 victory over West Ham in the Women’s League Cup semi-final.

The outcome was never in doubt for the serial winners, who took just 20 minutes to break the deadlock – Johanna Rytting Kaneryd firing a low shot from the edge of the box, putting Chelsea ahead.

Nine minutes later, Sjoeke Nusken capitalised on a defensive mistake from Eva Nystrom, muscling her off the ball before rounding goalkeeper Kinga Szemik and calmly slotting home.

Chelsea will now face either Manchester City or Arsenal in the League Cup final on 15 March at Pride Park Stadium in Derby.

Here’s five things we learned from the game…

The WSL gap remains

Just two weeks ago, Chelsea put five past West Ham in the league, highlighting the ever-growing gap between the top clubs and the rest.

Tonight was no different. Chelsea, comfortably leading the WSL table, controlled the game from the first whistle against a West Ham side sitting ninth, just five points above the relegation zone. The disparity in quality was evident throughout, with the Hammers struggling to keep possession or build pressure at Kingsmeadow.

Inevitable Chelsea

Sonia Bompastor’s side continued their relentless winning streak, with 18 victories from their last 19 matches across all competitions.

Chelsea bullied West Ham in every duel, dictating play and limiting the visitors to just two shots on target – the first of which came in the 78th minute. It was yet another ruthless display from the league leaders.

Chelsea march on to yet another final – now, the question is whether they can go all the way.

Keira Walsh is a blue

Keira Walsh made her first start for Chelsea following her high-profile transfer from Barcelona, receiving the loudest cheer of the night when her name was announced.

As expected, she brought composure and control to Chelsea’s midfield on the night and Blues fans will be excited to see more of her across the four competitions they remain in. Watching from the stands was Naomi Girma, the world’s most expensive female player, who will be eager to make her own impact on this dominant team.

West Ham’s uphill battle

West Ham’s quarter-final victory over Tottenham was a high point, but facing Chelsea in the semi-finals was always going to require something extraordinary.

Instead, they were outclassed in every department. As they continue their league campaign, survival remains the priority.

A quadruple on the horizon?

With Chelsea leading the WSL title race, their ambitions extend far beyond just one trophy.

Now in the League Cup final, they await either Manchester City or Arsenal, the team that denied them the trophy last year. With their form and squad depth, Chelsea remain a serious contender across all competitions this season and there is no reason why they can’t win multiple trophies this season.

Blues fans in full voice, singing ‘Que sera, sera, Whatever will be, will be, we’re going to DERBY!’