Chelsea add another trophy to the cabinet as they secure League Cup triumph

Blues see off valiant Aston Villa challenge

Chelsea were crowned champions of the 2023 Women's League Cup after a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Aston Villa at the Select Car Leasing Stadium in Walsall.

The Blues took the lead on the half-hour mark when Guro Reiten's free-kick crept over the line under Villa keeper Hannah Hampton's body.

Villa responded quickly as Alisha Lehmann's shot squirmed under Chelsea keeper Ann-Katrin Berger to draw the scores level.

Bright strikes the winner

However, just three minutes later, Chelsea restored their lead when Niamh Charles' cross was turned into her own net by Villa defender Meaghan Sargeant.

Villa pushed for an equalizer in the second half, but they were unable to find a way past Berger.

Chelsea held on to secure their first League Cup triumph since 2020 and their seventh overall.

Praise for Emma Hayes

Chelsea manager Emma Hayes praised her team's resilience after the game.

"We showed great character and determination today," Hayes said."

"We knew it would be a tough game, but we stuck to our game plan and got the result we deserved."

Hard luck for Villa

Villa manager Carla Ward was disappointed with the result but proud of her team's performance.

"We gave it everything we had, but it wasn't to be," Ward said.

"I'm proud of my players for the effort they put in today."

What's next?

Chelsea will turn their attention to the Women's FA Cup, where they face Arsenal W.F.C. in the semifinals next weekend.

Villa will be back in action in the Women's Super League next Sunday when they host West Ham United.