On 17 January 2026, Chelsea Women secured a 2‑1 victory over Crystal Palace at Kingsmeadow, advancing to the FA Cup fifth round. Sam Kerr opened the scoring, Lauren James added the winner, and the match highlighted Chelsea’s squad depth while confirming Palace’s growing competitiveness in the WSL.
Match Summary
Chelsea entered as favorites, leveraging high‑press tactics and the creativity of Sam Kerr and Erin Cuthbert. The Blues led 1‑0 after Cuthbert finished Kerr’s pass in the 23rd minute. Palace equalised through a set‑piece headed by captain Andrea Borrelli. Kerr restored the lead in the 78th minute with a low finish after a quick one‑two with Lauren James.
Key Moments
- 23′ – Goal: Erin Cuthbert scores after a low pass from Sam Kerr.
- 45′ – Equaliser: Andrea Borrelli heads in from a corner to level the score.
- 78′ – Winning Goal: Sam Kerr finishes a cross from Lauren James to clinch the match.
Why the Win Matters
The result serves two purposes: it allows Chelsea to rotate the squad while maintaining knockout momentum, and it showcases the depth of a roster built since the 2004 rebranding to Chelsea FC Women. For Crystal Palace, the strong performance signals a narrowing gap between established WSL powers and emerging clubs.
Chelsea Women’s Heritage
Founded in 1992, Chelsea Women grew rapidly after aligning with the men’s Premier League side in 2004, gaining access to elite facilities and financial support. Home fixtures are primarily at Kingsmeadow, with marquee games occasionally staged at Stamford Bridge, reflecting the club’s ambition to elevate women’s football.
FA Cup Implications
Advancing to the fifth round puts Chelsea two wins away from a Wembley final. Upcoming opponents will likely be another WSL heavyweight, demanding careful squad rotation amid league, Champions League, and domestic cup commitments.
Fan Engagement
Although the match was not broadcast on television, supporters followed live text commentary, minute‑by‑minute updates, and post‑match analysis via the Chelsea Women Match Centre on the club’s app and website. Highlights were posted shortly after full‑time, extending the reach of the game to a global audience.
Looking Ahead
Chelsea’s blend of experience and youth positions them as favorites for the remaining FA Cup rounds, while Palace can build confidence from a narrow defeat and aim to solidify their WSL status. The tournament continues to highlight the rising standards and excitement of women’s football across England.
