Chelsea Women 2 Manchester City Women 1

Chelsea’s first trophy under Sonia Bompastor should have been won on a pitch better than this.

Derby County’s Pride Park was the venue for the Women’s League Cup final, where Chelsea beat Manchester City thanks to an own goal from Yui Hasegawa. But that victory was in part overshadowed by a pitch that was described as unbefitting for a final.

“It’s a bit of a shame to have this pitch for the final, especially when you expect in England to have the best pitches in the world,” Bompastor said.

“I’m not sure if it was a men’s game, a men’s final, that it would be the same. We need to make sure we have the best facilities and the best grass to play the games.”

BBC pundit Fara Williams described the pitch as “ugly” while co-commentator Rachel Brown-Finnis said it was “substandard”.

Telegraph Sport understands the host club are required to ensure the pitch is in good condition and that officials would have flagged any concerns during pre-match checks.

Venues are identified that have the appropriate resources to deliver a high standard of playing surface during the winter months, although this pitch is understood to be 10 years old, in terms of the synthetic grass, and is being completely renovated at the end of season.

A tough winter weather-wise was one of the reasons given for the poor quality, as was the fact that Derby had two Championship home games in seven days. Perhaps scheduling should have been reconsidered given the staging of such a big final.

Pitch quality will not be an issue when Liverpool play Newcastle at Wembley in the men’s equivalent of this competition on Sunday.

The 14,187 attendance at Pride Park perhaps shows that the women’s version is not ready to be held at a bigger venue, though there would naturally be more people drawn to attending a final at Wembley, should it be held there.

“I think when you come to a final you do expect a lot more quality from the pitch,” Chelsea captain Millie Bright said. “It is disappointing. It’s a massive game, it’s a massive cup final and I think you could see the state of the pitch, which I’m guessing didn’t look too good on TV either, it disrupts the game a little bit as well.”

As Bompastor said, it was a shame that the pitch became one of the biggest talking points but its poor quality undoubtedly affected the quality of both teams.

In what was a scrappy 90 minutes of football, City played the better stuff, but Chelsea’s knack of finding a way to win proved to be the difference.

Mayra Ramirez had put them ahead after eight minutes before Aoba Fujino levelled for City midway through the second half. The decisive moment came in 77th minute when Hasegawa, so often City’s best player, diverted a Ramirez cross into her own net.

Chelsea have an early lead thanks to Mayra Ramirez 🔵⚽⚡

And she makes sure to celebrate it in style! 💃✨#BBCFootballpic.twitter.com/uZGLuaC4EC

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) March 15, 2025

City had sacked manager Gareth Taylor five days before this final and put their former boss Nick Cushing in charge on an interim basis until the end of the season.

While he could not bring instant success, Cushing was encouraged by what he saw from his team ahead of three more successive games against Chelsea.

“These finals always swing on moments. The moment fell to Chelsea and we didn’t get back in at 2-1,” he said. “I’ve seen enough that we can be competitive in the next three games.

“Of course I would like the pitch to be a little bit better. I’m sure the pitch will be better at the Joie Stadium on Wednesday.”

🗣 "That is magnificent!" 🤩

What a hit from Aoba Fujino to bring Man City level! ⚽🔥#BBCFootballpic.twitter.com/e24I6Uco79

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) March 15, 2025

In truth, this was the least important of the four trophies Chelsea can win this season, but this victory has the power to set the tone for the rest of their campaign.

It is no secret that the Champions League is the piece of silverware Chelsea want to win most. The first leg of their quarter-final with City takes place next Wednesday, with the second leg at Stamford Bridge to come the following week. Sandwiched in between is a Women’s Super League game at the Etihad.

“Psychologically it’s really important to win the first one,” Bompastor said. “You always recover better when you win the games. That’s a big advantage, but it won’t be enough to win the game on Wednesday. But it’s really important in this really rare situation where you have to face the same team four times in 12 days in different competitions.”

Chelsea may have won round one, but the bigger clashes are still to come.

🗣 "Chelsea with a slice of luck!"

Yui Hasegawa's own goal gifting the Blues the lead ⚽#BBCFootballpic.twitter.com/ee7TzZbAH1

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) March 15, 2025

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02:36 PM GMT

Sonia Bompastor speaks after winning her first trophy with Chelsea

Sonia Bompastor said after the game: “Really happy for sure. When you get to a final the main thing si to win. The first trophy of the season its always important.

“I just told my players it was really important to make sure we were able to turns words into action. 

“Really happy with that and I think its well-deserved for all the world we have been doing.”

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02:23 PM GMT

Chelsea win the League Cup - Millie Bright speaks after the final whistle

Millie Bright has been given player of the match and says after the game: “Honestly we’re just buzzing. Honestly things like that sit in the back of your mind and it’s been doing my head in.

“We are really happy, it’s the start that we wanted into these next four fixtures.”

When asked if Chelsea would be allowed to celebrate, she said: “Absolutely not. Straight home, get back home to bed and back for recovery.”

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02:14 PM GMT

Full time: Chelsea win first trophy under Sonia Bompastor

In the end it was an own goal from Hasegawa that gifted Chelsea their first trophy of the season.

It was an evenly-matched contest, but Chelsea have just done what they always do - win. It’s their first League Cup trophy in four years, and City can feel unfortunate that they did not take their chances.

Chelsea’s two goals were fortuitous and it was not a pretty performance, but ultimately it was effective and Chelsea have won the Subway League Cup.

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02:12 PM GMT

89 mins: Chelsea 2 Manchester City 1

There will be 3 minutes of added time

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02:10 PM GMT

89 mins: Chelsea 2 Manchester City 1

Roord tries her luck from outside the area, she takes a touch and shoots, but it’s straight at Hannah Hampton.

Is that a chance wasted?

At the other end a back pass just about reaches Yamashita.

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02:06 PM GMT

87 mins: Chelsea 2 Manchester City 1

City have just faded slightly in the last couple of minutes.

Millie Bright has almost been impenetrable at the back.

Baltimore comes off for Niamh Charles as Chelsea will be happy to just see the game out here.

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02:03 PM GMT

84 mins: Chelsea 2 Manchester City 1

City have a corner, and they will have to take anything they can get now. 

The set-piece does not get past the first defender as Millie Bright heads clear.

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02:01 PM GMT

80 mins: Chelsea 2 Manchester City 1

City changes now, Bunny Shaw comes off for Jess Park and goes straight down the tunnel, City fans will have to home that’s not an injury.

In the other change, Fujino is also taken off, with Israel Ferraz coming on.

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01:57 PM GMT

GOAL! 77 mins - Chelsea 2 Manchester City 1

Chelsea retake the lead but this one is even luckier than the first!

It takes massive deflection off Hasegawa and into the back of the net off the outside of her shin.

Chelsea have the lead and that could be enough, but it would be unfair on a City side who have played so well.

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01:56 PM GMT

77 mins: Chelsea 1 Manchester City 1

Hamano has hardly been on the field when she launches the ball from almost inside her own half towards the goal.

Yamashita was not really off her line but only has to backpedal slightly to take an easy catch.

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01:54 PM GMT

75 mins: Chelsea 1 Manchester City 1

Chelsea ring in the changes, Macario and Rytting Kaneryd come off for Hamano and Beever-Jones.

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01:51 PM GMT

73 mins: Chelsea 1 Manchester City 1

Should Hannah Hampton have done better there? There was a bit of swerve on the ball, but it just seemed to go through her. As I typed that she’s made a big save to prevent Bunny Shaw from making it 2-1. Game on now...

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01:51 PM GMT

71 mins: Chelsea 1 Manchester City 1

Miedema has a chance! The goal has sparked City into life.

Shaw controls a long ball to put it into the path of Miedema, but her shot is saved.

Shaw tries an ambitious turning volley, but the ball bobbled too high and the shot goes over the bar.

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01:48 PM GMT

69 mins: Chelsea 1 Manchester City 1

Hampton might have been at fault - at least partly - for the goal, but when Bunny Shaw is put through by Fujino, she is so quick off her line to rush out and close down the angle.

Had she not done that, City would have been ahead. A good piece of goalkeeping.

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01:46 PM GMT

67 mins: Chelsea 1 Manchester City 1

Bunny Shaw goes down in the penalty area, she is holding the back of her leg.

But is this going to be a penalty for a foul on Baltimore?

The contact was not deemed enough to overrule the on-field decision. Shaw is also back on her feet.

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01:43 PM GMT

GOAL - 64 mins: Chelsea 1 Manchester City 1

What a goal!

Fujino produces a piece of individual magic to draw City level.

Fujino comes in off the touchline, plays a one two with Bunny Shaw running into the box and caught Hannah Hampton by surprise.

The goalkeeper could potentially have done better there, but it was a good goal for City.

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01:41 PM GMT

61 mins: Chelsea 1 Manchester City 0

Chance!

What a save from Ayaka Yamashita to close down the space to Johanna Rytting Kaneryd after she’s put through on goal by Erin Cuthbert!

That might just have kept City in this match.

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01:39 PM GMT

60 mins: Chelsea 1 Manchester City 0

Chelsea have a corner, it’s been mostly City so far in the second half, but the chances Chelsea do get they tend to take.

Macario takes, but it’s flicked on by Fujino before play is stopped with two City players face down in what can only be described as mud around the penalty spot.

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01:36 PM GMT

57 mins: Chelsea 1 Manchester City 0

A lot of City’s attacks are coming through Fujino, but she can’t quite find the right ball to really threaten Chelsea.

Her cross is poor.

Bunny Shaw has another chance, this one from a long long way out and the ball flies well over the bar.

Shaw is then shown a yellow card for a late challenge on Erin Cuthbert.

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01:31 PM GMT

53 mins: Chelsea 1 Manchester City 0

City have started this half in the same way they finished the first, lots of possession and good build-up play, just lacking the killer pass.

Shaw has another attempt blocked from a tight angle and Chelsea work the ball clear.

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01:29 PM GMT

51 mins: Chelsea 1 Manchester City 0

Lucy Bronze goes down in the box and the referee has booked her for simulation!

Bronze looks entirely surprised, but it is the right decision looking at the replays, the Chelsea player expected the boot that never came.

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01:28 PM GMT

49 mins: Chelsea 1 Manchester City 0

Bunny Shaw is penalised for a foul on Bjorn, she does not look happy at the chance to miss out on a promising attack.

Chelsea have already had an almost-chance when Lauren James eased past a defender before putting in a cross that’s just got too much on it for Mayra Ramirez.

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01:24 PM GMT

46 mins: Chelsea 1 Manchester City 0

Chelsea get the second half underway.

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01:22 PM GMT

Half time: Chelsea 1 Manchester City 0

The teams are just starting to make their way back out onto the field for the start of the second half.

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01:16 PM GMT

Chelsea ahead at half time

A positive first-half but there's still work to do. 💪#CFCWpic.twitter.com/waOIGrMz9P

— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) March 15, 2025

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01:13 PM GMT

Half time: Chelsea 1 Manchester City 0

Chelsea go into the break with the lead, it came through a stroke of fortune, but City have fought back into this.

City have had the chances, a lot of blocks by the Chelsea defenders have kept Bunny Shaw at bay - so far.

It’s been a close fought contest and there is no reason to think the second half will be any different.

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01:08 PM GMT

40+4 mins: Chelsea 1 Manchester City 0

Mayra Ramirez is in the action again,  another free kick in for City and the ball bobbles around in the area before the Chelsea player can make a crucial block.

There will just be enough time for a corner, it’s swung in but headed away by Bright.

That will be the final action of the half.

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01:04 PM GMT

45 mins: Chelsea 1 Manchester City 0

There will be four minutes of added time at the end of the first half.

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01:01 PM GMT

43 mins: Chelsea 1 Manchester City 0

A first yellow card of the game is shown to Miedema for a challenge on Macario, she just tripped her, nothing malicious but the referee reaches into the book.

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01:00 PM GMT

42 mins: Chelsea 1 Manchester City 0

The pitch does not look great it’s fair to say.

Former England goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis said on the BBC: “The standard of this pitch has been sub-standard, not befitting of a Women’s League Cup final. There’s a lot of sand on it.”

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12:56 PM GMT

38 mins: Chelsea 1 Manchester City 0

Erin Cuthbert is down holding her head and receiving treatment on the field.

There was nothing wrong with the challenge, but as she fell backwards her head hit the ground.

After a reasonable delay, she is back on the field.

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12:55 PM GMT

37 mins: Chelsea 1 Manchester City 0

City have a free kick in a dangerous area, it’s headed towards the goal, but Lucy Bronze runs onto it - and bizarrely ends up just dribbling it across the face of goal and then back up the pitch.

It might have been the goalkeepers, but there’s no real danger in the end.

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12:53 PM GMT

35 mins: Chelsea 1 Manchester City 0

Millie Bright lunges at the ball and misses it, only for it to fall into the path of Shaw, but her shot is blocked by Baltimore.

She has a second chance and it’s another block! This time by Erin Cuthbert.

City look like they are trying to carve out the perfect chance and just taking one touch too many.

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12:50 PM GMT

31 mins: Chelsea 1 Manchester City 0

At the half hour mark of the match, both sides have had four shots each, but Manchester City have had over 60 per cent of the ball.

The question remains though, can they make it count and level things up before half time.

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12:47 PM GMT

29 mins: Chelsea 1 Manchester City 0

What a chance!

One long ball up and Mayra Ramirez is through on goal, Laia Aleixandri slips and she only has the goalkeeper to beat, she tries to go around Yamashita and fires into the side netting.

Ramirez can only pull her shirt over her head in frustration, but that was a huge miss, and it remains to be seen just how costly that could be.

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12:43 PM GMT

25 mins: Chelsea 1 Manchester City 0

Lauren James has a shot, she didn’t have many other options, but the angle was limited and it was straight at the City goalkeeper.

It’s end to end stuff though, Mary Fowler crosses at the other end but it’s cleared by Chelsea.

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12:42 PM GMT

24 mins: Chelsea 1 Manchester City 0

They might be losing 1-0 but Man City have been the better team. They’re playing some really nice stuff, but not making their possession count. That’s the difference so far.

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12:39 PM GMT

22 mins: Chelsea 1 Manchester City 0

Shaw has another chance, this time the shot is blocked, but City will have a corner.

They take it short, Fujino manages to make her way into the box and shoot but its straight at Hannah Hampton who makes a good save.

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12:36 PM GMT

18 mins: Chelsea 1 Manchester City 0

Chelsea attack again, with Rytting Kaneryd trying to find Macario, the move eventually amounts to nothing, but when City try and attack, Miedema is left short of options.

The crowd has claimed for a handball by a Chelsea player in the box, but the players on the field seem less convinced.

The momentum shifts however, and Shaw has a deflected shot go wide of the target.

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12:32 PM GMT

15 mins: Chelsea 1 Manchester City 0

A fine move from Chelsea to take the lead. Brilliant pass from James and Ramirez did well to hold off Aleixandri before getting a bit of luck. 

Yamashita had made a good save with her feet but the rebound off Aleixandri fell kindly for Ramirez to tap-in. 

Not sure why VAR had to check that for offside, as it was not even close. Almost as if they were checking for the sake of it.

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12:31 PM GMT

13 mins: Chelsea 1 Manchester City 0

Whenever Chelsea do go forward, they look so dangerous, and City might have to find a way to weather this storm at times before going on to attack themselves.

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12:30 PM GMT

Alex Greenwood still a part of the team

Interesting that it was Alex Greenwood, who remains sidelined with a knee injury, that was leading Man City’s pre-match team talk before kick-off. The defender still fulfilling her role as captain despite not being involved in the squad.

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12:30 PM GMT

11 mins: Chelsea 1 Manchester City 0

City try and hit back straight away, as Bunny Shaw runs forward into the box, but she can’t make anything of it.

It is a reminder into just how dangerous she can be.

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12:27 PM GMT

GOAL: 8 mins - Chelsea 1 Manchester City 0

Mayra Ramirez gets a huge stroke of luck!

She makes a clever run into the box and shoots on goal, but Ayaka Yamashita saves, only for the ball to hit Laia Aleixandri and back into Ramirez’s path for her to bundle the ball over the line.

It’s not sleek or pretty but Chelsea have the lead.

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12:22 PM GMT

4 mins: Chelsea 0 Manchester City 0

It was a slightly clumsy challenge from Millie Bright on Bunny Shaw, but she is back on her feet and back on the pitch after the brief delay.

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12:20 PM GMT

2 mins: Chelsea 0 Manchester City 0

Chelsea have started the brighter of the two sides, Rytting Kaneryd made a promising run into the box and they have defended well.

Although there is concern for Manchester City, Bunny Shaw has gone down. And isn’t getting back up quickly.

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12:19 PM GMT

1 minute: Chelsea 0 Manchester City 0

Manchester City get the game underway

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12:15 PM GMT

Almost kick off

The national anthem has been played, now there’s just time for the teams to line up for their pre-match photos before kick off.

And of course a minute’s silence for Poppy Atkinson who died aged just 10 while in a football training session on a sports pitch earlier this month.

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12:12 PM GMT

The atmosphere builds at Pride Park

Pretty chilly here in Derby! Stadium starting to fill up. The pitch doesn’t look the best, a few muddy parts and to be cutting up in one of the penalty areas. We’ll see if that has any bearing on how the teams play...

Just spotted Beth Mead in the crowd, well, one of the boxes. She’s here to support her partner Vivianne Miedema, who starts for Man City today. Arsenal, of course, beat Everton 3-1 last night.

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12:09 PM GMT

Sonia Bompastor speaks ahead of the match

The Chelsea manager spoke to BBC One:  “For sure, it’s a big opportunity for both teams, but especially for us. As I said before coming into this game, we need to turn our words into actions and I think it’s really important to make sure we are coming into this final really prepared. It’s time to perform to make sure we have the most chances to win.”

When asked about the recent change in her opposite number, she said: “I think a new manager always brings positivity around the team but I just know the squad didn’t change a lot. The starting 11 today is the one we were planning to face so the players didn’t change and I think City are a really good squad, a really good team. It will be a really good final but we are also focussing on ourselves because we know we have enough quality to win the game today.”

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12:01 PM GMT

Niamh Charles says all of the four matches between the sides are different

Niamh Charles said to BBC Radio London: “I think it will be interesting for the fans. As a player, we’re used to changing opposition all the time. It’s what makes it interesting in the Champions League as well because you normally go up against foreign teams. So this is a unique experience.

“Each game is a separate thing and you attack each one. We will give our best in every game.”

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11:53 AM GMT

Nick Cushing speaks about his return to Manchester City Women

Nick Cushing, who took over from Gareth Taylor during the week following the sacking, has speaks to BBC Sport ahead of the match: 

“I came out of New York in October and since then I have been having some conversations with the leadership at the City Football Group about remaining in one of our teams and this opportunity came up at the start of the week. There was a change in coach and it is a really good challenge to accept.”

When asked about the possible changes he will make to the team, he said: “We think the same way. I have been developed in the group with many of our teams. We are very similar, but there are some slight changes. Every coach is different so there will be some things I hope I can bring to help our team win some trophies.”

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11:44 AM GMT

Vivianne Miedema interview

Vivianne Miedema has never been one to sit on the fence and she is not about to start now.

The Manchester City midfielder is talking about the growing amount of abuse directed at players in the women’s game and calling for action to avoid the hostile atmospheres that are often seen in men’s football.

Last weekend, Liverpool’s Taylor Hinds was subjected to sexual harassment from a supporter during their FA Cup quarter-final against Arsenal. Last month, Miedema’s team-mate Khadija “Bunny” Shaw received racist and misogynistic abuse on social media, which led to the striker missing the club’s subsequent game. Chelsea’s Millie Bright has also recently spoken about abuse directed towards her after a match this season.

“We always say and we’re always proud as a women’s game that we’re very inclusive but somehow that is starting to slip away a bit,” Miedema says. “If we don’t act really strongly as a front right now, then it might be too late.

To read the full article, click here.

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11:36 AM GMT

Gareth Taylor’s management style under fire

Former Manchester City player Ellie Roebuck left a cryptic Instagram story, as players turned to social media in the aftermath of Gareth Taylor’s firing.

Roebuck, who left City for Barcelona in the summer, posted an image of a quote on her Instagram story. It read: “What goes around comes around. Keep your circle positive. Speak good words. Think good thoughts. Do good deeds.”

There was no specific mention of Taylor, but people may draw their own conclusions at the timing and meaning behind Roebuck’s post.

In an interview with the BBC last month, Roebuck said her relationship with Taylor had become “fractured” after being frozen out of the first-team. Roebuck referenced a lack of clear communication and said she felt her respect for him was not reciprocated.

To read the full article, click here.

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11:27 AM GMT

Big day for Gracie Prior

No huge shocks in the starting XIs. Ayaka Yamashita starts in goal ahead of Khiara Keating for Manchester City. A big day for youngster Gracie Prior, who starts at centre back alongside Laia Aleixandri. It’s Prior’s first appearance in a final for City.

Chelsea striker Mayra Ramirez may fancy her chances against that centre back partnership...
 

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11:24 AM GMT

Gareth Taylor sacked just five days before League Cup final

Manchester City have sacked women’s manager Gareth Taylor just five days before their League Cup final with Chelsea.

Charlotte O’Neill, City’s managing director, stated that results this season had not met the club’s “high standards”.

City are currently outside the Champions League qualification places by a point, but have played a game more than third-placed Arsenal. They are also 12 points behind Women’s Super League leaders Chelsea.

City and England defender Alex Greenwood said she was “shocked” by Taylor’s dismissal, but admitted not everyone shared the positive relationship she had with the manager.

To read the full article, click here.

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11:17 AM GMT

Manchester City team news

How we line up for the #SubwayWLC final 🩵

XI | Yamashita, Casparij, Prior, Aleixandri (C), Ouahabi, Hasegawa, Miedema, Roord, Fujino, Fowler, Shaw

SUBS | Keating, Layzell, Coombs, Wienroither, Kerolin, Park, Blindkilde Brown, Oyama, Murphy#ManCity | @etihadpic.twitter.com/VTIAallcGM

— Manchester City Women (@ManCityWomen) March 15, 2025

Manchester City: Yamashita, Casparij, Prior, Aleixandri, Ouahabi, Hasegawa, Miedema, Roord, Fujino, Fowler, Shaw

Nick Cushing has made just one change as he prepares for his first match in charge since Gareth Taylor’s sacking, with Aoba Fujino fit enough to start and replaces Jess Park.

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11:16 AM GMT

Chelsea team news

Your finalists. 👀#CFCWpic.twitter.com/TofZ6zNfxf

— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) March 15, 2025

Chelsea: Hampton; Bronze, Bright, Bjorn, Baltimore, Nusken, Cuthbert, Macario; Rytting Kaneryd, Ramirez, James

Sonia Bompastor makes four changes from her team that secured their place in the FA Cup semi-finals, Lucy Bronze, Rytting Kaneryd, Mayra Ramirez and Sjoeke Nusken all return.

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11:13 AM GMT

Chelsea take on City in the Women’s League Cup final

Good morning and welcome to The Telegraph’s live coverage of the Women’s League Cup final as Chelsea and Manchester City will face each other in Derby for the first women’s domestic cup of the season.

The men’s final between Liverpool and Newcastle takes place tomorrow at Wembley, but for now all attention turns northwards for the first of four successive matches between these two teams.

First is the League Cup final, then the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final, a league match and then the second leg of the European competition.

Chelsea are still unbeaten this season and will want to secure a first trophy for Sonia Bompastor who took over from Emma Hayes after she left at the end of last season.

Manchester City also have a new person at the helm after sacking Gareth Taylor at the start of this week, with Nick Cushing taking over as interim head coach.

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