Takeaways as Chelsea Women advance to Conti Cup semifinals

Emma Hayes views each competition on the same level

Heading into the match at Brisbane Road in what has to be the least significant tournament that Chelsea is still participating in, there were questions if Hayes would rest any of her key contributors. When the lineup was dropped, that question was answered quickly. Even Hayes’ substitutions throughout the match were players that have been regularly featuring in games this season. Jess Carter received her first real start in a CFC kit since the match away at Real Madrid back in December, maybe showing the passing of the torch on the left side of the defense looking at Magdalena Eriksson’s contract situation.

Nearly any lineup Hayes puts out there is considered strong, but to see Cuthbert and James play an entire 90 minutes in a Continental Cup match looked quite unnecessary. To Hayes, there is no such thing as taking any opposition lightly. Hayes told her rivals in England and around the continent that she is not just focused on winning one or two trophies at the conclusion of the season, the club has its eyes on everyone that is still up for grabs. It was the 10th time this season the Blues have scored a goal the 75’ or later in all competitions, demonstrating the team’s ability to see every match through until the final whistle blows.

There was no cameo for Katerina Svitkova, Alsu Abdullina, or Maren Mjelde this time around. When it is a win or go home in any competition, Hayes does not want to tinker too much with what players have been accumulating results together throughout the season. It may only be the Conti Cup, but for Hayes, this is time to take back what the Blues missed out on with a disappointing display in the second half of the final against Manchester City.