Chelsea show 'ruthless' mentality as quadruple bid still on

It was another game, another win for Chelsea as their quadruple hopes stayed intact.

But it was also a familiar story for Sonia Bompastor’s side as they had to come from behind to beat Liverpool and reach the FA Cup final.

It was the eighth game since January in which the Blues had to produce a comeback or find a late winner to keep their campaign on track.

Academy product Aggie Beever-Jones scored a 94th-minute header as Chelsea narrowly avoided extra time in their latest rollercoaster victory.

"Ruthless is the only way to describe this Chelsea team," former Chelsea midfielder Fara Williams told BBC Sport. "They have a crazy winning mentality.

"They didn't win pretty today - it looked ugly at times."

Despite Chelsea being far from their free-flowing, brilliant best and being pushed all the way by Liverpool, the outcome never really felt in doubt.

There is a growing belief both in the Chelsea group and in the wider media that they always have what it takes to win.

"We said collectively a goal was going to come - and it did," ex-Chelsea defender Anita Asante added.

'Sometimes you try so hard that you make mistakes'

Chelsea have only lost one game in all competitions under Sonia Bompastor

Boss Bompastor challenged her players to show the "best version" of themselves as they returned from an international break having dropped points in a 2-2 draw with West Ham in their previous game.

The stats from Saturday’s victory were heavily in the Blues' favour, with 60% possession and 24 shots. However, only four of those were on target, despite an astonishing 54 touches in Liverpool’s penalty area.

While Bompastor did not get the version of her players that she hoped for, she said she could not have asked any more of them.

"They fought really hard and gave everything they had in the legs," the Frenchwoman said.

"Sometimes we could have played a little bit better, but they brought all the energy on the pitch and that is what I expect.

"Sometimes as players you try so hard that you make mistakes and that's fine - they are human.

"I will always support them when they make mistakes because I know they have the right mentality."

Beever-Jones' 'whirlwind' continues

Beever-Jones had an international break to remember as she scored her first England goal in the Nations League over Belgium.

The 21-year-old is Chelsea's top scorer this season with 11 goals in all competitions and was the Blues' bright spark - particularly in the second half - in the bid to return to Wembley.

Beever-Jones had the best of the Blues' second-half chances and her frustration was clearly growing with each missed opportunity, but her persistence paid off and she peeled off in ecstasy as she celebrated what proved to be the winning goal.

"It's been a whirlwind," Beever-Jones told BBC Sport. "I'm in shock a little bit still.

"It's the Chelsea mentality - never giving up - and I'm delighted I got on the scoresheet and helped my team."

With Sam Kerr and Lauren James sidelined, it was apt that the academy product stepped up to send her side to Wembley, where Beever-Jones has never played.

"The last week has been really good for her," Bompastor said.

"Aggie is a really young, talented player. She makes a big impact for the team creating opportunities but also scoring goals.

"This goal will bring more confidence to her and the team. Aggie has the right mindset."

'You need to win, no matter the performance'

With the score 1-1, Liverpool captain Taylor Hinds hit the woodwork in the 90th minute as Chelsea's quadruple dreams almost slipped through their fingertips again.

The Reds provided a tough test but ultimately caved to Chelsea's pressure as their winning mentality shone through.

Blues midfielder Erin Cuthbert told BBC Sport that reaching Wembley is "where the club want to be" as they look to add to their silverware this season.

Having won the League Cup, Chelsea sit six points clear at the top of the Women's Super League and have a Champions League semi-final against holders Barcelona coming up.

While Barca will punish Chelsea in ways Liverpool perhaps could not, Bompastor said her side are at the stage of the season where results are more important than performances and they head to Catalonia full of confidence.

"In this part of the season, that's the most important and decisive moment in the season. You need to win the games, no matter the performance," Bompastor said.

"Sometimes when you don't perform the way you want to, but you win the game -that's the most important.

"We are going to play the biggest team in Europe. The best way to prepare is to win for the confidence."

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