Lauren James's eighth-minute goal eventually proved the difference between the two teams, but only after a sterling defensive display from Emma Hayes's side.

Hannah Hampton was excellent between the sticks – with an important series of saves made – while Jess Carter and Eve Perisset were on high alert to make crucial clearances in the backline.

Nusken was arguably the pick of the bunch, however, as she started in our defence and helped keep City's attack at bay as we secured a fifth straight appearance in the League Cup final.

'It was a really tough game,' the German international explained following the 1-0 victory in Manchester. 'We defended very well. We are very happy that we are in the final right now.

‘We did a great job in defence and then sometimes we did very good in the offence. But it was a good performance.'

Chelsea had to cope with disruption throughout the evening. Canadian duo Ashley Lawrence and Kadeisha Buchanan were absent due to their international exploits and that meant Hayes had to deploy Nusken as a makeshift centre-back.

At the opposite end, a rethink was required for Hayes inside the opening 35 minutes as Mayra Ramirez was forced off through injury.

Yet Chelsea, as has often been the case under Hayes, found a way to secure victory and set up a final against London rivals Arsenal, which will take place at Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Molineux Stadium on Sunday 31 March.

‘It’s a cup game, so everything felt different [to the two previous meetings with City in the WSL],' said Nuksen. 'We had to win and we did it. I’m now very excited to play in the final against Arsenal.’

Nusken and her teammates now switch attention to the FA Cup, with a quarter-final trip to WSL side Everton next on the agenda on Sunday. Arsenal then visit Stamford Bridge the following Friday as the Blues continue to battle across four competitions.

Before the Conti Cup final comes a WSL clash against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. Grab your tickets now!