Sam kerr nets her first goal of the season has Chelsea goes up

The star of the day, Sam Kerr, made a significant impact by netting her first goal of the season.

Kerr’s journey to her goal was not without its obstacles, as she had a previous effort ruled out for offside. Her moment of triumph arrived in the 36th minute when, positioned unmarked at the back post, she skillfully headed in a cross delivered by Niamh Charles. This excellent assist was initiated by England forward Fran Kirby, who was making her first start since recovering from a knee injury that had kept her out of the Women’s World Cup.

The home team, Chelsea, showcased their prowess throughout the match. Lauren James had a golden opportunity to double the lead, courtesy of another splendid pass from Fran Kirby, but West Ham’s goalkeeper, Mackenzie Arnold, made a remarkable save with her legs. It was ultimately substitute Erin Cuthbert who sealed the victory with a precise low shot in the first minute of added time.

The win extends Chelsea’s remarkable unbeaten streak at home in the Women’s Super League, marking their 17th successive victory in the competition. This streak has been ongoing since February 2022, with Chelsea not conceding a single point at either Kingsmeadow or Stamford Bridge.

West Ham, on the other hand, faced a challenging task, as they have yet to secure a victory against Chelsea in their 11 WSL meetings. Despite their valiant efforts, they were unable to find an equalizer when trailing 1-0. Notably, Emma Harries, Viviane Asseyi, Riko Ueki, and Kirsty Smith had their moments but were denied by Chelsea’s goalkeeper, Zecira Musovic.

Despite starting the day in fifth place, Chelsea’s aim for a fifth successive WSL title remains a strong motivator. However, their position at the top may be short-lived, as four teams above them – Leicester, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Manchester United – are all in action this weekend.

Nevertheless, Chelsea’s manager, Emma Hayes, expressed her delight as her team maintained their unbeaten record through the opening three matches of the title defense. Hayes highlighted the importance of the return of key players like Sam Kerr and Fran Kirby, who are known for their telepathic connection on the field. She acknowledged that they needed some time to fully reintegrate into the team but expected magical performances from them.

Sam Kerr and Fran Kirby’s comeback was eagerly anticipated by Chelsea fans. Kerr, who had been dealing with a calf injury, made a significant impact with her goal, and Kirby’s clever passing and ability to unlock defenses were evident. Kirby’s recovery from a persistent knee injury that had kept her sidelined for eight months was a significant milestone in her journey back to full fitness.

Hayes emphasized the importance of managing Kirby’s playing time and building her fitness gradually to ensure her availability for the later stages of the season. While she acknowledged that Kirby wouldn’t start every game, having their best players fit and available for all matches is a priority for Chelsea.

In contrast, West Ham, despite their loss, had several positives to take away from the match, as they created numerous scoring opportunities. Despite the defeat, their manager, Rehanne Skinner, expressed pride in her team’s performance and felt they were unfortunate not to capitalize on their chances in the first half.

The match showcased the competitive nature of the Women’s Super League, and Chelsea’s journey to defend their title promises more exciting moments as the season progresses.