5 talking points as Chelsea edge out Liverpool to keep WSL title race advantage
Sam Kerr struck a late winner as Chelsea edged out a resilient Liverpool 2-1 to keep up the pressure on WSL leaders Manchester United.
Emma Hayes' side bounced back from their Champions League exit last week in dramatic fashion, with Kerr scoring after Jessie Fleming struck the crossbar from distance with only four minutes of normal time to play. Emma Hayes' side were dealt a major shock just two minutes in when Emma Koivisto arrived at the back post to convert Natasha Dowie’s cross to put the visitors in front.
Chelsea missed plenty of chances to level, but Niamh Charles got their belated equaliser just before the break with a bullet header from a corner. But a flat second half followed and it looked as if the Blues were about to slip up in their first game of the WSL run-in, with Lauren James missing a great chance at the back post.
But their star Aussie forward intervened to send Kingsmeadow wild and ensure the title is still in their own hands. Chelsea are now only four points behind leaders United, with two games still in hand.
Here are the key moments from Kingsmeadow.
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1. Kerr saves the day
After league leaders Man Utd's dramatic late show at Aston Villa on Friday, the Blues needed to respond with a win tonight. Performance wasn't important, only the three points, particularly considering this was less than a week since the energy-sapping defeat in Barcelona.
Only five minutes from time it looked as if United would have the title in their hands and the hosts would be facing an uphill task to retain the league title.
Then Jessie Fleming struck a superb curling effort from the edge of the penalty area. The shot of the night came back off the crossbar, but the ever-reliable Kerr tucked away the rebound. You could feel the relief around Kingsmeadow, with the winner meaning Chelsea will still be WSL champions if they win their remaining games.
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Guro Reiten was left frustrated by the Liverpool back four during the first half2. Liverpool get dream start
Anyone expecting Liverpool to play like a team with nothing to fight for were in for a shock only two minutes in. Wing-back Kovisto made a perfectly timed run to get on the end of Natasha Dowie's inch-perfect cross.
The ball was in Ann Katrin-Berger's net with it suddenly dawning on the Kingsmeadow faithful that this would not be straightforward evening. Matt Beard's team had a lead to protect and their solid back five managed to frustrate the Blues throughout the first half.
Liverpool's win over the WSL holders on the opening day of the season was built on a late comeback. But their fast start here rocked the title challengers.
Liverpool celebrate after Emma Koivisto's early goal3. Blues reminded how tough WSL can be
For a long time in this game, the thought of Liverpool doing the double over the WSL holders was realistic. The Reds built on their early goal with some disciplined defending.
Sam Kerr's first-half header would have had Chelsea level but for a wonderful stop from Faye Kirby and although the Blues eventually had parity through Charles, their night didn't get any easier. This was a reminder that the title if retained, won't be won easily.
The one-off night could make the difference and tonight we definitely witnessed a Chelsea side far from their normal 'a game'. Another game at Kingsmeadow against Everton on Sunday will be the perfect chance to keep up momentum, but the Blues can't afford any dropped points.
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4. Midtable mediocrity doesn't suit Liverpool
Matt Beard isn't the sort of manager to let his team down tools after securing survival. But it was still impressive to see a Liverpool team that showed as much hunger and grit as they did on the opening day of the season.
To be still capable of finishing in the top half of the WSL at this point in their first season back in the WSL speaks volumes of where this team is heading. They were well-organised tonight and refused to buckle after Chelsea equalised only a few minutes before half-time.
There was still time for Shanice Van De Sanden to get in behind the Blues' defence and force an excellent stop from Ann-Katrin Berger, with Beard's team continuing to cause problems on the break.
Liverpool manager Matt Beard during the Chelsea and Liverpool clash (Getty Images)5. Chelsea could be set to struggle without Kirby
The news that Fran Kirby is facing a long spell on the sidelines and will need surgery was a dagger to England's World Cup hopes. But it also isn't great news for Chelsea's hopes of winning the double, despite their strength in depth.
The Blues missed Kirby in the recent Champions League semi-final defeat to Barcelona and have generally adapted to a more direct style in her absence. But tonight they were missing a creative force to link the play.
Guro Reiten had a rare off night with her decision-making, while Lauren James failed to have the sort of impact she was having on games only a few months ago. When away sides come to Kingsmeadow and defend deep, players like Kirby have the keys to unlock the game.
Chelsea did still create chances and Pernille Harder helped bring a greater balance to the attack, but this was a night where Kirby's absence was keenly felt despite the eventual win.
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