Ibrahim Oladamola
Sam Kerr dealt the decisive blow as Chelsea fought back from a goal down to emerge 2-1 winners over Liverpool and keep their charge towards a fourth successive WSL title on track.
Emma Hayes’ challengers remain third in the table on 43 points after 17 games, four behind Manchester United and one behind Manchester City, but the Blues have two games in hand over both Manchester rivals.
Liverpool stunned the reigning champions inside the first two minutes when Natasha Dowie’s expert delivery found Emma Koivisto lurking at the back post, firing past Ann-Katrin Berger on the half-volley.
Chelsea exerted some half-hearted pressure in an attempt to appease their frustrated manager thereafter, but were rather laboured in their build-up play, needing a set-piece to draw level as Niamh Charles nodded Eve Perisset’s corner beyond the clutches of debutant goalkeeper Faye Kirby.
The game looked destined for a draw when, as frustration mounted, Guro Reiten angled an effort into the roof of Liverpool’s net before glancing hastily to her right to see the offside flag raised. Luckily, Kerr was on hand to save the day.
“I know we can produce better performances but when you get to this stage of the season you have to get results,” Hayes added, with Chelsea’s domestic double dreams still very much alive.
