Two stunning second-half goals from Sam Kerr helped Chelsea to the Women’s Super League title, beating Manchester United 4-2 at Kingsmeadow, as Arsenal finished a point behind in second place after a 2-0 win at West Ham.
Emma Hayes’ side did not make it easy on their way to a third successive WSL trophy after a poor first-half performance.
Martha Thomas fired Man Utd ahead inside 13 minutes, but Erin Cuthbert hit back with a reply five minutes later. But Ella Toone assured the visitors would go into the break 2-1 up with her 25th-minute goal.
Arsenal were held to a goalless draw in the opening 45 minutes, but were top of the table on goal difference at half-time.
Sam Kerr drew Chelsea level at 2-2 with a thumping volley seconds into the second half
Sam Kerr produced a remarkable turn and volley to put Chelsea 4-2 up and seal the WSL title
But once again, Hayes made two title-winning substitutions at the start of the second half to turn the game on its head, introducing Beth England and So-Yun Ji for her final Chelsea appearance.
Kerr scored the first of her stunning double 47 seconds after the break as she volleyed a half-clearance into the top corner. Guro Reiten then saw Chelsea ahead for the first time in the game soon after.
But the goal of the game – and possibly the season – came as Kerr looped a stunning effort over Mary Earps from range to seal the title for Chelsea. They were her 19th and 20th goals of the season, winning her the Golden Boot ahead of Arsenal’s Vivianne Miedema.
The Gunners scored both of their goals at the Chigwell Construction Stadium in six minutes, but it did not prove to be enough.
Stina Blackstenius scored with her first touch in the 60th minute before Steph Cately added the second, but Jonas Eidevall’s side ultimately finished a point behind Chelsea in second place.
The result at Kingsmeadow also sees Man Utd end the season in fourth place – pipped to third spot by local rivals Manchester City, who beat Reading 4-0 on the final day. West Ham end the campaign in a respectable sixth place.
More to follow…
