Report and free match highlights as Chelsea moved up to second in the WSL after a 3-0 win at Aston Villa; Emma Hayes' side are now one point behind league leaders Manchester Utd; Chelsea still have a game in hand on United; Sam Kerr scored her 50th WSL goal in big win against Villa
Tuesday 4 April 2023 10:04, UK
Sam Kerr scored her 50th WSL goal as Chelsea strengthened their title ambitions with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Aston Villa.
The Blues started the game in fourth after Arsenal's dramatic comeback victory over Man City earlier in the day and Emma Hayes was forced into making five changes after her side's efforts in reaching the Champions League semi-finals with a penalty shoot-out victory over Lyon on Thursday.
Aston Villa, who came into the game on the back of a seven-match unbeaten run, were seen as tricky opponents for Chelsea, but the Blues carried the momentum from their stunning Champions League win over Lyon in midweek with an impressive display.
Hayes' side started brightly and they took full control of the game in the first half thanks to goals from Jelena Cankovic (22) and Guro Reiten (43).
Chelsea were in cruise control after the break and their victory was rounded off by Kerr's landmark 50th WSL goal (56), which came in her 62nd league appearance.
Victory sees Chelsea, who still have a game in hand, go above Man City and Arsenal into second and move to within a point of league leaders Manchester United.
When asked about her side's position in the title race, Hayes told Sky Sports: "We want to make the title race interesting. It's good for the game.
"Nobody know what's going to happen but I just know that if our team show up like they did against Aston Villa, we will certainly put ourselves in a better position."
Kelly Smith on Sky Sports:
"Chelsea are in the driving seat in the title race. They have the game in hand, and I think they just have to play Arsenal. They don't have to play any of the other teams around them.
"They are the ones to beat and they have one of the best managers in the league. They have the experience in this race.
"For me, it's still Chelsea's to lose but Arsenal did step up big to beat Man City.
"If Arsenal had lost, they would have been out of it. Man Utd are sitting pretty at the top and have been for a while now.
"However, I see Chelsea just edging it."
Chelsea forward Guro Reiten, who was named player of the match, to Sky Sports:
"Honestly, I don't know [how we did that]. We have played so many games with such a high intensity.
"We have injured players, players struggling with bits and pieces but somehow, we managed to rock up today with this performance.
"I am very proud of the team. It was ruthless and what we needed."
Chelsea manager Emma Hayes on Sam Kerr's performance and landmark goal:
"Sam means everything to this team because we can count on her. She's been fit and available. She's been the only out-and-out striker we've had in this half of the season.
"Ever since she's been here she's on the grass all the time.
"With someone like Sam she not only makes the difference on the pitch, but she does it off the pitch too."
Aston Villa boss Carla Ward to Sky Sports:
"We showed Chelsea too much respect.
"It's a real opportunity missed. If there was ever a chance to get one over on Chelsea I felt like this was it.
"I can never be disappointed with this group of players. They have been excellent this season and I'm sure this hurt will help us move forward.
"However, we were sloppy, and we know that. The players know that. There will be a lot of reflection, but I said to the players at the end we have to bottle this hurt. It's been a while since we lost, and you almost forget what it feels like.
"We have to use that feeling now in the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea."
After the international break, the two sides will meet again on April 16 in the Women's FA Cup semi-final; kick-off 2.15pm.
When the WSL action gets back underway Chelsea host Leicester on April 23; kick-off 2pm.
Aston Villa travel to Tottenham, also on April 23; kick-off 2pm.
Chelsea's remaining fixtures...
Leicester (H) - April 23
West Ham (A) - April 30
Liverpool (H) - May 3
Everton (H) - May 7
Arsenal (H) - May 21
Reading (A) - May 27
