Match report and highlights as Sam Kerr netted a dramatic late winner to keep Chelsea in the driving seat for a fourth consecutive WSL crown; the hosts were forced to come from a goal down when Liverpool took shock lead inside opening two minutes; Emma Hayes: "Kerr is critical"
Thursday 4 May 2023 10:13, UK
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, who won the reverse fixture 2-1 in September, 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.
"We were asleep in the first 20 minutes and it wasn't good enough," Hayes told the BBC post-match.
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.
Jessie Fleming cannoned a fierce shot against the upright of Kirby's goal with three minutes to go, where Kerr was fortunately positioned to guide home the rebound and secure a priceless three points.
"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.
Where would Chelsea be without Kerr? Dormant for the majority of the game, but still alert in the 87th minute of a tiresome encounter to fire an all-important decider. Chelsea got over the finish line, just.
It was not an occasion brimming with class or quality, but one full of resilience and fortitude, with Hayes' side demonstrating exactly why they have held a monopoly over the WSL trophy for the past three seasons.
For much of the game they were second best. They created half-chances and relied on threat from set-pieces to really challenge Liverpool's rearguard, who were led magnificently by Gemma Bonner.
It was a close-but-not-quite kind of evening for Matt Beard's side, ultimately undone by the nous of Kerr, who has mastered the art of 'right place, right time'.
After Charles had dragged Chelsea level with a deft glancing header from Perisset's corner - a rare bit of quality - the hosts once again fell flat. Up the other end, Shanice Van de Sanden could have edged the Reds in front for a second time with a sharp breakaway, but for some last-ditch defending from Perisset.
Chelsea, with battle scars from last week's crushing Champions League exit, will be pleased with the three points but very little else from a difficult night at Kingsmeadow - Kerr the hero once again.
With Liverpool tiring, the Australian international, priming herself for this summer's World Cup, registered her 10th WSL goal of the season and there has scarcely been one more important.
"Sam Kerr is critical," Hayes concluded.
Chelsea manager Emma Hayes speaking to the BBC:
"We had to get back into being back in the WSL after games in the Champions League and FA Cup. We were asleep in the first 20 minutes and it wasn't good enough.
"I knew we would fight until the end. I think we had a hangover from the Camp Nou but the changes definitely had an impact.
"Sam Kerr is critical. Jessie Fleming had an excellent game too.
"I know we can produce better performances but when you get to this stage of the season you have to get results and I'm confident we can [win the title]."
Chelsea are back at home on Sunday when they host Everton, live on Sky Sports. Kick-off 6.45pm.
Liverpool host title contenders Manchester City on Sunday at 2pm.
