Sam Kerr marked her long-awaited return to the scoresheet for Chelsea, netting her first goal in almost two years as the reigning Women’s Super League champions defeated the London City Lionesses 2-0 on Saturday.
The Matildas captain, who has battled injury setbacks over the past year, came off the bench in the second half to a huge ovation from the home crowd before delivering a trademark finish in the 94th minute.
Right-back and fellow Aussie Ellie Carpenter opened the scoring inside six minutes, latching onto a low cross at the back post to claim her first goal for the club since joining from Lyon in the off-season.
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Carpenter was one of Chelsea’s sharper performers, before being replaced by Kerr midway through the second half.
Both sides managed only three shots on target, but Chelsea’s efficiency proved decisive as they extended their unbeaten run and retained top spot in the WSL, one point clear of Manchester City.
“As Chelsea, it’s always difficult when you have to play a game after the international break,” Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor said.
“You don’t have time to prepare for the game in terms of tactical aspects and physical aspects, so there is not a lot you can do.
“The only thing is you can try to come into the game with fresh legs, and I think maybe the difference today between London City and us was the energy.
“We knew that before the game. I said to the girls at halftime, we need to play smart and to make sure we mentally make the effort to show more desire than in the first half.”
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