Hayes back for stylish Blues

IT WAS fitting that Emma Hayes’ return to the touchline was both victorious and coincided with Chelsea’s celebrations for the 30th anniversary of their women’s side.

Hayes, 46, has been a pivotal figure in the success of the last decade, which includes five league titles, but has missed the last six weeks while recovering from a hysterectomy.

She made her return to the touchline yesterday, overseeing a comfortable 3- 0 win over Tottenham which put Chelsea three points clear at the top.

‘First half I felt fine but in the second half my back was killing me when it was cold,’ said Hayes (right). ‘It felt like I hadn’t been away. It just felt like I was going back out to my family.

‘I felt like a spectator for the most part and I just had to give little bits of information to players when necessary.’

Hayes has faced tougher tests in her career but a derby win in front of a record 38,300 fans at Stamford Bridge, only Chelsea women’s second league game here, is still one to savour.

Sam Kerr continued her fine run against Spurs by scoring in a fifth consecutive league game against them after 12 minutes.

That should have served as a warning for Tottenham, who were bright in attack but far too open.

Chelsea midfielder Erin Cuthbert made them pay in style with a fierce, dipping volley from the edge of the area.

‘I’m sure I won’t stop hearing about it,’ joked Hayes. ‘Rightly so. It was an outstanding strike from an outstanding player.’ The impressive Lauren James created the third as her marauding run down the right was halted illegally in the box by Ashleigh Neville. Guro Reiten tucked away the resulting penalty to put Chelsea in control nine minutes before half-time. The only complaint Hayes could have could be that her side did not extend their lead in the second half.

But with Hayes back at the helm, this display only strengthened the belief around these parts that a fourth straight WSL title is a distinct possibility.