Kerr stars as Chelsea claims title threepeat
LONDON: Sam Kerr put the seal on a landmark week yesterday, scoring two quite dazzling volleyed goals to power Chelsea to a third consecutive Women’s Super League title.
With Chelsea 21 down and its title hopes in serious jeopardy, the Australian captain blasted home a crucial thunderbolt equaliser at the start of the second half to launch a brilliant 42 comeback win over Manchester United.
But that was just the warmup act before Kerr provided an astonishing piece of skill in the 66th minute for Chelsea’s fourth, taking the ball on her chest and swivelling instantly to hit a looped rightfoot volley for her 20th — and best — WSL goal of the season.
It capped a fantastic week for the Matildas striker, who had been crowned the English football writers’ women’s player of the year on Friday.
Her special strikes, which won her the player of the match award, also ensured she landed the Golden Boot as the WSL’s top scorer for the second successive season.
‘‘I don’t set myself out to win the Golden Boot. I just do what I can for my team to win,’’ Kerr said afterwards, reflecting on her extraordinary brace.
The first goal? ‘‘I don’t score too many lefties but just saw it come and thought I’d hit it,’’ she said, smiling.
What about the second, after she had controlled a header from teammate Guro Reiten with her back to goal before turning in an instant to lob Manchester United goalie Mary Earps, who had strayed off her line?
‘‘I dunno. I visualise scoring crazy goals like that all the time! I thought ‘just try it, let’s have a pop’,’’ Kerr said.
‘‘Guro headed it to me, it sat up nicely, I just chested it down and whacked it and it went in! I didn’t even know the keeper was out, I thought I’d just try it.’’
Arsenal beat West Ham 20 yesterday on the final day of the season but the win still left it one point behind Chelsea, which lifted its fourth title in five years. — Reuters