The defending champions returned to the top of the Women’s Super League in style by comfortably dispatching London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. In front of 38,000+ fans at Stamford Bridge, goals from Sam Kerr, Erin Cuthbert and Guro Reiten ensured the Blues took a 3-point lead in the league. Emma Hayes also returned to the dugout following her surgery as it finished Chelsea 3-0 Tottenham Hotspur.
Chelsea 3-0 Tottenham: Team News
The biggest return to the Chelsea lineup was manager Emma Hayes. The Chelsea legend had missed the previous six matches due to emergency hysterectomy surgery. Although Denise Reddy had won 6 matches in her absence, it was an important welcome back ahead of some big games in November and December.
Starting on the pitch, the Blues made two changes. Ann-Katrin Berger continued to start in goal. There was a change at right-back with Eve Perisset replacing Niamh Charles. Captain Magda Eriksson started at left-back. Millie Bright and Kadeisha Buchanan were in the centre of defence, with Sophie Ingle screening the back 4. This left Erin Cuthbert and Jessie Fleming – who replaced Pernille Harder – in free midfield roles. Lauren James continued on the right of the attack, with Guro Reiten on the left. Leading the line was Sam Kerr, who had scored in her previous 4 matches in all competitions.
Chelsea welcomed back Fran Kirby onto a very strong bench. We also welcomed back former Blue Drew Spence, who started for the Lilywhites.
Embed from Getty ImagesFirst Half
Despite the loud crowd at Stamford Bridge, the Blues were frustrated in the opening exchanges. They struggled to keep the ball and several times promising attacks broke down due to errant passing. It took until the 12th minute for them to open the scoring. A hopeful long ball by Millie Bright bounced in front of Shelina Zadorsky with Sam Kerr pressing. The Aussie was able to outmuscle the defender and drive into the box. Although Tina Rikka Korpela tried to close down the angle, Kerr showed composure to step inside and tuck neatly into the net, despite the efforts of 3 covering defenders.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe goal settled the home side who took control of proceedings. Kerr again found herself in the box, but shot straight at Korpela before Ingle blazed over. Guro Reiten attempted to sneak in behind on the 26th minute, but her efforts only resulted in a corner. The Norwegian’s deep delivery was headed away as far as Erin Cuthbert just outside the box. The Scot – who recently extended her contract with Chelsea – took an excellent first touch before sending a venomous half-volley flying towards goal. It swerved and thundered into the top corner, despite Korpela’s best efforts.
Embed from Getty ImagesNow firmly in charge, Chelsea continued to press their foot down. Several attacks again broke down due to poor final passes, whilst Spurs desperately tried to hold on till half-time. However, another goal was coming. Lauren James bucaneered down the right wing, brushing past Asmita Ale and Ashleigh Neville to get into the box. Having reached the byline, she cut inside, however she was halted illegally by Neville’s cynical tug. It was a stonewall penalty. Guro Reiten was the surprise player to step up. She buried the penalty with aplomb to end the game as contest. Chelsea 3-0 Tottenham Hotspur.
Embed from Getty ImagesThere were a few half-chances in the remaining minutes, but the score remained Chelsea 3-0 Tottenham Hotspur at the break.
HT: Chelsea 3-0 Tottenham Hotspur
Second Half
Chelsea started the second half in similar vein to how they ended the first – penning Spurs in and creating chances. Another Reiten corner caused chaos in the box and bounced all the way through to Millie Bright at the back post. Her fierce half-volley beat Korpela but cannoned off the crossbar. It remained Chelsea 3-0 Tottenham. Magda Eriksson then powered forward from fullback, but she drove an effort straight at Korpela. It was her last action as Jess Carter replaced her.
The game did take a lull in the second half, punctuated by numerous pointless Mexican Waves. Whilst football occasionally threatened to break out, the pace was much slower with the result decided. Kerr and Cuthbert both received welcome rests as Kirby and Beth England replaced them. At the other end, Berger comfortably saved an extremely ambitious long range effort from Neville.
Embed from Getty ImagesLauren James did look threatening all afternoon and again it was her burst that led to the next big chance. Again she maruaded down the right, turning a defender before cutting inside. Her curling strike looked destined for the bottom corner, but a slight deflection wide meant it stayed Chelsea 3-0 Tottenham. The final substitutes followed moments later as Reiten and Buchanan were placed by Katerina Svitkova and Aniek Nouwen.
There was one final chance for some additional gloss on the scoreline in added time. Nouwen charged up the length of the pitch, combining with Ingle to find herself in a position to clip a cross in. Her ball looked destined for Beth England, however Ingle’s ambitious flicked effort only sailed onto the roof of the net and it remained Chelsea 3-0 Tottenham. After a few more precise passes, the final whistle blew to confirm it would finish Chelsea 3-0 Tottenham.
Full Time: Chelsea 3-0 Tottenham Hotspur
Embed from Getty ImagesFinal Thoughts: Chelsea 3-0 Tottenham Hotspur
Chelsea could not have wrote the script for this game any better than if they had tried. A great loud crowd at Stamford Bridge. The return of the much-loved gaffer to the touchline. And a confident and clinical first half performance that ensured the game was completely dead and buried. Chelsea 3-0 Tottenham Hotspur may not have been the absolute thrashing that some fans will have hoped for, but Chelsea are quietly eroding Arsenal’s goal difference and also now sit 3 point clear of their London rivals. Thanks Agent Blundell for your excellent work on Saturday!
Attention now turns to a very important midweek match: the UEFA Women’s Champions League tie away against Real Madrid on Wednesday. A draw or a win, and the Blues will be in pole position to reach the knockout stages.