Chelsea 1-0 Man Utd: Kerr goal hands Blues advantage in WSL title race - match report and player ratings

Sam Kerr once again proved to be the difference maker as Chelsea beat Manchester United 1-0 at Kingsmeadow to move two points clear at the top of the WSL.

A tight game was decided by the Australian in the 22nd minute to hand the Blues a vital three points in the title race.

Head coach Marc Skinner made just the one change for the top of the table clash as he welcomed Nikita Parris back into the starting line-up in place of Martha Thomas.

It was the away side who were called into action earliest when good strength from Kerr saw her shrug off Ona Batlle, however, Mary Earps was equal to the drive. The Lionesses’ number one did even better just moments later when Kerr broke free once again only to see Earps make a fantastic save with her foot.

United wouldn’t be as fortunate though on the 23rd minute though when a delicious ball from former Red Devil Lauren James put Kerr through on goal and this time the Australian finish with aplomb. Ella Toone would almost respond instantly for United as they broke into the Chelsea half immediately from kick off but her shot would fly narrowly wide of Ann-Katrin Berger’s goal.

There was a huge call for a Man Utd penalty shortly after and replays showed there was reason to be after it appeared Parris was clipped as she broke free in the area.

Millie Turner would go close just before the half time break when she got on the end of Katie Zelem but the defender will have been disappointed not to get a better connection as United search for an equaliser. Alessia Russo would then go close when she connected to a low cross from Parris though the England striker couldn’t get enough power in the connection to trouble the Chelsea goal.

United came flying out of the traps in the early stages of the second period with Russo blasted a shot at goal after finding space in the area, however, it was Chelsea and Kerr who went closest to scoring as the Australian goalgetter side footed narrowly wide of Earps’ goal.

However, it was Skinner’s side who began asking the questions as the half wore on with Russo and Parris both causing problems down the Blues right hand side. A series of second balls being won almost saw Leah Galton through on goal but Kadeisha Buchanan managed to do just enough to nulify it.

However the golden chance would just not come for Skinner’s side as Emma Hayes and her Chelsea side strengthened their cause to win a fourth consecutive WSL title. For United, their attention turns to the FA Cup as they travel to Lewes next weekend.

Manchester United player ratings

Mary Earps: Two fantastic early saves, the second one in particular excellent. Little she could do about the goal. 7/10.

Ona Batlle: Normally the more offensive of full backs, the Spaniard defended well and forced Chelsea to go down the left often. Looked like she deserved a penalty in the first half. 7/10

Millie Turner: Caught out a little on the first goal, as good as the pass from James was. Kept it tidy as the back but struggled with the pace and power of Kerr. 6/10.

Maya Le Tissier: Positive in driving United out from the back and dealt with most of what came at her. 6/10.

Hannah Blundell: Got forward when she could but had a real battle on her hands with Chelsea’s right hand side. 6/10.

Hayley Ladd: Far more important than she is given credit for and did well in a tough battle with Sophie Ingle in the middle, 7/10.

Katie Zelem: Passed well but was to often safe with her passing in the first half. Improved in the second and did well dragging her team forward. 7/10.

Nikita Parris: Lively, should have had a penalty and linked with well Batlle and Toone on a number of occasions. Always looked like United’s ‘most likely to’. 7/10.

Ella Toone: Quiet by her standards and will have been disappointed she couldn’t influence the game more. Replaced with 20 minutes to go. 6/10.

Leah Galton: Similar to Toone, the usually influencial winger was quieter than usual and was marshalled well by Chelsea until she was replaced on 70 minutes. 6/10.

Alessia Russo: Won most of the aerial duals and kept the back line on their toes throughout but will be disappointed she didn’t test Berger in the Chelsea goal more. 7/10.

Subs:

Martha Thomas (on 70): Brought on to add more to United’s attack but unable to get that much needed goal . 6/10.

Rachel Williams (on 70): As above. 6/10.

Aoife Mannion (on 81): On late as United changed the shape. 6/10.

Lucia Garcia (on 90): N/A