Australian tour de force Sam Kerr made her highly anticipated Women’s Super League debut for Chelsea on Sunday and provided an assist in the club’s 3-1 victory over Reading at Kingsmeadow in London.
A forward pairing of Kerr and Bethany England looked terrifying on paper ahead of the former Chicago Red Star striker’s first appearance, and that certainly proved the case on Chelsea’s opening goal in the 40th minute.
With Chelsea on the attack, England played the ball through a defender’s legs and into the feet of Kerr, who responded with a brilliant backheel to send England clear on goal. The WSL has been warned.
Neat, clever build-up play with a finish to match! pic.twitter.com/p5llWcupqE— Barclays FA Women's Super League (@BarclaysFAWSL) January 5, 2020
Kerr was also heavily involved in Chelsea’s second. A fantastic save from Rachael Laws initially denied Kerr her first goal for the Blues, but the rebound was expertly volleyed home by Guro Reiten from the edge of the area.
What a finish! @ChelseaFCW lead courtesy of this fine effort from @guro_reiten pic.twitter.com/s1uHCGFilZ
— Barclays FA Women's Super League (@BarclaysFAWSL) January 5, 2020
Chelsea’s third was scored by 21-year-old Scottish sensation Erin Cuthbert.
The wee Scot @erincuthbert_ makes no mistake finding the back of the net for @ChelseaFCW's 3rd pic.twitter.com/2vhKtb6m7m
— Barclays FA Women's Super League (@BarclaysFAWSL) January 5, 2020
The victory keeps Chelsea in third although they have a game in hand on both first place Arsenal and second place Manchester City. But Arsenal’s playing some incredible football of late, and Leah Williamson and Jordan Nobbs combined for another remarkable Gunners goal today.
What. A. Goal!!
— Barclays FA Women's Super League (@BarclaysFAWSL) January 5, 2020